Eclipta prostrata Improves DSS-Induced Colitis through Regulation of Inflammatory Response in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Eclipta prostrata (EP) and its compounds are known to have several pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we demonstrated that EP improves the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms such as body weight loss, colon length shortening and disease activity index. In DSS-induced colitis tissue, EP controls the protein expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). In addition, the release of prostaglandin E2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A were significantly reduced by EP administration. EP also inhibited COX-2 and HIF-1α expressions in the tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated HT-29 cells. These inhibitory effects of EP occurred by reducing the phosphorylation of IκB and the translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Additionally, we found through HPLC analysis that wedelolactone, which is an inhibitor of NF-κB transcription, was contained in water extract of EP. These results indicate that EP can improve colitis symptoms through the modulation of immune function in intestinal epithelial cells and suggests that EP has the potential therapeutic effect to intestinal inflammation.