**4. Conclusions**

In RAW 264.7 macrophages, BG-4 reduced the production of pro-inflammatory molecules NO, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as the expression of COX-2 and iNOS. On the other hand, in DSS-induced colitis mouse model intraperitoneal administration of BG-4 led to diarrhea, blood in stool and loss in weight. Our results demonstrated that IP administration of BG-4 in DSS-induced colitis mouse model led to a worsened outcome of the disease, in contrast to the reduction of the pro-inflammatory markers observed in vitro. BG-4 dose and route of administration must be further studied to realize the role of BG-4 in ameliorating IBD.

**Author Contributions:** A.N.-V.: performance of in vitro and in vivo analysis, and writing of the manuscript, Z.W.: performance of in vivo analysis, Q.Z.: Revision and editing of the manuscript, H.B.K.: Extraction of BG-4, and V.P.D.: Study design, guidance in the in vitro and in vivo experiments, and final editing and revision of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This work was partially supported by HATCH 1010230 to V.P.D. and Hatch Project TEN00487 to Q.Z. PhD for A.N.-V. is partially supported by COLCIENCIAS-FULBRIGHT cohort 2017.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
