Multi-omics analysis reveals classic decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by modulating tryptophan metabolism, gut microbiota homeostasis, and mitochondrial Bax/Bcl-2 pathways

Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), a classic decoction documented in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, is clinically used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the active components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of GQD in UC remain inadequately explored. Herein, we identify the active components and elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of GQD in the treatment of UC. A mouse model of UC was induced using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with low, medium, and high doses of GQD. The therapeutic effects were assessed by monitoring body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen index, pathological changes, and cytokine levels. Plasma biomarkers were analyzed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS)-based metabolomics. Changes in gut microbiota were also examined to identify key microbes involved in the intestinal pathological shifts. Additionally, network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the potential pathways of GQD in UC, which were subsequently validated by western blotting and ELISA assays. GQD significantly improved UC symptoms.A total of 98 chemical constituents in GQD were identified. Of these, 25 differential metabolites were found between normal and UC mice, with GQD modulating 22 of these metabolites. Metabolic pathways related to tryptophan, arginine, and proline were normalized. Network pharmacology predicted the apoptosis pathway as a potential target for GQD in UC intervention. Further experiments confirmed that GQD reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and downregulated the Bax/Bcl-2 apoptosis pathway. Moreover, gut microbiota analysis showed that GQD enhanced the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria. GQD alleviates UC by modulating tryptophan, arginine, and proline metabolism, maintaining gut microbiota balance, and reducing apoptosis in intestinal cells.