Hemp seed oil ameliorates ulcerative colitis in connection with tryptophan metabolism driven by gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, currently lacks effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the protective effects of hemp seed oil (HSO), a dietary supplement derived from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) possessing anti-inflammatory properties, against U...

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Main Authors: Jing Yang, Yiyun Guan, Junjie Zhou, Yujie Zhang, Lixi Li, Hailong Lu, Zhongjie Zou, Mengjuan Gong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Functional Foods
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464625003044
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Summary:Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, currently lacks effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the protective effects of hemp seed oil (HSO), a dietary supplement derived from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) possessing anti-inflammatory properties, against UC. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and targeted tryptophan (Trp) metabolomics, we explored the mechanisms underlying HSO's effects in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice. Results showed HSO significantly alleviated UC symptoms, restored gut microbiota dysbiosis, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. FMT results revealed HSO selectively promoted Muribaculum and Roseburia growth, enhancing Trp metabolites such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 3-indolealdehyde (3-IAld). Additionally, HSO upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression and interleukin (IL)-22 production, promoting tight junction protein expression and intestinal barrier repair. These findings suggested HSO as a promising dietary intervention for UC management by targeting gut microbiota-mediated Trp metabolism and the AhR/IL-22 axis.
ISSN:1756-4646