Polysaccharides from Radix Hedysari exhibited preventive effects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice

Abstract

Hedysarum polysaccharide (HPS), the major bioactive constituent of Radix Hedysari, possesses anti-inflammatory activity; however, few studies have explored its application for ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, HPS-80 was extracted using combined complex-enzyme hydrolysis and ultrasonication. We further evaluated its preventive effects and underlying mechanisms in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model in C57BL/6 mice. Results showed HPS-80 significantly improved DSS-induced UC symptoms (weight loss, hematochezia, colon shortening) and reduced Disease Activity Index (DAI). Mechanistically, it inhibited pro-inflammatory factors Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha(TNF-α),Interleukin-6, (IL-6), alleviated oxidative stress, upregulated tight junction proteins occludin, claudin-1(ZO-1), and modulated intestinal microbiota (suppressed harmful bacteria like Bacteroidota, enriched beneficial ones like Firmicutes and Akkermansia). Conclusion: HPS-80 exerts protective effects against UC via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gut-microbiota-regulating capacities. It is a promising candidate agent for UC prevention.