Crude extract of Fuzhuan brick tea ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis in mice

Summary Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ) is highly prevalent worldwide and includes ulcerative colitis ( UC ) and Crohn's disease. It is a high incidence rate disease all over the world and an inducement of colon cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Fuzhuan brick tea ( FBT ) against colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium ( DSS ) in mice. ICR mice were administered FBT orally for 7 days before drinking 3% DSS (w/v). The FBT significantly attenuated the symptoms of colitis including diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and loss of body weight. FBT reduced the shortening of colon length and alleviated the histopathological damages. The myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde level in colon tissues were also significantly decreased by FBT . Besides, FBT treatment obviously suppressed the expression of the inflammatory cytokines such as TNF ‐α, IL ‐1β and IFN ‐γ. Our results provide a safe and efficient method for preventing and treating colitis.