Abstract
Aegle marmelos has been used traditionally in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Fermentation using probiotics is well established to positively modulate the GI system. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of probiotic-fermented Aegle marmelos juice for ulcerative colitis (UC), using a mouse model. UC was induced in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS), leading to weight loss, increased disease activity, and lowered antioxidant defenses. In contrast, mice treated with probiotic-fermented Aegle marmelos juice showed improved body weight, reduced disease activity index, and mitigated colon damage. Inflammatory biomarkers were decreased, while antioxidant activity increased. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the fresh and probiotic-fermented Aegle marmelos juice revealed an increase in potential bioactive compounds compared to its unfermented counterpart. These findings suggest that probiotic-fermented Aegle marmelos juice could be a promising therapeutic option for UC, countering inflammation and displaying antioxidant properties.