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Research Article | Open Access | Online First

Potential of Dendrobium officinale oligosaccharides to alleviate chronic colitis by modulating inflammation and gut microbiota

Dong-Cheng Shi1,2,†, Pei-Yi Wang1,2,†, Lei Xu1,2, Hua Zhu1,2, Wang-Yue Zhang1,2, Qi-Yong Wu1,2, Ting-Ting Bu1,2, Bao-Ming Tian1,2,3, Pei-Long Sun1,2,3, Ming Cai1,2,3()
College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Key Laboratory of Food Macromolecular Resources Processing Technology Research (Zhejiang University of Technology), China National Light Industry, China
Eco-Industrial Innovation Institute ZJUT, Longyou, 324400, China

†† These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Highlights

(1) DOO indicates significant alleviation of chronic colitis symptoms in a DSS-induced mouse model.

(2) DOO reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and downregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway.

(3) DOO altered gut microbiota composition in colitis mice, promoting beneficial bacteria.

(4) DOO increased the secretion of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate).

Graphical Abstract

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This study focused on Dendrobium officinale oligosaccharides (DOO), a novel prebiotic from Dendrobium officinale, to explore its potential application in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A DSS-induced chronic colitis mouse model was used to explore the effect of DOO on the improvement of UC symptoms and investigated the possible mechanisms. In terms of the underlying indicators, DOO had an ameliorating effect on the symptoms of weight loss, colon shortening, and bloody stool caused by colitis. DOO alleviated colonic inflammation injury and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, DOO positively modulated the gut microbiota structure and increased the secretion of SCFAs to maintain intestinal homeostasis in colitis mice. These findings highlight the potential of DOO as a promising prebiotic for UC treatment.

Abstract

Dendrobium officinale oligosaccharides (DOO), as a novel prebiotic, offer promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this study, the alleviating effect of DOO on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis in mice was investigated. DOO treatment relieved the main symptoms of weight loss, colon shortening, and bloody stool caused by colitis. DOO ameliorated histopathological colon tissue damage and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). Western blot results suggested that DOO downregulated the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway, including IKKα/β, IκBα and p65. 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that DOO altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in DSS-induced mice. It promoted the intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria such as Dubosiella, Lactobacillus and Alistipes, and inhibited the abnormal overgrowth of Akkermansia. Furthermore, DOO increased the secretion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid to maintain intestinal homeostasis. These findings suggest the potential of DOO as a therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis (UC).

Keywords

Dendrobium officinaleoligosaccharideschronic colitisNF-κB signaling pathwaygut microbiota

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Food & Medicine Homology
DOI: 10.26599/FMH.2025.9420077
Cite this article:
Shi D-C, Wang P-Y, Xu L, et al. Potential of Dendrobium officinale oligosaccharides to alleviate chronic colitis by modulating inflammation and gut microbiota. Food & Medicine Homology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.26599/FMH.2025.9420077
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