Abstract:Objective To analyze the effects of mesalazine enteric-coated tablets combined with Yinchenhao Decoction on oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) with dampness-heat syndrome.Methods The medical records of 87 patients with CUC with dampness-heat syndrome at Baoji Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2022 to May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into the observation group (45 cases) and the control group (42 cases) by the random number table method. The control group was treated with mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, while the observation group received additional treatment with Yinchenhao Decoction based on the same regimen as the control group. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier function, clinical efficacy, oxidative stress response and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The differences in the main syndrome scores, secondary syndrome scores and total TCM syndrome scores before and after treatment in the observation group were all greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The differences in interleukin-4 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and tumor necrosis factor-β levels before and after treatment in the observation group were all greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The differences in levels of endotoxin, diamine oxidase and D-lactic acid before and after treatment in the observation group were all greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The overall effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The differences in levels of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde before and after treatment in the observation group were greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall effective rate between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion The combination of mesalazine enteric-coated tablets and Yinchenhao Decoction demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in patients with CUC with dampness-heat syndrome. It effectively improves intestinal barrier function, reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and is safe and well-tolerated.