2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic Acid, an Ascorbic Acid Derivative Isolated from the Fruits of Lycium Barbarum L., Modulates Gut Microbiota and Palliates Colitis in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

In this study, the effects of 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2 beta G), a natural ascorbic acid derivative from the fruits of Lycium barbarum, on treating the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice were investigated. The results revealed that AA-2 beta G had palliating effects on DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in terms of slowing down the trends of body weight and solid fecal mass loss, reducing colitis disease activity index, improving serum physiological and biochemical indicators, increasing colon length, blocking proinflammatory cytokines, and increasing tight junction proteins. Additionally, AA-2 beta G treatment could promote the production of short-chain fatty acids and modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. The key bacteria related to IBD were found to be Porphyromonadaceae, Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Parasutterella, Parabacteroides, and Clostridium. The results indicated that AA-2 beta G might treat IBD through the regulation of gut microbiota, suggesting that AA-2 beta G has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of IBD.