Anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract from ( Tree) leaves in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis.

(Miseon tree), a native Korean plant, is known for the high phenolic content in its leaves. The ethanolic leaf extracts of have shown antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies on its potential to improve colitis are limited. This study aimed to determine whether the ethanolic extract of leaves (ADE) could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The mice were divided into three groups, and the experimental group was given 300 mg/kg ADE for 4 weeks. One week before the end of the experiment, 3% DSS was added to the drinking water to induce colitis. The clinical symptoms of colitis and damage to colon tissue, including the increase in abundance and a decrease in in the colon, were evaluated during DSS treatment. DSS overactivated the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, resulting in excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, ADE alleviated the DSS-induced colitis symptoms, protected against colonic tissue damage, and restored the balance of and levels in the colon. Moreover, ADE effectively inhibited the DSS-induced overactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway within the colon and mitigated abnormal inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that ADE protects against colitis by modulating the growth of some intestinal strains and the NF-κB pathway in the colon, supporting its potential as a natural agent.