Table 1 The targets of the Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula in attenuating IBD

Indirubin and Isatin

Isatis indigotica Fort., Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek. and Polygonum tinctorium Ait

DSS-induced UC mice

Reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and MPO, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines and Foxp3, inhibit CD4+ T cell infiltration, inhibit oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis, inhibit NF-κB and MAPK pathways

[7]

Fuzi-Ganjiang

Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux and Zingiber officinale Roscoe

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit MPO and inflammatory cytokines, inhibit the activation of MAPK, NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways

[8]

Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides and Codonopsis pilosula

Total polysaccharides of A. membranaceus extractum and the C. pilosula extractum

DSS-induced UC mice

Rebuild immune balance, alleviate colonic mucosal damage, activate AhR, up-regulate isovaleric acid and butyric acid, and restore intestinal flora structure

[9]

QingBai decoction

Indigowoad Leaf, Indigowoad Root, Amur Corktree Bark, Lightyellow Sophora Root, Coix Seed, Cuttlebone

DSS‐induced UC mice

Up-regulate the expression of tight TJs and mucus 2, reduce the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulate NF-κB and Notch pathways

[13]

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction

Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and Gardeniae Fructus

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway, activate Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhance intestinal barrier, inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway, activate Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhance intestinal barrier function, inhibit the growth of intestinal pathogens, prevent the reduction of beneficial bacteria, correct the dysfunction of intestinal flora

[14, 24, 34, 83]

Huangqin Decoction

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, and Ziziphus jujuba Mill

DSS-induced UC mice

TNBS-induced UC mice

Inhibit inflammation, alter gut microbiota, modulate SCFAs, prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, inhibit Ras-PI3K-Akt-HIF-1α and NF-κB pathways

[15, 23, 35, 36, 79]

Qing Hua Chang Yin

Coptis chinensis Franch, Herba et Gemma Agrimoniae, Radix Sanguisorbae, Magnolia officinalis, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Elettaria cardamomum, Semen Coicis, Artemisia capillaris Thunb, Semen Dolichoris Album, Herba Eupatorii Fortunei and Poria cocos

LPS-induced Caco-2 cell

Regulate TJs protein expression, protect intestinal epithelial barrier integrity after inflammatory injury

[16]

Sijunzi Decoction

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, or Codonopsispilosula, Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparatecum Melle

TNBS-induced UC mice

Claudin-2, NF-κB and MLCK signaling pathway

[17]

Pyungwi-san

Citri Pericarpiumpeel, glycyrrhizin, magnolol, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

DSS-induced UC mice

Modulate TJ protein, ameliorate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, modulate gut microbiota, regulate TLR4 and PPARγ expression, inhibit NF-κB pathway and inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

[25, 27, 73]

Huai Hua San

Flos Sophorae (the dried flower bud of Sophora japonica L.), Cacumen Platycladi (the dried branches and leaves of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco), Fructus Aurantii (the dried immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L.) and Herba Schizonepetae (the dried overground parts of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.)

DSS-induced IBD rats

Improve dysbiosis of the microbiome at the taxonomic level

[26]

Compound Sophorae Decoction

Radix sophorae flavescens, Radix sanguisorbae, Rhizoma bletillae, Radix glycyrrhizae, and Indigo naturalis

TNBS-induced UC rats

DSS-induced IBD mice

Regulate the levels of metabolic biomarkers, reduce epithelial cell apoptosis, promote epithelial cell regeneration, up-regulate TJs expression and MUC2 secretion, modulate Notch signaling, reduce M1/M2 ratio, reduce inflammatory factors, and regulate Th17/Treg balance

[32, 47, 89]

Huankuile Suspension

Trukish galls, Coptis chinensis, pomegranate flower, amber, tabasheer and plantain herb

TNBS-induced UC rats

Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulate bile metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, glutathione metabolism and citric acid cycle

[33]

Rhubarb Peony Decoction

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Moutan cortex, Persicae semen, Natrii sulfas, and Benincasae semen

DSS-induced UC mice

Altered gut microbiota, restored SCFA content in the gut, and modulate the ratio of Th17 cells to Treg cells

[37]

Sishen Pill

Semen psoraleae, Fructus evodiae, Semen myristicae and Schisandra chinensis

DSS-induced UC mice

TNBS-induced UC rats

Effectively control Tem cells in peripheral blood, inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, modulate the interaction between inflammatory DCs and gut microbiota, inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibit the activation of NF-κB by NEMO/NLK signaling pathway

[39, 49, 69, 77]

Gegen Qinlian Decoction

Berberine, Baicalin, and Puerarin

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling, restore Treg and Th17 cell balance, reduce phagocytic cell differentiation, promotes CBC proliferation, reduce Notch-activated Hes1 protein in HT29 and FHC cells, and increase Notch inhibition Hes1 protein in cells, inhibit TLR4/NF-κB signaling and enhance antioxidant effects

[45, 60, 88]

Qingre Zaoshi Liangxue Decoction

Sophora flavescens Aiton., Bletilla striata Rchb. f., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fish., Coptis chinensis France., Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek

TNBS-induced UC mice

Decrease FICZ concentration and AhR signaling in the colon, decrease expression of IL-6, STAT3 and RORγt, increase expression of FOXP3, decrease the proportion of Th17 cells and increase the proportion of Treg cells

[46]

Bawei Xileisan

Watermelon frost, calcite, cow gallstone, pearl powder, borax, borneol (Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn. f.), ammonium chloride, and Indigo naturalis

DSS-induced UC mice

Restore Th17/Treg balance, improve fecal Lactobacillus levels, and protect gut microbiota

[48]

Huangkui Lianchang Decoction

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik, Euphorbia humifusa Willd, Pteris multifida Poir, Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold & Zucc, Rubia cordifolia L., and Rhus chinensis Mill

DSS-induced UC mice

Alleviate colon pathological damage, reduce MPO and SOD activities, and inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway

[53]

Tou Nong San

Radix astragali, Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum, Spina Gleditsiae, and pangolin scales

TNBS-induced UC rats

Inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway and regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines

[55]

Jian-Pi Qing-Chang Decoction

Astragalus, Codonopsis pilosula, Portulaca oleracea, Sanguisorba officinalis, Notoginseng, Bletilla striata, Radix Aucklandiae, and Licorice

DSS-induced UC mice

Improve mucosal inflammatory response and intestinal epithelial barrier function through NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway, reduce the expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α, activation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of IκB were significantly inhibited

[56, 57]

Kuijieyuan Decoction

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, Hedyotis diffusa Willd., Cirsium undulatumn (Nutt.) Spreng, Cirsium setosum (Willd.) M. Bieb., Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill, Prunella vulgaris L. subsp. Vulgaris, Coptis chinensis Franch, Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc., Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

DSS-induced UC rats

Inhibit TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibit PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and oxidative stress

[61]

Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Granule

Astragalus, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Liquorice, Atractylodes macrocephala, Tangerine peel, Cohosh, Bupleurum, Angelica, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Jujube

TNBS-induced UC rats

Restore the expression of TJ protein and regulate the secretion of some inflammatory cytokines through the TLR4/NF-κB/MLCK pathway

[64]

Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Dioscorea opposita Thunb., Dolichos lablab L., Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. mayuen. (Roman.) Stapf, Amomum villosum Lour., Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

[65]

Jiaweishaoyao Decoction

Radix Et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Semen Arecae, Magnolia officinalis Rehd et Wils, Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei, Massa Medicata Fermentata, Radix Paeoniae Alba, and Radix Angelicae Sinensis

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway

[72]

Zuojin Pill

Coptis chinensis and Evodia rutaecarpa

DSS-induced UC mice

Regulate gut microbiota, improve CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ and PD-L1⁺ Treg cells, inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

[76]

Xianglian Pill

Coptidis Rhizoma and Aucklandiae Radix

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, repair the dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, enhance autophagy, block the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, weaken the protective effect of XLP on colitis, block the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to promote autophagy

[78]

Pien Tze Huang

Moschus, Calculus bovis, Snake gall and Radix notoginseng

DSS-induced UC mice

Suppress levels of inflammatory biomarkers and inhibit IL-6/STAT3 signaling, improve gut microbiota

[84]

Baitouweng Decoction

Radix pulsatilla, Cortex phellodendri, Rhizoma coptidis, and Cortex fraxini

DSS-induced UC mice

Regulate gut microbiota and IL-6/STAT3 inflammatory signaling pathway

[85]

Tiaochang Xiaoyan Extract Tablets

Radix Astragali, Lindera aggregata, Rhizoma coptidis, Oldenlandia diffusa and coix seed

TNBS-induced UC rats

Repair of colonic mucosal damage, reduce inflammation, increase lysosomal activity of macrophages, and decreased DAI in rats with colitis, improved colonic inflammation and infiltrate CD11c⁺ macrophages in rats with chronic colitis, and inhibit TLR9/MyD88/IRAK signaling pathway

[92]

Feiyangchangweiyan Capsule

Euphorbia hirta L., Polygonum chinense L., and Ilex rotunda Thunb

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit OSM/OSMR pathway and modulate inflammatory factors, modulate gut microbiome composition

[95]

Sanhuang Shu'ai decoction

Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, and Artemisiae Argyi Folium

DSS-induced UC mice

Reduce oxidative stress, modulate gut microbiota, reduce inflammatory mediators and cytokines

[99]

Qingre Jianpi Decoction

Radix Astragali Mongolici, Rhizoma Coptidis, Herba Violae Philippicae, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai, Radix Notoginseng, Semen Plantaginis and Semen Myristicae

DSS-induced UC mice

Reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and inhibit the inflammatory infiltration of immune cells

[103]

Qingchang Suppository

Radix Notoginseng, Indigo Naturalis, Gallnut, Herba Portulacae and borneol

TNBS-induced UC rats

DSS-induced UC rats

Improve colonic hypoxia, reduce the expression of VEGF, HIF-1α and iNOS, reduce colonic VP, modulate VEGF/HIF-1α signaling pathway to improve vascular endothelial barrier function, and inhibit JAK2/STAT3 pathway

[104, 117]

simplified prescription Suqing Pill

Lonicera japonica Thunb., Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. -Mazz., Sanguisorba officinalis L., Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook. f., Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Callus gallus domesticus Brisson, Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch

DSS-induced UC mice

Reduce the level of inflammatory factors, increase the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, down-regulate oxidative factors

[105]

Guchang Capsule

Halloysite, Coptis, Phellodendron amurense, Myrobalan, Nutmeg, Cortex Magnoliae officinalis, Fructus Evodiae, Qu Jian, Cinnamon, Rhizoma Zingiberis, Chinese Prickly Ash, Ligusticum wallichii, Concha Ostreae, Gallnut, and Dark Plum Fruit

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit NF-κB activation in macrophages and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production

[106]

Semi-bionic Extraction of compound Turmeric

Curcuma wenyujin Y, H. Chen et C. Ling, Terminalia chebula Retz., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Rheum palmatum L., Coptis chinensis Franch., Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, and Paeonia lactiflora Pall

DSS-induced UC rats

Reduce inflammatory factors and increased anti-inflammatory factors, alleviate histological changes in colon, inhibit the activation of NF-κB and ICAM-1

[107]

Modified Pulsatilla Decoction

Radix Pulsatillae, Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Coptidis, Cortex Fraxini, Sanchi, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, and Radix Glycyrrhizae

Oxazolone-induced UC mice

Inhibit the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reduce the severity of colitis

[108]

Ampelopsis grossedentata

A large amount of flavonoid active ingredients

DSS-induced UC mice

Inhibit IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway, inhibit the elevated expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8

[109]

Guchang Zhixie Pill

Coptidis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Corydalis Rhizoma, Mume Fructus, Aucklandiae Radix and Papaveris Pericarpium

DSS-induced UC rats

Inhibit the STAT3/NF-κB/IL-6 pathway, enrich in inflammation, immunity and oxidative stress-related pathways

[110]

Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction

Coptis, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, matrine, Indigo, sanguisorba carbon, wood, pseudoginseng and licorice

DSS-induced UC rats

Decrease DAI, HS and MPO levels, down-regulate of IP10/CXCR3 axis-mediated inflammatory response

[113]

Ershen Pill Extract

Myristica Fragrans and Fructu Psoraleae

Disorder-Diet-induced Pi yang deficiency diarrhea

Improve AQP3 synthesis in the colon

[116]

Costus root granules

The extract of Costus root, ingredient dissolution into a traditional water decoction

TNBS-induced UC rats

Inhibit the apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells, increase the expression of TGF-β, and activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

[118]

Xinhuang Tablets

Herba Sarcandrae, Radix Notoginseng, Calculus Bovis and so on

DSS-induced UC mice

Reduce circulating levels of TNF-α and SAA, increase protein levels of TJs, and decrease phosphorylation levels of Elk-1

[119]

Composite Sophora Colon-Soluble Capsule

Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, Indigo Naturalis, Bletilla striata, Radix Sanguisorbae, and Licorice Root

DSS-induced UC mice

Restore gut microbiota, restore gut immune balance, reduce Th17 cell numbers, and increase the percentage of Treg cells

[120]

Banxia Xiexin Decoction

Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix, Jujubae Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix

TNBS-induced UC rats

Anti-inflammatory

[121]

Ganjiang Decoction

Zingiberis Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Sanguisorbae Radix, Granati Pericarpium, and Asini Corii Colla

DSS-induced UC mice

Improve DAI score, colon length, relative spleen weight, pathological analysis results, and inflammatory factors

[122]