β‐Sitosterol improves experimental colitis in mice with a target against pathogenic bacteria

In this article, we aim to examine the novel effects of β‐sitosterol on murine experimental colitis. β‐Sitosterol significantly reduces the weight loss, colon length, and alleviated microscopic appearances of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium. This compound also decreases the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in intestinal tissue of mice with experimental colitis in a concentration‐dependent manner. β‐Sitosterol treatment to intestinal epithelial cells significantly increases expression of antimicrobial peptides and reduces survival of intracellular Salmonella typhimurium. These results showed the multiple effects of β‐sitosterol against pathogenic bacteria for a novel approach to the treatment of colonic inflammation. In summary, we explored the effects of β‐sitosterol on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis. Its mechanism may involves in multiple effects against pathogens: regulation of cytokine profiles, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as well as Salmonella typhimurium. It should be noted that this compound did not affect the naïve lymphocytes, which may implicate a low toxicity profile. In the case presented here, targeting pathogens from multiple aspects by β‐sitosterol, may contribute to a novel therapy for inflammatory intestinal diseases.