Protopine alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by improving intestinal barrier function and regulating intestinal microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and its pathogenesis is related to intestinal mucosal barrier damage and intestinal microbiota imbalance. Protopine (PRO), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is one of the main anti-inflammatory active components of traditional Chinese medicine Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br.. This study investigated the effects of PRO on the intestinal mucosal barrier and gut microbiota in mice with ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS).