Mucuna pruriens extract as prebiotic and Lactobacillus rhamnosus as probiotic intervention mitigated histological changes in DNCB-induced colitis via GLP-1/Nrf2/NF-κB axis regulation.

Ulcerative colitis is a debilitating inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by epithelial damage, oxidative stress, and dysregulated immune responses with current pharmacological treatments limited by efficacy and safety concern. This study investigates the synergistic therapeutic potential of Mucuna pruriens extract (MPE), a polyphenol-rich prebiotic, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), a probiotic strain, in a DNCB-induced colitis rat model. MPE was profiled using LC–MS/MS to identify bioactive constituents, and its anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed in Caco-2 cells. In vivo, rats were administered MPE and LGG, individually and in combination, following DNCB-induced colitis. Biomarkers, including GLP-1, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, Nrf2, and SCFAs, were quantified via ELISA, immunoblotting, and HPLC. Histological and immunohisto fluorescence analyses evaluated mucosal integrity and protein expression. MPE associated with reduced intracellular ROS and inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation in vitro. Combined treatment with MPE and LGG significantly restored colon morphology, reduced spleen hypertrophy, and suppressed inflammatory cytokines and enhanced GLP-1, Nrf2 expression and SCFA levels, indicating enhanced gut barrier function and microbial homeostasis. These findings suggest that MPE and LGG exert complementary effects through improved the intestinal mucosal lining and epithelial damage via modulation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways, offering a promising biotherapeutic approach for UC management and functional food development.