Phytochemical Optimization and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of an Aerial-Part Extract from Echinacea purpurea in DSS-Induced Colitis

TL;DR

This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea, identifying key compounds and their effects in a mouse model of colitis.

Contribution

The study optimizes extraction methods and reveals the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Echinacea purpurea aerial parts in colitis.

Findings

APE-EP contains chicoric and caffeic acids with anti-inflammatory properties.

APE-EP promotes M2 macrophage polarization, reducing inflammation in colitis.

APE-EP shows concentration-dependent gut absorption of chicoric acid.

Abstract

Objective: Echinacea purpurea, an herb with diverse pharmacological activities, has its roots widely used for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory purposes. Interestingly, its aerial parts, which are also rich in bioactive compounds, remain underutilized. This study aims to optimize the extraction and purification processes to obtain the aerial part extract of Echinacea purpurea (APE-EP) to enhance the content of active constituents and improve its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Methods: We analyzed the chemical composition of APE-EP using HPLC-MS. The intestinal absorption characteristics of APE-EP were evaluated using an ex vivo everted gut sac assay. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of APE-EP were validated using a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Results: Several phenolic acids were identified, including chicoric acid and caffeic acid, which have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The everted gut sac assay revealed concentration-dependent absorption of chicoric acid in the gut. Results from the mouse model showed that APE-EP promoted macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages at the lesion sites, effectively suppressing inflammation and alleviating colitis-related pathological damage. Conclusions: This study enhances the medicinal value of the E. purpurea, provides new insights for the efficient utilization of plant resources, and offers a potential natural drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

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