Peimine Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Attenuating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Peimine (PM), a steroidal alkaloid derived from aged garlic (Allium sativum L.), demonstrates potent therapeutic efficacy against ulcerative colitis (UC) through multi-target mechanisms. Integrating network pharmacology and in vivo validation, we reveal that PM suppresses colitis by concurrently inhibiting PI3K-AKT, JAK-STAT, and HIF-1 signaling pathways—key drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC, oral PM administration (4 mg/kg) significantly attenuated disease severity, evidenced by reduced disease activity index, restored colon length, and improved epithelial barrier integrity. PM treatment diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (4.2-fold) and IL-6 (3.1-fold) and oxidative damage while reshaping gut microbiota composition to enrich beneficial taxa (Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus spp.). Critically, PM rescued fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (acetate, propionate, butyrate), directly linking microbial remodeling to mucosal healing. These findings establish PM as a novel natural compound targeting inflammation-redox-microbiota crosstalk, offering a promising pharmacological strategy for UC management.
Authors: Xuke Guan, Deping Han, Haojie Sha, Moyue Yao, Jiaying Zhang, Guangyao Zhang, Yibing Wu, Dingding Su, Qing Yang
Institutions: Peking University, Hunan Agricultural University
Language: English
Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4416401042