MAPK8 and colitis: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that XSQ could remodel gut microbiota imbalances and promote short-chain fatty acid production and the expression of GPR41/43/109A mRNA gene, regulate the secretion of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10, inhibit the activation of MAPK/ERK/JNK pathway, and increase the expression of tight junction proteins E-cadherin, Occludin, and Claudin-1, thereby restores the intestinal barrier function to alleviate the symptoms of colitis.