Linarin ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice via the improvement of intestinal barrier, suppression of inflammatory responses and modulation of gut microbiota.

Linarin is a natural flavonoid compound found in Chrysanthemum indicum , Mentha species and other plants with various biological activities. The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of linarin supplementation on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice and its potential mechanisms. The results showed that doses of linarin at 25 and 50 mg kg -1 day -1 alleviated the DSS-induced histopathological damage, and improved the mucosal layer and intestinal barrier function. Importantly, Linarin significantly suppressed the levels of myeloperoxidase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β) in the colon, and enhanced the mRNA level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, 50 mg kg -1 day -1 linarin reversed the gut microbiota damaged by DSS, including Alistipes , Rikenella and Clostridia UCG-014_norank . Linarin also partly increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, including Lactobacillus , Roseburia , Parabacteroides and Blautia , and elevated the contents of SCFAs. Collectively, linarin attenuates DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that linarin may be a promising nutritional strategy for reducing inflammatory bowel disease.