The natural plant product sophocarpine ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by regulating cytokine balance.

INTRODUCTION

Sophora alopecuroides L., a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, has been widely used for treating enteritis and bacillary dysentery for many years. Sophocarpine is a major ingredient of S. alopecuroides L. and has a wide range of pharmacological effects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of sophocarpine for treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice, a well-characterized murine model of ulcerative colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in these mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days and sophocarpine (60, 30, and 15 mg/kg of body weight) and sulfasalazine (520 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day for 7 days.

RESULTS

Sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis as identified by a reduced disease activity index and wet weight of colons as well as recovery of body weight. Furthermore, the oral administration of sophocarpine significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity and the level of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 in serum (P < 0.01), while there was no significant effect on the level of IL-4.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based upon our results, we suggest that sophocarpine is an effective agent for treating colonic inflammation.