"Andrographis paniculata Restores Gut Health by Suppressing Inflammation and Enhancing Mucosal Immunity"

Vidushi Tyagi Ashish kumar Karuna Shanker Anirban Pal ^*

• Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Lucknow, India

Background: Gut immunity plays a critical role in overall health by balancing tolerance to food antigens and microbiota while defending against pathogens. Inflammation and infections in the gut can disrupt this balance, leading to diseases. Andrographis paniculata, a plant used in traditional medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, making it a promising candidate for treating gut-related disorders.Methods: Andrographis paniculata ethanolic extract (ApEtOH) was prepared through ethanol extraction of leaves, and bioactive compounds were identified using HPLC. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in vitro using a Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture inflammation model via ELISA. Gene expression of chemokines in Caco-2 cells infected with Salmonella Typhimurium was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR. For in vivo studies, BALB/c mice were treated with ApEtOH at various doses, and the effects on bacterial load, immune responses, and inflammation were assessed. Results: ApEtOH significantly downregulated chemokines RANTES, MCP-1, and ENA-78 and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated reduced bacterial colonization in the spleen, lower systemic infection markers, and restoration of intestinal homeostasis. ApEtOH normalized serum IgA, elevated IgG, and decreased TNFα and IL-10 levels. It also enhanced mucin (Muc-2) and lysozyme (Lyz-1) expression, critical for epithelial integrity and antimicrobial defense. Conclusion: ApEtOH shows significant therapeutic potential for gut health, reducing bacterial colonization, modulating inflammation, and enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity. It may be a promising natural remedy for microbial-induced gastrointestinal disorders and restoring gut homeostasis.