A preclinical investigation into the potential associations of geraniin with ulcerative colitis alleviation through integrated multi-omics and in vivo analysis

By
Chang Cheng
Wei Wang
Tingting Zheng
Xiangmin Shi
Chong Fu
May 13, 2026
0 min

Frontiers In Medicine

Overview

This preclinical study investigates the effects of geraniin on ulcerative colitis (UC) in a murine model, revealing its potential to mitigate inflammation and improve clinical outcomes. Findings suggest that geraniin may modulate immune cell activity and inflammatory pathways associated with UC.

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that significantly impacts patient quality of life and can lead to severe complications, including colon cancer. Current treatments often have limitations, including high recurrence rates and adverse effects, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Geraniin, a polyphenolic compound, presents a promising alternative due to its natural origin and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Data Highlights

Parameter	Control	Model	Model + Geraniin (30 mg/kg)	Model + Geraniin (60 mg/kg)
DAI Scores	Low	High	Reduced	Further Reduced
Colon Length	Normal	Shortened	Improved	Further Improved
Mucosal Damage	Minimal	Severe	Moderate	Mild

Key Findings

Geraniin targeted 27 genes related to UC, forming a protein–protein interaction network.
In vivo studies showed reduced DAI scores and enhanced colon length in geraniin-treated mice.
Histopathological examination indicated decreased mucosal damage and inflammatory cell infiltration with geraniin treatment.
Immunofluorescence analysis revealed a reduction in M1 macrophage markers and an increase in M2 macrophage markers post-treatment.
Western blot analysis showed downregulation of NOS2 and upregulation of PPARG in treated mice.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that geraniin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its efficacy and safety in human populations.

Conclusion

Geraniin demonstrates promise in mitigating ulcerative colitis in murine models, potentially offering a new avenue for treatment. Continued research is essential to translate these findings into clinical practice.