Improvement Effect of Evodiae Fructus Water Extract against DSS‑induced Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Evodiae fructus is a natural plant that is used as a medicinal material in many Asian countries such as Korea and China. However, little is known about its effect on ulcerative colitis. Objectives: Thus, the purpose of this study was to find the improvement effect of Evodiae fructus in mice model with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‑induced colitis. Materials and Methods: The animal experiments were conducted using ulcerative colitis animals induced by DSS. To induce ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice used in the experiment, 5% DSS was supplied as drinking water for 7 days. BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (n = 8): Group 1 (normal group), Group 2 (5% DSS control group), Group 3 (5% DSS + sulfasalazine 60 mg/kg treated), Group 4 (5% DSS + Evodiae fructus water extract 50 mg/kg treated), Group 5 (5% DSS + Evodiae fructus water extract 100 mg/kg treated). After the animal experiment, the expression of antioxidant, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and necrosis‑related factors in colonic tissues was analyzed by western blotting. Results: As a result, the Evodiae fructus treatment group reduced oxidative stress by increasing the expression of Nrf2, an antioxidant‑related transcription factor. Also, the expression of NF‑κB, an inflammatory transcription factor, was reduced, thereby reducing the expression of pro‑inflammatory proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: These results suggest that Evodiae fructus treatment has an inhibitory effect on inflammation against DSS‑induced colitis. Therefore, Evodiae fructus has the potential to be used as a natural medicine for ulcerative colitis.