Chrysophyllum albidum G.don Pectin attenuated colitis-associated neurobehavioral deficits and inflammation in dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis in high-fat diet fed Swiss mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to dysregulated immune responses, gut barrier dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The African star apple, Chrysophyllum albidum peel is rich in pectin, a bioactive polysaccharide with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its therapeutic role in IBD remains unexplored. This study investigated the effects of C. albidum pectin (CAP) on colitis and associated neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis in HFD-fed mice. Mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or HFD with colitis induced by DSS administration. Treatment groups received CAP at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Disease progression was assessed by the Disease Activity Index (DAI), behavioral tests for anxiety and pain sensitivity, and histological examination of colon and brain tissues. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress markers (MDA, nitrites), antioxidant enzymes (GSH, CAT, SOD, GST), apoptotic markers (MMP-9, caspase-9), and neurotransmitter-related enzymes were analysed in the colon and brain tissues. The HFD and DSS co-treatment aggravated colitis severity, increasing DAI, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neurobehavioral deficits such as anxiety and hyperalgesia. The CAP treatment significantly lowered DAI scores, attenuated inflammation and oxidative damage in both colon and brain tissues, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced apoptotic markers, and improved locomotor and pain-response behaviors. Histopathological analyses confirmed preservation of tissue integrity in CAP-treated groups. Chrysophyllum albidum pectin exerts protective effects against DSS-induced colitis exacerbated by a high-fat diet through multi-modal actions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic pathways.