In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and In Vivo Intestinal Barrier Regulation by <i>Commiphora leptophloeos</i> Bark Extract in 5‐Fluorouracil–Induced Mucositis

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and in vivo protective effects of the hydroethanolic extract from Commiphora leptophloeos stem bark (HECL) against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis. Despite the extensive traditional use of C. leptophloeos in gastrointestinal disorders, its stem bark extract has not yet been chemically characterized nor systematically investigated in experimental models of chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury. Phytochemical analysis by mass spectrometry identified 21 metabolites, mainly procyanidins and flavonoids. Antimicrobial screening against 90 bacterial strains showed selective inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria at 40-80 µg/mL. In vivo, mucositis was induced in female Swiss mice with 5-FU (450 mg/kg, i.p.). Treatment with HECL (10 mg/kg) significantly preserved villus and crypt architecture (p < 0.05) and reduced IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). HECL also increased MUC-2 expression (p < 0.05), while maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, as indicated by occludin immunostaining. Additionally, the extract modulated oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and acetylcholinesterase activity. Overall, HECL demonstrated bioactive potential with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and protective effects against chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury, supporting its role as a therapeutic adjuvant in intestinal disorders.