Water-soluble propolis ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice via NF-κB pathway-induced inflammation suppression

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a chronic, recurring gastrointestinal tract inflammation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects of water-soluble propolis (WSP) in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. WSP treatment significantly attenuated DSS-induced weight loss, colon shortening, and elevated disease activity indices. Histological analysis revealed reduced mucosal injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, and preserved integrity of the mucus layer. WSP increased ZO-1 and occludin expression and inhibited NF-κB activation. Serum PGE₂, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MPO levels were reduced, as were the colonic iNOS and COX-2 mRNA levels. WSP also restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities and reduced MDA accumulation, indicating that WSP improves the clinical, histological, and molecular markers of colitis by reinforcing epithelial barrier function, suppressing inflammation, and mitigating oxidative stress. Therefore, WSP may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for IBD.