Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin Loaded Nanoparticles: Novel Insights in Alleviating Colitis in an Experimental DSS Induced Colitis Model

Oxidative stress is considered the main etiologic factor involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Integration of nanocarriers for natural therapeutic agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential is a novel promising candidate for curing IBD. Herein, the colonic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different concentrations of quercetin nanoparticles (QT-NPs) were evaluated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Following colitis induction, the efficacy and mechanistic actions of QT-NPs were evaluated by assessing lesion severity, molecular aids controlling oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination of colonic tissues. Administration of QT-NPs, especially at higher concentrations, significantly reduced the disease activity index and values of fecal calprotectin marker compared to the colitic group. Colonic oxidant/antioxidant status (ROS, H