Prunella vulgaris Polysaccharide Ameliorates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Increasing the Abundance of Ligilactobacillus agilis to Inhibit Inflammation and Preserve Intestinal Barrier Integrity

Abstract Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide (PVP) possesses multiple bioactivities, yet its role in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains undefined. In this study, the effects of PVP were examined in mice with a DSS-induced colitis. In this colitis model, PVP treatment markedly reduced colonic inflammation and maintained the tight junction integrity. Meanwhile, PVP-enriched beneficial gut microbiota. Further research has revealed that PVP-modulated microbiota alone are sufficient to relieve UC symptoms. Mechanistically, PVP-enriched Ligilactobacillus agilis (Lig. agilis) subsequently enhanced tight junction protein expression and attenuated inflammation. In summary, these data suggest that PVP mitigates DSS-driven colitis, an effect mediated by enriching Lig. Agilis to suppress inflammation and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and such effects point to the therapeutic value of PVP for treating UC.