# Berberine Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis via Regulation of Mucosal Barrier Homeostasis and Mucin-Degrading Microbiota

## TL;DR

Berberine helps reduce colitis by improving gut barrier function and balancing gut microbes, offering potential as a functional food additive.

## Contribution

The study reveals how berberine's effects on mucin-degrading microbiota and barrier homeostasis contribute to its therapeutic potential for IBD.

## Key findings

- Berberine increases IgA-coated bacteria, Zg16, Reg3g, and Pla2g2a, supporting microbiota homeostasis.
- Akkermansia and Bacteroides-related mucin-SCFA metabolism underlie berberine's gut barrier benefits.
- Berberine shows promise as a functional food additive for managing inflammatory bowel disease.

## Abstract

Berberine, a benzyl isoquinoline alkaloid, is used in food for its diverse spectrum of biological activities. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a widespread condition characterized by frequent occurrence and limited therapeutic success. Berberine has been shown to alleviate colitis through enhancement of the intestinal barrier and modulation of gut microbial balance. However, the further mutualistic balance mechanism between microbes and the mucus of berberine in alleviating IBD still needs to be clarified. Our findings demonstrated a strong association between berberine’s therapeutic efficacy and alterations in the gut microbiota. This includes enhancements in the level of IgA-coated bacteria, Zg16, Reg3g, and Pla2g2a, all of which contribute to microbiota homeostasis. Moreover, the beneficial effect on gut barrier function of berberine was mostly attributed to Akkermansiam and Bacteriodes-associated mucin–SCFA metabolism. This study lays a critical groundwork for the development of berberine-based functional food additives that harness its nutraceutical potential.