ArticleFrontiers in medicine2026
Earthworm extract ameliorates colitis via modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway: attenuation of inflammation and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity.
Article in Frontiers in medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is driven by a self-perpetuating cycle of intestinal barrier disruption and chronic inflammation. Current therapeutic options are limited, underscoring the need for safer and more effective agents. Earthworm extract (EE, derived from Dilong used in traditional Chinese medicine) has a documented history of use in inflammatory and reparative contexts. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential and mechanism of EE using a murine model of colitis and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells model. Methods: A murine model of ulcerative colitis was established with 3% DSS. Serum cytokines were measured by ELISA, and intestinal permeability was assessed via the FITC-dextran assay. Results: Earthworm extract administration significantly alleviated DSS-induced disease severity, including weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage. At the molecular level, EE suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that EE ameliorates experimental colitis primarily through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby attenuating inflammation and restoring intestinal barrier integrity, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. This work provides a scientific rationale for developing EE as a promising natural agent for inflammatory bowel disease.
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