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Journal of Gastroenterology
Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology 9/2016

01-09-2016 | Review

Indole compounds may be promising medicines for ulcerative colitis

Authors: Shinya Sugimoto, Makoto Naganuma, Takanori Kanai

Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology | Issue 9/2016

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Abstract

Indole compounds are extracted from indigo plants and have been used as blue or purple dyes for hundreds of years. In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal agents in combination with Qing-Dai (also known as indigo naturalis) have been used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to remedy inflammatory conditions. Recent studies have noted that indole compounds can be biosynthesized from tryptophan metabolites produced by various enzymes derived from intestinal microbiota. In addition to their action on indole compounds, the intestinal microbiota produce various tryptophan metabolites that mediate critical functions through distinct pathways and enzymes. Furthermore, some indole compounds, such as indigo and indirubin, act as ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. This signaling pathway stimulates mucosal type 3 innate lymphoid cells to produce interleukin-22, which induces antimicrobial peptide and tight junction molecule production, suggesting a role for indole compounds during the mucosal healing process. Thus, indole compounds may represent a novel treatment strategy for UC patients. In this review, we describe the origin and function of this indole compound-containing Chinese herb, as well as the drug development of indole compounds.
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Metadata
Title
Indole compounds may be promising medicines for ulcerative colitis
Authors
Shinya Sugimoto
Makoto Naganuma
Takanori Kanai
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Journal of Gastroenterology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0944-1174
Electronic ISSN: 1435-5922
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-016-1220-2

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