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  • Therapeutic Potential of Allium cepa in Ulcerative Colitis: Mechanistic Insights, Preclinical Evidence and Future Perspectives

  • Photo Urvashi Gawande* Photo Sagar Ande Photo Pramod Burakle

  • Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a major subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation extending from the rectum through the colon. Its pathogenesis involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and gut microbiota imbalance. Activation of NF-?B and MAPK signaling pathways promotes excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6, leading to sustained mucosal injury. Although conventional therapies, including 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives and corticosteroids, effectively control inflammation, their long-term use is limited by adverse effects. Allium cepa (onion), particularly its major flavonoid quercetin, has emerged as a promising natural therapeutic candidate in ulcerative colitis management. Preclinical studies using DSS-induced colitis model, TNBS-induced colitis model, and acetic acid?induced colitis models demonstrate that quercetin-rich onion extracts attenuate disease severity by inhibiting NF-?B and MAPK activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, suppresing oxidative stress, modulating apoptosis, enhancing short-chain fatty acid production, promoting beneficial gut microbiota such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and supporting epithelial barrier integrity. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of quercetin-rich Allium cepa in ulcerative colitis management

Keywords

Ulcerative colitis, Allium cepa, Quercetin, NF-?B, MAPK, Gut microbiota, Preclinical models

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, idiopathic condition defined by uninterrupted mucosal inflammation that originates in the rectum and moves proximally through the colon. Alongside Crohn’s disease, it is classified as one of the two primary types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [1] Clinically, ulcerative colitis is characterized by periodic flare-ups of bloody diarrhea, rectal urgency, tenesmus, and abdominal discomfort, all of which can profoundly diminish a patient’s overall quality of life. [2] Fig. 1. show diagrammatic comparison between normal colon and colon affected by ulcerative Colitis. [3] In recent years, the worldwide frequency and prevalence of ulcerative coltis have risen significantly, with a notable surge in emerging industrial nations. This trend underscores the impact of modern lifestyle and environmental shifts on the disease. [4] While the exact cause is still being determined, ulcerative colitis is recognized as a multifactorial condition. It arises from a dynamic interplay between a patient’s genetic profile, environmental stressors, compromised intestinal barrier function, immune system errors, and shifts in the gut microbiome. [5] The breakdown of the intestinal epithelial barrier, coupled with an imbalance in gut microbiota (dysbiosis), triggers a disproportionate immune reaction within the mucosa. This activation of the immune system leads to an elevated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines—notably TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β—which are responsible for driving chronic inflammation and subsequent damage to the tissues. [6] Central to this inflammatory cycle is the activation of specific intracellular signaling cascades. In particular, the NF-κB pathway acts as a primary regulator, controlling the expression of genes associated with inflammation and ensuring the continued destruction of the mucosal lining. [7]

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Photo
Urvashi Gawande
Corresponding author

Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Photo
Sagar Ande
Co-author

Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Photo
Pramod Burakle
Co-author

Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Urvashi Gawande*, Sagar Ande, Pramod Burakle, Therapeutic Potential of Allium cepa in Ulcerative Colitis: Mechanistic Insights, Preclinical Evidence and Future Perspectives, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2026, 3 (3), 269-279. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19016190

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