P0025Inhibition of IL-17 Signaling by Scutellariae Radix Decoction Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Murine Model

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing gastrointestinal disorder with complex etiology. Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), a traditional Chinese medicine used for intestinal ailments, demonstrates clinical efficacy in IBD. However, its multi-component mechanisms remain unclear. This study integrates network pharmacology with in vivo validation to explore the anti-IBD pathways and targets of S. baicalensis aqueous decoction. Methods Active constituents and targets of S. baicalensis were retrieved from databases, and IBD-associated genes identified. Overlapping targets formed a compound–target network, followed by PPI and KEGG analysis. The IL-17 pathway and genes (CASP3, IL6, MMP9, TNF) were identified as key. A DSS-induced colitis model in C57BL/6 mice was used. Mice were randomized into control, DSS model, and Scutellaria-treated groups (daily decoction). Disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathology, qPCR for hub genes, and immunofluorescence for key proteins were assessed to validate predicted mechanisms. Results Network pharmacology analysis revealed a dense PPI network and highlighted the IL-17 signaling pathway. CASP3, IL6, MMP9, and TNF were identified as key targets. In vivo, the decoction significantly ameliorated DSS colitis, reducing DAI scores, colon shortening, and histological damage. qPCR analysis showed DSS induced upregulation of TNF, IL6, and MMP9, which were dramatically suppressed by the decoction treatment. CASP3 showed a similar, less pronounced trend. Immunofluorescence confirmed reduced protein expression of key inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6) in colonic tissue following decoction treatment compared to DSS injury. Conclusion This study provides integrated bioinformatic and experimental evidence that the aqueous decoction of S. baicalensis alleviates DSS-induced colitis via modulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway and its downstream effectors, notably TNF, IL6, and MMP9. By suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling and mitigating tissue remodeling, S. baicalensis exerts a potent multi-target therapeutic effect in IBD. These findings establish a mechanistic framework linking network pharmacology prediction with in vivo validation and support the potential clinical utility of S. baicalensis as a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD management. Conflict of interest: Yan, Yuehua: No conflict of interest Chen, Yanqi: No conflict of interest Liu, Xiaoyu: No conflict of interest Sun, Ying: No conflict of interest Wang, Hao: No conflict of interest