Changyanning Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate‐Induced Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier in Mice

The rising prevalence of colitis and the limitations of existing therapies necessitate novel therapeutic agents. Unlike studies focusing on single compounds, this research elucidates the integrated therapeutic mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Changyanning (CYN), specifically targeting the synergistic regulatory effects on inflammatory responses, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. In a male C57BL/6 mouse model, CYN treatment significantly ameliorated clinical symptoms and histopathological damage. CYN potently suppressed TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and upregulated IL-10. Notably, CYN also restored intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin) and mitigated oxidative damage. 16S rDNA sequencing further revealed that CYN reshaped the gut microbiota network, notably increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia) and depleting inflammation-associated bacteria (e.g., Turicibacter). Collectively, CYN alleviates colitis via a multi-targeted mechanism involving the suppression of inflammatory signaling, reinforcement of the intestinal barrier integrity, regulation of oxidative balance, and restoration of gut microbiota. These findings validate CYN as a promising functional botanical candidate drug for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).