Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a polysaccharide from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on UC. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a worldwide problem associating with ulcerative colitis. One homogeneous polysaccharide, named SP2-1, was isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. SP2-1 comprised mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucuronic add, glucose, xylose, arabinose, fucose in the molar ratio of 5.06:21.24:1.00:2025:3.49:50.90:228.77:2.40, with Mw of 3.72 x 10(6) Da. SP2-1 treatment attenuated body weight loss, reduced DAI, ameliorated colonic pathological damage, and decreased MPO activity of UC mice induced by DSS. SP2-1 also suppressed the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, the intestinal barrier was repaired due to the up-regulated expressions of 20-1, Occludin and Claudin-5. SP2-1 remarkably enhanced the levels of acetic add, propionic acid, and butyric add in DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, as compared with model group, the abundance of Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia were significantly increased with SP2-1 treatment. And SP2-1 could significantly inhibit the levels of Bacteroides, Proteobacteria and Staphylococcus. In conclusion, SP2-1 might serve as a novel drug candidate against UC. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

SP2-1 polysaccharide from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi shows protective effects against ulcerative colitis by improving pathological damage, reducing weight loss, and repairing intestinal barrier. Additionally, it significantly increases beneficial bacteria and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.