Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that consists of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Cytokines are thought to be key mediators of inflammation-mediated pathological processes of IBD. These cytokines play a crucial role through the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways. Several small molecules inhibiting JAK have been used in clinical trials, and one of them has been approved for IBD treatment. Many anti-inflammatory phytochemicals have been shown to have potential as new drugs for IBD treatment. This review describes the significance of the JAK–STAT pathway as a current therapeutic target for IBD and discusses the recent findings that phytochemicals can ameliorate disease symptoms by affecting the JAK–STAT pathway in vivo in IBD disease models. Thus, we suggest that phytochemicals modulating JAK–STAT pathways are potential candidates for developing new therapeutic drugs, alternative medicines, and nutraceutical agents for the treatment of IBD.
Highlights
Plants’ phytochemicals have been used as a source of traditional medicine for millennia [1]
Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-mediated cellular signaling responses play an essential role in both enteric homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology, which is characterized by uncontrolled chronic inflammation in the GI tract
This review has focused on particular phytochemicals that inhibit JAK–STAT pathways and suppress IBD pathology in vivo in animal model systems, among many phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory effects against IBD
Summary
Plants’ phytochemicals have been used as a source of traditional medicine for millennia [1]. Phytochemicals are good sources of new anti-inflammatory drugs that regulate various inflammatory responses against inflammatory diseases [5]. IBD is typically classified into two major forms of chronic and relapsing-remitting inflammation: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which is increasing in incidence and prevalence worldwide [7]. Both diseases have common clinical features, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, they differ in various aspects. Considering the advantages of phytochemicals with few side effects, phytochemicals targeting the JAK–STAT pathways would be a good source of new drugs for the treatment of IBD [26].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
