Cirsiliol Alleviates Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease via Restoration of Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Cirsiliol, a natural flavonoid, in a DNBS-induced murine colitis model..Mice were randomly divided into control, model, and Cirsiliol treatment groups (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg). Disease activity was assessed through body weight, colon length, and disease activity index (DAI). Molecular mechanisms were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and biochemical assays. Cirsiliol treatment significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms, reducing weight loss and DAI scores while improving colon length. Mechanistically, Cirsiliol suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), enhanced antioxidant defenses (increased GSH, decreased MDA), and restored tight junction protein expression (Claudin-1, Occludin, E-cadherin). Furthermore, it modulated apoptosis-related proteins (reduced Bax, Caspase-3; increased Bcl-2) and promoted epithelial migration.