A pectic polysaccharide from Murray alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) can lead to severe complications like perforation, bleeding, and colon cancer, posing life-threatening risks. Murray ( Murr.), rich in polysaccharides, has been utilized in traditional diets for thousands of years. This study explores the protective effects of the polysaccharide of on mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In the present study, a pectic polysaccharide (LRWP-A) containing arabinogalactan (AG) and homogalacturonic acid (HG) structural domains with a Mw of 4.34 kDa was obtained from Murr. Fruit. The gavage administration of LRWP-A significantly alleviated symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice. In this process, LRWP-A modulated the balance of Arg-1/iNOS to regulate the metabolism of arginine, and the levels of intestinal tight junction (TJ) (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin 1) were increased by LRWP-A treatment, which promoted intestinal barrier function. In addition, LRWP-A alleviated the inflammatory response while increasing the anti-inflammatory response by reducing the level of proinflammatory factors, enhancing the level of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) and improving the balance of Treg/Th17 cells. These effects resulted in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis. Moreover, LRWP-A modulated the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, which may maintain relatively favorable intestinal homeostasis. In general, LRWP-A has the potential to alleviate IBD, and the use of Murr. As a natural functional food to improve gut health in the context of DSS-induced colitis.