The mechanism of action of lotus node charcoal carbon dots in improving ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology, primarily involving the colonic mucosa and submucosa, with the core pathological features being diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. Current Western medical treatments mainly include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, which are associated with significant side effects and a high risk of recurrence. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus node charcoal has been used for its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate symptoms such as hematochezia, abdominal pain, and tenesmus in UC. However, the material basis underlying these effects has not yet been elucidated, and the emergence of carbon dots offers a scientific explanation. Our work integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern nanotechnology, providing a scientific foundation for studying the material basis of the "hemostatic effect of charcoal-processed herbs" and offering a novel approach for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.