Okra Flower Polysaccharides Ameliorate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating ABC Transporters Via the Gut Microbiota

Current treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) are limited by insufficient efficacy and potential side effects. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic efficacy of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench flower polysaccharide extract (APE) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. APE substantially ameliorated DSS-induced UC symptoms, intestinal barrier disruption, and concurrent microbiota dysbiosis with associated metabolite shifts. Gut microbiota depletion using antibiotic treatment removed the alleviative effect of APE against UC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of gut microbiota and metabolomic data highlighted the role of ABC transporters in the ameliorative effect of APE against UC. The expression of colonic ABC transporter-associated proteins Abcg5 and Abcg8 was significantly upregulated by APE at both mRNA and protein levels, which was abolished under antibiotic treatment. These findings highlight the potential of APE as an effective prebiotic for UC prevention and a valuable functional food ingredient for dietary interventions.