Characterization of inulin-type fructans from two species of Radix Codonopsis and their oxidative defense activation and prebiotic activities.

BACKGROUND: Codonopsis pilosula and C. tangshen are both plants widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides, which are their primary active components, are thought to be important in their extensive use. In this study, two neutral polysaccharide fractions of C. pilosula (CPPN) and C. tangshen (CTPN) were obtained by fractionation on a DEAE-Sepharose column and characterized. RESULTS: It was confirmed that the neutral polymers CPPN and CTPN were ß-(2,1)-linked inulin-type fructans with non-reducing terminal glucose, and degree of polymerization (DP) of 19.6 and 25.2, respectively. The antioxidant and prebiotic activities in vitro were assayed based on IPEC-J2 cell lines and five strains of Lactobacillus. Results indicated that the effects of CPPN and CTPN were increased antioxidant defense in intestinal epithelial cells through enhanced cell viability, improved expression of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and lactic dehydrogenase. The prebiotic activity of CPPN and CTPN was demonstrated by the promoting effect on Lactobacillus proliferation in vitro. The different biological activities obtained between the two fractions are probably due to the different DP and thus molecular weights of CPPN and CTPN. CONCLUSION: The inulin fractions from C. pilosula and C. tangshen were natural sources of potential intestinal antioxidants as well as prebiotics, which will be valuable in further studies and new applications of inulin-containing health products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Modulates the Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota of Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immunosuppressed Mice.

Based on previous studies about microflora regulation and immunity enhancement activities of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (CPP), there is little study on intestinal mucosal immunity, which is a possible medium for contacting microflora and immunity. In the present study, the BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (eight mice in each group), including a normal group (Con), a model control group (Model), and model groups that were administered CPP (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/d) orally each day for seven days after intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW/d cyclophosphamide (CP) for three days. CPP recovered the spleen index and restored the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, as well as serum IgG. In addition, it elevated ileum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the number of Lactobacillus and acetic acid content in cecum. These results indicated that CPP plays an important role in the protection against immunosuppression, especially mucosa immune damage, and the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria colonization, which could be considered a potential natural source of immunoregulator.

Purification and Partial Structural Characterization of a Complement Fixating Polysaccharide from Rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong.

Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong is an effective medical plant, which has been extensively applied for centuries in migraine and cardiovascular diseases treatment in China. Polysaccharides from this plant have been shown to have interesting bioactivities, but previous studies have only been performed on the neutral polysaccharides. In this study, LCP-I-I, a pectic polysaccharide fraction, was obtained from the 100 °C water extracts of L. chuangxiong rhizomes and purified by diethylaminethyl (DEAE) sepharose anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Monosaccharide analysis and linkage determination in addition to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum, indicated that LCP-I-I is a typical pectic polysaccharide, with homo-galacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan type I regions and arabinogalactan type I and type II (AG-I/AG-II) side chains. LCP-I-I exhibited potent complement fixation activity, ICH50 of 26.3 ± 2.2 µg/mL, and thus has potential as a natural immunomodulator.

[Effect of Transplanting Time on Growth,Dry Matter Accumulation and Distribution,and Yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong].

Objective: To study the effect of transplanting time on growth, dry matter accumulation and distribution,and yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong,in order to provide theoretical and practical basis for the choice of cultivation methods. Methods: Ligusticum chuanxiong which planted in Pengshan were used as materials, and rearched in the field plot experiment. By the single factor randomized block design, the effects on growth development,dry matter accumulation and distribution of different periods of Ligusticum chuanxiong were analyzed. Results: Transplanting time has an important influence on the development of Ligusticum chuanxiong after lodging, and the lodging time was positively related to transplanting time; dry matter translocated to the underground part in January of the second year, and the dry matter translocated to the aerial parts in February, the dry matter secondary translocated to the underground part during March and April. Conclusion: Transplanting time affects the growth of Ligusticum chuanxiong,and affects the accumulation and distribution of every dry matter during the process of growth. Ligusticum chuanxiong transplant on August 31,and distribute more manure to improve the growth of aerial parts in the early stages,and spread additional manure to improve the growth of root stock at second year in shoot growth period,which can make a good harvest.

[Effect of P and K Fertilization on Four Iridoids in Axial and Lateral Root of Gentiana crassicaulis].

Objective: To study the effect of phosphorus( P) and potassium( K) fertilization on four iridoids in axial and lateral root of Gentiana crassicaulis. Methods: Field experiment was conducted based on phosphorus and potassium,and the content of four iridoids was analyzed in the axial and lateral root of Gentiana crassicaulis. Results: Despite of different proportion of phosphorus and potassium,the content of four iridoids in axial root was always higher than that in the lateral root, and under normal fertilizer condition, the content of axial and lateral root was 12. 36% and 9. 84%, respectively. On the condition of phosphorus and potassium fertilization, the content of gentiopicroside and loganic acid were higher than that of the swertiamarin and sweroside both in the axial and lateral root. And the difference of the two parts could be increased by high potassium with appropriate phosphorus application. Conclusion: The four iridoids were more likely to accumulate in the axial root of Gentiana crassicaulis, and phosphorus and potassium fertilization, only affected the different degrees on the content of ingredients among two parts. Thus, more attention should be paid to the use of phosphorus and potassium fertilization, and the difference of the active ingredient content in the axial and lateral root of Gentiana crassicaulis.

[The Effection Study of Transplanting Techniques for Yield and Quality of Gentiana crassicaulis].

Objective: To study the difference in yield and quality of Gentiana crassicaulis with different transplanting period and transplanting methods, and to determine the optimum transplanting technique of Gentiana crassicaulis in Ludian. Methods: The variation in fresh weight,dry weight,dry discount rate, length, diameter, branches,the content of gentiopicroside,loganin acid,alcohol-soluble extract, total ash were measured, and made a comprehensive evaluation of yield and quality by gray relational distance ideal comprehensive evaluation method. Results: There was a big difference in yield and quality of Gentiana crassicaulis with different transplanting time and transplanting methods. Gentiana crassicaulis were transplanted in March 10 with the density of 25 cm × 24 cm,and overburden 1 cm and flat transplanting had the best comprehensive evaluation of yield and quality. Conclusion: The transplanting time of Gentiana crassicaulis in Ludian should begin at the end of early March,and reduce overburden soil on the traditional transplanting methods.

[Correlation of Agronomic Character of Panax notoginseng in Guangxi with Soil Physical and Chemical Properties].

Objective: To study the effect of physicochemical characteristics of soil on Panax notoginseng agronomic character, in order to offer the theory for selecting an appropriate soil to cultivate Panax notoginseng, and to build the production bases. Methods: To test and analyze Panax notoginseng agronomic character, to analyze the form of layered soil particles, p H value and soil fertility. At the same time, the analysis of Panax notoginseng plant height, leaf number, the length of taproot, the width of taproot, stem diameter, the width of residual part of stem, rootlet number, root fresh and dry weight and drying rate were carried out. Results: Panax notoginseng agronomic character had a large difference. The length of roots, the width of roots and a large number of rootlets had a promoting effect on accumulating biological yield. Nevertheless, the numbers of branches had no obvious impact on accumulating biological yield. Most of soil texture were silty clay or light clay of silty clay. Physical clay and coarse silt could promote the growth of Panax notoginseng. Sand grain had significant effect on Panax notoginseng growth. A reasonable use of nitrogenous fertilizer had a prominent promoting effect on the width of the medicine's root. In fact, the use of phosphorus potassium also had a great impact on Panax notoginseng growth. Conclusion: Panax notoginseng should be planted on the light clay which are loose and can irrigate and drain conveniently and contains many silty. The heavy clay soil which are defective aeration and contain cosmid has a bad influence of the growth of Panax notoginseng. It will cause a decrease of the yield of medicinal materials. Using nitrogenous fertilizer aptly also is an effective way to improve the quality and yield of Panax notoginseng.

[Effects of Chemical Fertilizers and Organic Fertilizer on Yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong Rhizome].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different N, P, K and organic fertilizer (OF) on yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome, in order to provide the theoretical foundation for the establishment of standardization cultivation techniques. METHODS: The field plot experiments used Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome which planted in Pengshan as material, and were studied by the four factors and five levels with quadratic regression rotation-orthogonal combination design. According to the data obtained, a function model which could predict the fertilization and yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome accurately was established. RESULTS: The model analysis showed that the yields of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome were significantly influenced by the N, P, K and OF applications. Among these factors, the order of increase rates by the fertilizers was K > OF > N > P; The effect of interaction between N and K, N and OF, K and OF on the yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome were significantly different. High levels of N and P, N and organic fertilizer, K and organic fertilizer were conducive to improve the yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome. The results showed that the optimal fertilizer application rates of N was 148.20 - 172.28 kg/hm2, P was 511.92 - 599.40 kg/hm2, K was 249.70 - 282.37 kg/hm2, and OF was 940.00 - 1 104.00 kg/hm2. CONCLUSION: N, P, K and OF obviously affect the yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome. K and OF can significantly increase the yield of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome. Thus it is suggested that properly high mount of K and OF and appropriate increasing N are two favorable factors for cultivating Ligusticum chuanxiong.

[Fertilizer Effect on Yield and Quality of Gentiana crassicaulis].

OBJECTIVE: To find the best fertilizer formula of yield-quality-fertilizer effect, and to establish a new comprehensive evaluation-fertilizer effect method. METHODS: Grey related degree analysis and DTOPSIS method were combined to comprehensive evaluate the 11 indexes of 14 fertilizer formulas of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in order to explore the best dosage and ratio. RESULTS: The fertilizer requirements of the factors which contribute to the yield and quality of Gentiana crassicaulis were different and the most appropriate rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer were 21.49~42.03 kg/667 m2, 49.53~65.75 kg/667 m2 and 26.34~ 42.97 kg/667 m2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The fertilizer formula in this study can be widely used in the standardized plantation of Gentiana crassicaulis.

[Correlation Analysis Between Physicochemical Properties of Rhizosphere Soil and Appearance Characters of Codonopsis pilosula Root in Jiuzhaigou County].

OBJECTIVE: To study the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil and their influence on appearance characters of semi-natural cultivated Codonopsis pilosula root. METHODS: The comprehensive methods by combining outdoor investigating with indoor analyzing were applied. Rhizosphere soil samples and plant materials were collected from 35 collection points, the physicochemical properties of soil and the appearance characters of plant materials were investigated. RESULTS: The physical property of rhizosphere soil under semi-natural cultivated condition was good, the soil texture was coarse powder of loam, slightly alkaline. The cultivated layer contained abundant nutrient components, the average organic matter content of 35 soil samples was 60.66 g/kg,and 2.99 g/kg for total nitrogen, 115.46 mg/g for available nitrogen, 0.8 g/kg for total phosphorus, 6.43 mg/kg for available phosphorus, 23.69 g/kg for total potassium and 124.48 mg/kg for available potassium, respectively. The result of correlation analysis indicated that the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil had significant influence on the appearance characters of Codonopsis pilosula root. CONCLUSION: The semi-natural cultivated model can maintain the structure of soil and hold nutrient components, it is conducive to the growth of Codonopsis pilosula and the standardized production base establishment. To increase the yield of Codonopsis pilosula root, it is recommended to increase the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer.

[Quadratic Orthogonal Rotation Combination Design on Alisma orientalis of Fertilization].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of combined N, P, K and micronutrient fertilizers on the yield of Alisma orientalis tuber, and to optimize the fertilizer application rate. METHODS: Four factors five levels quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design was used. A function was established on nitrogen, phosphor, potassium and microelement fertilizer application rate with the yield of Alisma orientalis tuber. RESULTS: The established mathematical model was of high reliability for prediction with quadratic regression equation of R2 = 0. 8980. The order of increasing Alisma orientalis tuber yield was nitrogen > micronutrient fertilizer > potassium > phosphor. The results of the frequency analysis showed that for the target yield over 8 250 kg/hm2 and the confidence interval of 95%, the optimal fertilizer application rates were as follows :nitrogen of 241. 45 - 283. 55 kg/hm2, phosphor of 81. 14 - 208. 44 kg/hm2, potassium of 95. 57 - 239. 42 kg/hm2, and zinc fertilizer of 14. 32 - 16. 18 kg/hm2, boron fertilizer of 18. 84 - 19. 86 kg/hm2, and molybdenum fertilizer of 0. 151 -0. 159 kg/hm2 in micronutrient fertilizer. CONCLUSION: Nitrogen is related to the growth of Alisma orientalis, potassium promotes tuber bulking, micronutrient fertilizer consisted of zinc, boron and molybdenum fertilizer promotes Alisma orientalis growth and the absorption of nitrogen, phosphor and potassium. Moderate application of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and molybdenum fertilizer can promote Alisma orientalis tuber yield. The nitrogen has the best effect.

[Influences of Base Fertilizer Dosage and Root Size on Quality and Yield of Gentiana crassicaulis Root].

OBJECTIVE: In order to optimize the base fertilizer dosage and root size of Gentiana crassicaulis in Ludian,Yulong, Yunnan,the differences in yield and quality of Gentiana crassicaulis caused by different base fertilizer dosage and root size were investigated. METHODS: The variation in fresh weight, dry weight, drying rate, length, diameter, branches as well as the contents of gentiopicroside, loganin acid, alcohol-soluble extract and total ash were determined. The ideal distance grey relational degree comprehensive evaluation method was applied to make a comprehensive evaluation on the quality and yield of Gentiana crassicaulis. RESULTS: There were big differences in yield and quality of Gentiana crassicaulis among different base fertilizer dosage and root size. 2 000 kg/667 m2 of manure, 20 kg/667 m2 of superphosphate, 100 kg/667 m2 of plant ash and mix size of transplanting roots showed the best comprehensive quality and the highest yield. CONCLUSION: 2 000 kg/667 m2 of manure, 20 kg/667 m2 of superphosphate,100 kg/667 m2 of plant ash, high quality transplanting roots and stagger certain depth to transplant are highly recommended to produce high quality and high yield of Gentiana crassicaulis in Ludian, Yulong, Yunnan.

[Effects of hormone treatment, light and temperatures on sprouting characteristics of Bupleurum chinense].

Seeds of Bupleurum chinense cultivar, Zhongchai No. 1, were sowed in plastic pots which used the arable layer soil as the nursery bed and putted in the artificial climate incubator at various temperatures (15, 20, 25, 15-25 degrees C) and light (8,12 h) to germinate, respectively. The lower constant temperature (15 degrees ) and the higher constant temperature (25 "C) were not conducive to the sprouting characteristics of B. chinese. While they were able to enhance root activity to some extent; The seeding growth of B. chinese was significantly better in the variable temperature than correspondence in the constant temperature, significantly. The emergence speed, emergence index, vigor index and root activity of Bupleurum were improved under the 12 h of light-time, but the germination rate was not improved. The sprouting of Bupleurum's seeds could be improved to some extent by soaking with hormone, such as gibberellin, cytokinin, salicylic acid. Gibberellin promoted seeds' sprouting and seedings's root activity of Bupleurum, while salicylic acid increased the root activity of seeding. There is a significant influence of light, temperatures and hormone treatment on the germination of Zhongchai No. 1 seeds, and all three are remarkably interacted; It is beneficial to promote seed germination by the temperature (20 + 5) degrees C, lighting (8 h) and gibberellin concentration (10 x 10(-6)).

[Optimum harvest study of Gentiana crassicaulis in Ludian].

The paper is aimed to study the difference in yield and quality at different harvest time and determine the optimum harvest of planting Gentiana in Ludian traditional harvest period. The authors analyzed the variation in fresh weight, dry weight, dry discount rate, length, diameter, volume and the content of gentiopicroside, loganin acid, alcohol-soluble extract and total ash and made a comprehensive appraisal of yield, appearance quality and intrinsic quality by gray relational distance ideal Comprehensive Evaluation method. The results showed that there is a big difference in yield and quality both 2-year-old and 3-year-old Gentiana harvested in traditional harvest period and the comprehensive evaluation more better when harvested more later. It can be seen, Gentiana harvested the later had a better yield and quality in Ludian traditional harvest period. The harvest of Gentiana can be appropriate delayed depending on the particular circumstances of production.

[Evaluation of Bupleuri Radix resources in Qingchuan based on DTOPSIS and grey related degree].

In order to select high quality and suitable Bupleuri Radix varieties in Qingchuan, and establish a new comprehensive method to evaluation the quality of Bupleuri Radix, 12 characters of 14 samples were evaluated by DTOPSIS and grey related degree. The results showed that varieties No. 8 and No. 10 had high quality. DTOPSIS and grey related degree gave the uniformity result, and the biggest difference of value of Ci in DTOPSIS method was 46. 33% , but the biggest difference of the weighting correlation number( r (i)) in grey related degree was only 13.10%. The DTOPSIS combined with grey related degree can evaluate the quality of Bupleuri Radix comprehensively and objectively.

Extraction, characterization and intestinal anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of polysaccharide from stems and leaves of Chuanminshen violaceum M. L. Sheh & R. H. Shan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chuanminshen violaceum M. L. Sheh & R. H. Shan (CV) is used as a medicine with roots, which have the effects of benefiting the lungs, harmonizing the stomach, resolving phlegm and detoxifying. Polysaccharide is one of its main active components and has various pharmacological activities, but the structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharide from the stems and leaves parts of CV are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal extraction conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharide from CV stems and leaves, and to carry out preliminary structural analyses, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the obtained polysaccharide and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ultrasonic-assisted extraction of CV stems and leaves polysaccharides was carried out, and the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process to obtain CV polysaccharides (CVP) under the optimal conditions. Subsequently, we isolated and purified CVP to obtain the homogeneous polysaccharide CVP-AP-I, and evaluated the composition, molecular weight, and structural features of CVP-AP-I using a variety of technical methods. Finally, we tested the pharmacological activity of CVP-AP-Ⅰ in an LPS-induced model of oxidative stress and inflammation in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) and explored its possible mechanism of action. RESULTS: The crude polysaccharide was obtained under optimal extraction conditions and subsequently isolated and purified to obtain CVP-AP-Ⅰ (35.34 kDa), and the structural characterization indicated that CVP-AP-Ⅰ was mainly composed of galactose, galactose, rhamnose and glucose, which was a typical pectic polysaccharide. In addition, CVP-AP-Ⅰ attenuates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factor genes and proteins and up-regulating the expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes and proteins in IPEC-J2, by a mechanism related to the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the polysaccharide isolated from CV stems and leaves was a pectic polysaccharide with similar pharmacological activities as CV roots, exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, suggesting that CV stems and leaves could possess the same traditional efficacy as CV roots, which is expected to be used in the treatment of intestinal diseases.

[Comprehensive yield and quality comparison of Bupleurum chinense' s seeds of different harvesting time from Qingchuan County with Topsis approach].

In order to investigate the comprehensive quality differences of the seeds harvested in different growing time, and offer theoretical guide for the optimization of seeds' production technology, we analyzed the apparent size, 1 000-grain weight, water absorbency, germination indexes, postharvest embryo rate change, relatively contents of coumarins and the yield of single plant of its seeds of different harvesting time, and compared their comprehensive quality by Topsis analysis. The results showed that there existed obvious differences in yield and quality between seeds of 3 harvesting times. While the harvesting time postponed, the yield of single plant raised, and the shrunken seeds rate decreased, the quality of seedlings increased, while the contents of coumarins showed a steady increase, and the germination rate decreased. The comprehensive quality of the seeds harvested in the black ripe time rank the first place, followed by the brown ripe time and the yellow ripe time. As the harvesting time delays, the seeds' comprehensive quality increases, therefore, we could put off the seeds' harvesting time properly for the high efficient seed production.

Effects of nanoscale zinc oxide treatment on growth, rhizosphere microbiota, and metabolism of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Trace elements play a crucial role in the growth and bioactive substance content of medicinal plants, but their utilization efficiency in soil is often low. In this study, soil and Aconitum carmichaelii samples were collected and measured from 22 different locations, followed by an analysis of the relationship between trace elements and the yield and alkaloid content of the plants. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between zinc, trace elements in the soil, and the yield and alkaloid content of A. carmichaelii. Subsequent treatment of A. carmichaelii with both bulk zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrated that the use of ZnO NPs significantly enhanced plant growth and monoester-type alkaloid content. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects, metabolomic analysis was performed, resulting in the identification of 38 differentially expressed metabolites in eight metabolic pathways between the two treatments. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the rhizosphere bacterial communities, with Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota identified as valuable biomarkers for ZnO NP treatment. Covariation analysis further revealed significant correlations between specific microbial communities and metabolite expression levels. These findings provide compelling evidence that nanoscale zinc exhibits much higher utilization efficiency compared to traditional zinc fertilizer.

Polysaccharide from aerial part of Chuanminshen violaceum alleviates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in aging mice through modulating intestinal microbiota.

Aging is a biological process of progressive deterioration of physiological functions, which poses a serious threat to individual health and a heavy burden on public health systems. As population aging continues, research into anti-aging drugs that prolong life and improve health is of particular importance. In this study, the polysaccharide from stems and leaves of Chuanminshen violaceum was obtained with water extraction and alcohol precipitation, and then separated and purified with DEAE anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration to obtain CVP-AP-I. We gavaged natural aging mice with CVP-AP-I and performed serum biochemical analysis, histological staining, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA kit assays to analyze inflammation and oxidative stress-related gene and protein expression in tissues, and 16SrRNA to analyze intestinal flora. We found that CVP-AP-I significantly improved oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of the intestine and liver, restored the intestinal immune barrier, and balanced the dysbiosis of intestinal flora. In addition, we revealed the potential mechanism behind CVP-AP-I to improve intestinal and liver function by regulating intestinal flora balance and repairing the intestinal immune barrier to regulate the intestinal-liver axis. Our results indicated that C. violaceum polysaccharides possessed favorable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-aging effects in vivo.

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide and its related metabolite 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde ameliorate experimental colitis by regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway.

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, tons of aerial parts of this plant are usually discarded in the production of roots preparation. To make better use of these plant resources, the polysaccharide isolated from the aerial part of S. miltiorrhiza was investigated for its potential protection against intestinal diseases. A pectic polysaccharide (SMAP-1) was isolated and characterized being composed of homogalacturonan as the main chain and rhamnogalacturonan type I as ramified region, with side chains including arabinans and possible arabinogalactan type I and II. SMAP-1 exhibited robust protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and restored colitis symptoms, colonic inflammation, and barrier functions. Anti-oxidative effects were also observed by up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Additionally, the level of serum 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde (5-MC) was restored by SMAP-1 identified in metabolomic analysis, being correlated with the aforementioned effects. Protection against oxidative stress on intestinal porcine enterocyte cells (IPEC-J2) by 5-MC was observed through the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 system, as also shown by SMAP-1. In conclusion, SMAP-1 could be a promising candidate for colitis prevention, and 5-MC could be the signal metabolite of SMAP-1 in protecting against oxidative stress in the intestine.