Anti-inflammatory properties of Fu brick tea water extract contribute to the improvement of diarrhea in mice

Abstract

Fu brick tea, a special kind of dark tea fermented dominantly by <i>Eurotium cristatum</i>, is traditionally used for diarrhea therapy in China. However, limited reports are available on the anti-diarrhea of Fu brick tea water extract (FTE) and its potential mechanisms. In the present study, the treatment effects of FTE on the senna-induced diarrhea in mice were investigated. We found that FTE effectively improved diarrhea index and inhibited gut peristalsis. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed that FTE protected the integrity and reduced inflammatory infiltration of the ileum mucosal barrier. Furthermore, FTE significantly decreased the levels of the pro-inflammatory factor 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and increased the expression of sodium–hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE-3). The association among both intestinal damage and electrolyte balance and inflammation has been reported by many studies. Collectively, our study showed that FTE had anti-diarrhea activity, which may be associated with anti- inflammatory properties.