The Improving Effect of Gastrodia elata Blume on DSS-induced Colitis in Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) has been used for the treatment of various diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory disease. However, there has been no information on whether GE regulates intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study is to elucidate whether GE can protect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. The colitis mice were induced by drinking water containing 5% DSS for 7 days. Body weight, colon length and clinical score were assessed to determine the effects on colitis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 in colitis tissue were also measured. The results showed that mice administrated with DSS showed clinical signs including weight loss and reduced colon length. GE inhibited the DSS-induced loss of body weight and shortening of colon and increased Disease activity index score. Additionally, we observed that GE suppressed the levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in DSS-treated colon tissues. Collectively, these findings provide experimental evidence that GE might be a useful therapeutic agent for patients with UC.