The ethanolic extract of domesticated Amauroderma rugosum alleviated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via repairing the intestinal barrier.

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume and T. Nees) Torrend (Ganodermataceae) (A. rugosum) has been found to have anti-inflammatory ability in previous studies. The present study aimed to verify the therapeutic benefits of A. rugosum in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and to investigate its underlying mechanism of action. Acute experimental ulcerative colitis was induced by feeding the mice drinking water supplemented with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). The findings indicated that the ethanolic extract of domesticated A. rugosum exhibited therapeutic efficacy comparable to Salazosulfapyridine (SASP) in mitigating clinical symptoms and the pathological score of the colon. Furthermore, A. rugosum exhibited the capacity to enhance the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, while concurrently decreasing the levels of TNF-ɑ and IL-6. A noteworthy finding is that it exhibited the capability to diminish the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In conclusion, A. rugosum attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by enhancing intestinal barrier function and inhibiting mucosal inflammation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01565-5.