Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of the total alkaloid fraction from Fumaria capreolata in the DSS model of colitis in mice

Fumaria genus has been traditionally used for managing inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders. The study evaluates the immunomodulatory potential of the total alkaloid fraction from Fumaria capreolata L. (AFC) in primary macrophages and the intestinal anti-inflammatory effect in a dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis in mice. AFC inhibited LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages gene expression program dose-dependently. In vivo, AFC markedly reduced macroscopic and microscopic signs of intestinal inflammation. Besides, it restored the colonic expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, as well as enhanced the expression of intestinal barrier markers. These results demonstrate the potential of AFC extract as a therapeutic tool for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.