Original Articles

Shenling Baizhu powder (参苓白术散) reduced the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage during ulcerative colitis via the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B pathway

  • ZHANG Quanhui ,
  • ZENG Jinlan ,
  • SU Liang ,
  • WANG Yi ,
  • DENG Yongwen ,
  • ZHANG Xiuchai
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  • 1 Department of Anorectal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
    2 Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
    3 Clinical Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
DENG Yongwen, Clinical Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China. 4287015@qq.com. Telephone: + 86-13870067066;
ZHANG Xiuchai, Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China. zxc12210521@163.com, Telephone: + 86-18779118951

Received date: 2025-05-27

  Accepted date: 2025-09-29

  Online published: 2026-03-04

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects and relative mechanisms of Shenling Baizhu powder (参苓白术散, SBP) on ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: This study investigates the potential of SBP, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, in attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in UC. Applying both in vivo(rat) and in vitro (human colonic epithelial cells) models, we explored the anti-inflammation and oxidative stress effect of SBP, focusing on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B (KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB) pathway and mitochondrial homeostasis.

RESULTS: Results demonstrated that SBP administration significantly improved the health status of rats, with less intestinal injury, and reduced inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6) and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species) both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, SBP restored the inhibited KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB signaling during inflammatory responses induced by dextran sulfate sodium or lipopolysaccharide, and decreased the expression level of the inflammatory molecule: NF-κB. Besides, SBP also helped to restore the mitochondrial dynamics, as evidenced by the recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitofusin-2 levels.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SBP may offer a promising alternative therapy for managing UC, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as key molecular mechanisms.

Cite this article

ZHANG Quanhui , ZENG Jinlan , SU Liang , WANG Yi , DENG Yongwen , ZHANG Xiuchai . Shenling Baizhu powder (参苓白术散) reduced the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage during ulcerative colitis via the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B pathway[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2026 , 46(3) : 584 -593 . DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20260304.002

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