Main components of ethyl acetate extract of Chimonanthus salicifolius and its effects on intestinal mucositis in mice induced by 5-fluorouracil

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the main components of ethyl acetate extract of Chimonanthus salicifolius (EAECS) and investigate its effect on intestinal mucositis in mice induced by 5-fluorouracil. EAECS was prepared, and its main components were analyzed. Fifty mice were randomly divided into control, model and 3, 6 and 9 g/kg EAECS groups. The latter three groups were intragastrically administrated with 3, 6 and 9 g/kg EAECS for 7 days, respectively. The intestinal mucositis model was established in latter four groups from the 1st to 7th day of administration. Results showed that, the main components in EAECS were rutin, scopolamine, isofraxidin, scoparone, quercetin and kaempferol. After administration, compared with model group, in 9 g/kg EAECS group the body weight was increased; the serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 levels were decreased, and the interleukin 10 level was increased; the intestinal tissue superoxide dismutase level was increased, and the malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels wer decreased; the liver tissue TNF-α level was significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, EAECS has rich flavonoids and coumarins. It can alleviate the intestinal mucositis in mice induced by 5-FU. The mechanism may be related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.