In DSS-induced colitis, oral GELNs can target intestinal macrophages and intestinal stem cells (ISC), increase the survival and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and increase the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-22) and E-cadherin, thus restoring intestinal barrier dysfunction and homeostasis. Here, TNF is linked to colitis.