Antioxidation and anti-inflammatory actions of the extract of Nitraria Tangutorum Bobr. fruits reduce the severity of ulcerative colitis in a dextran sulphate sodium-induced mice model

•25 compounds were characterized from the extracted of Nitraria Tangutorum Bobr. fruits by using UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS method.•All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in HepG-2 cells.•CE presented the highest phenolics, and has the best antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro.•CE reduced weight loss and the disease activity in DSS-induced UC mice.•CE inhibited the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.