Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in gastrointestinal tract, which is often accompanied by gut dysbiosis and epithelial disruption. IBD exposes gut epithelial cells to excess oxidative stress and opportunistic pathogens, increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer [1,2], which is the third leading cause of cancer death among all cancer types [3]. Beneficial dietary factors, particularly polyphenol-enriched food, show great potential in preventing the development of IBD, primarily through suppressing the inflammatory response and restoring dysbiosis and gut barrier function [4], [5], [6].

Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of mitochondria in maintaining gut health. The differentiation and function of epithelial cells require vast amounts of energy that are met by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and therefore, these cells have a high density of mitochondria [7]. In IBD, the mitochondrial function in the gut epithelial is impaired, which leads to energy deficiency and exacerbated inflammation [8]. Patients with active IBD exhibit mitochondrial damage [9]. Meanwhile, mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (MT-UPRs), a mitochondrial quality control process [10], are activated in intestinal epithelial cells in experimental colitis and IBD patients [11]. Mitochondrial biogenesis, crucial for maintaining mitochondria density, is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) [12], which also plays a critical role in protecting against experimental murine colitis by restoring mitochondrial integrity [13].

Purple potato (PP) is a rich source of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and phenolic acids [14]. In in vitro studies, PP extract shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities [15], and promotes the differentiation and barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells [16]. PP extract also promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and OXPHOS in intestinal epithelial cells through activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/PGC-1α pathways [17]. In a murine IBD model with chemical-induced colitis, dietary PP supplementation suppresses pro-inflammatory response and restores barrier function [18]. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of PP against IBD in vivo remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary PP supplementation against IBD, with a particular focus on the roles of mitochondria.