Polyphenol Extract of <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> Leaves Alleviates Colonic Inflammation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Treated Mice

Abstract

<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. is an essential herb used for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases. In this study, phenolic extracts of <i>M. oleifera</i> leaves were obtained and analyzed. The results showed that the main identifiable phenols were astragalin, chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, kaempferitrin, luteolin, quercetin, and rutin. The effects of <i>M. oleifera</i> polyphenol extract (MOPE) on experimental colitis induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were investigated. The results showed that oral administration of MOPE significantly alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis. MOPE significantly reduced weight loss, the disease activity index, colon shortening, and mucosal damage. In addition, MOPE attenuated the infiltration of CD3⁺ T cells, CD177⁺ neutrophils, and F4/80⁺ macrophages and significantly inhibited the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-<i>α</i>. After the MOPE administration, the expression of proteins associated with the NF-<i>κ</i>B signaling pathway changed. Specifically, compared with that of the DSS group, the protein expression of NF-<i>κ</i>B <i>p65</i> and p-I<i>κ</i>B<i>α</i> was downregulated, and the expression of I<i>κ</i>B<i>α</i> was upregulated. This study revealed the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of MOPE in the colon, indicating its potential use in preventing inflammation-driven diseases.