Anti-inflammatory and tight junction protective activity of the herbal preparation STW 5-II on mouse intestinal organoids

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder, in which recurrent abdominal pain is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. STW 5-II is a combination of six medicinal herbs with a clinically proven efficacy in managing IBS. Aim This study aims to establish an in vitro IBS model using mouse intestinal organoids and to explore the anti-inflammatory and tight junction protective activities of the multi-herbal preparation STW 5-II. Methods Intestinal organoids were cultured in 1:1 Matrigel™ and medium domes. Inflammation and tight junction disruption were induced by a cocktail of cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-6) and bacterial proteins (LPS,…