This study explored the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (TkM) extract on ulcerative colitis (UC). A 3% DSS-induced UC mouse model was established, with TkM extract administered intragastrically. UHPLC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, untargeted metabolomics, and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to analyse components and mechanisms. Results demonstrated that TkM significantly alleviated DSS-induced UC symptoms, including weight restoration, colon length extension, and improved histopathology. UHPLC-MS/MS identified 55 components, primarily comprising organic acids, nitrogen-containing compounds, and flavonoids. Network pharmacology revealed six active components targeting 88 ulcerative colitis-related genes, and enrichment in pathways such as B-cell receptor signalling. Metabolomics showed TkM reversed DSS-disrupted choline, purine, and histidine metabolism and modulated the PPAR pathway. Additionally, TkM restored gut microbiota diversity, increasing beneficial taxa and reducing pro-inflammatory genera. These findings confirm that TkM alleviates UC by regulating metabolism and the gut microbiota, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for UC.
Ma et al. (Tue,) studied this question.