Mechanisms underlying the protective effects of edible bird's nest against LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition associated with epithelial barrier disruption, dysregulated immunity, and gut microbiota imbalance, with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Effective treatments without side effects are limited, highlighting the need for alternatives. Edible bird's nest (EBN), a traditional health food rich in sialic acid (SA), exhibits antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and gut barrier–enhancing activities. Its effects and mechanisms against intestinal inflammation are unknown. Here we evaluated the effects of EBN on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced colitis in male C57BL/6 J mice. EBN significantly attenuated LPS-induced intestinal inflammation, reduced intestinal permeability, and alleviated colonic tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner. It also increased IL-6 level and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, EBN altered gut microbiota composition, notably increasing the relative abundance of Blautia. Spearman correlation analysis identified strong associations between inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) and beneficial taxa such as Blautia and Roseburia. These findings indicate that EBN exerts significant protective effects against LPS-induced intestinal inflammation, with SA likely acting as a key bioactive component. This work provides evidence supporting the potential of EBN as a dietary intervention for IBD treatment.