Tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza alleviate ulcerative colitis via reprogramming the gut microbiota-metabolite axis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The anti-inflammatory properties of the traditional herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge are well-established, yet its precise mechanism of action in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. Herein, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of four major tanshinones-tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), miltirone, neocryptotanshinone, and dihydrotanshinone I-in a murine dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Our results show that tanshinones effectively alleviate disease severity, suppress systemic and local inflammation, and restore intestinal barrier integrity. Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals that the therapeutic efficacy originates from a comprehensive reprogramming of the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. Specifically, tanshinones reverse colitis-associated dysbiosis and rectify metabolic disturbances in linoleic acid metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and amino acid utilization. Correlation network analysis identifies key functional modules linking beneficial microbes (e.g., Akkermansia) to anti-inflammatory lipid mediators and associating pathobionts (e.g., Desulfovibrio) with disrupted bile acid metabolism. Notably, supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila synergizes with Tan IIA to amplify barrier restoration and metabolic normalization. Our findings establish that tanshinones ameliorate UC through microbiota-driven metabolic reprogramming, wherein the restructured microbial community actively shapes a therapeutic metabolic output. This work elucidates a metabolite-mediated mechanism of action and positions tanshinones as promising microbiome-targeting therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease.
DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2026054
Authors: Zhe Liu, Chan Hui, Guochao Zhang, Haicheng Yang, Yi Wang, Yaqian Shi, Chao Wang, Yanfei Liu, Xia Gao, Yuting Wen
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7138886306