Ursolic acid: A Promising Natural Compound for IBD Management via Microbiota Regulation

The global incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising annually, posing a significant threat to patient health. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop effective pharmacological interventions for IBD. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural compound recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, offers advantages such as high safety, potent activity, and low toxicity. However, the precise mechanisms by which UA exerts its effects on IBD remain to be fully elucidated. Our research demonstrated that UA conferred protection against IBD in weaned piglet models, primarily by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and preserving intestinal barrier integrity. Notably, 16S rDNA analysis revealed that UA exerted a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota. Meanwhile, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments in mice had shown that UA mitigated the onset of IBD by regulating gut microbiota. Subsequent analysis revealed that Bifidobacteria played a crucial role in this process, contributing to the alleviation of intestinal inflammation, the protection of the intestinal barrier, and the regulation of metabolites. In summary, UA demonstrated efficacy as an anti-IBD therapeutic agent by modulating the gut microbiota, with a specific emphasis on the regulation of Bifidobacteria and their metabolites, thereby contributing to gut protection.