Chemical Basis and Molecular Mechanism of Aged Qingzhuan Tea Alleviating DSS-Induced Colitis

Scope: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a serious threat to human health. Qingzhuan tea (QZT), especially aged QZT, was concerned to have a potential effect on the prevention of colitis. In this study, we aim to assess the feasibility of different aged QZT on the alleviation of colitis induced by DSS. Methods and results: A comprehensive investigation into the efficacy of QZT of different aging years was conducted by establishing the animal model of colitis and the cellular inflammation model. The results demonstrated that QZT aged 0–20 years could significantly alleviate the symptoms of colitis. Notably, QZT aged for 5 years (A5) and 10 years (A10) was particularly effective in downregulating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, via suppressing the activation of the NF-κB p65 pathway and upregulating the expression of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. The additional upregulation of gut microbiota including Allobaculum and Lactobacillus and superior alleviation on mitochondrial damage may be the mechanisms for A10 to show the better activity than A0 on alleviating colitis. Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of QZT, especially A5 and A10, and provides valuable insights for the development of functional foods targeting colitis.