Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. extract ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice through modulation of metabolic homeostasis and restoration of gut microbiota balance

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.