Weiling Decoction Eases Dampness-Exacerbated Colitis in Spleen-Deficient Mice

Treatment with Weiling decoction alleviated dampness-exacerbated ulcerative colitis in a spleen-deficient mouse model, according to research evaluating gut microbiota composition and inflammatory signaling pathways. The investigation assessed how the traditional formulation influenced colonic damage alongside circulating markers and mucosal immune responses in mice exposed to humid environmental conditions.

The researchers established the experimental mouse model using two percent dextran sulfate sodium combined with Folium sennae administered by gavage. The animals were subjected to a humid environment over a period of 21 days to simulate a spleen deficiency with dampness pattern, with Weiling decoction administered as an intervention during the final seven days of the protocol.

Assessment of colonic injury revealed that Weiling decoction treatment significantly reduced disease activity index scores. Histopathological examinations using hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated ameliorated tissue damage in the colon, while physical measurements confirmed an attenuation of colonic shortening.

Circulating biochemical markers analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed measurable reductions in serum lipopolysaccharide concentrations following Weiling decoction therapy. The treatment also led to a decrease in serum proinflammatory cytokines, while interleukin-10 expression increased.

Molecular evaluations conducted using Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence examined the mucosal immune microenvironment. Treatment with Weiling decoction downregulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-kappa B, while reducing CD86-positive immune signals and upregulating CD163-positive signals.

Colonic microbiota profiling via 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing indicated that the decoction modulated overall bacterial community composition. Subsequent correlation analysis identified that the bacterial taxa UCG-005, NK4A214_group, and Odoribacter were negatively correlated with inflammatory indices, whereas the genus Faecalitalea exhibited a positive correlation with inflammation.

The study authors concluded that Weiling decoction alleviates dampness-exacerbated ulcerative colitis in this murine model through mechanisms linked to gut microbiota modulation, diminished circulating lipopolysaccharide levels, and suppressed TLR4 and NF-κB inflammatory signaling. They noted that the findings offer empirical support and mechanistic insights for the traditional dampness-eliminating and spleen-strengthening framework in colitis therapy.

Subject of Research: Effects of Weiling decoction on ulcerative colitis in mice

Article Title: Weiling decoction alleviates dampness-exacerbated ulcerative colitis in a spleen-deficient mouse model: associations with the gut microbiota composition and TLR4/NF-κB-related inflammatory responses

Article References: Tian, Q., Yu, D., Zhang, X., Tan, Z., Xiao, N., & Cai, Y. (2026). Weiling decoction alleviates dampness-exacerbated ulcerative colitis in a spleen-deficient mouse model: associations with the gut microbiota composition and TLR4/NF-κB-related inflammatory responses. 3 Biotech, 16(12), Article 494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-026-05080-8

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s13205-026-05080-8

Keywords: ulcerative colitis, Weiling decoction, gut microbiota, mouse model, TLR4 NF-κB pathway, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-10, colonic inflammation, Weiling, decoction, alleviates, dampness-exacerbated