Anti-inflammatory and preventive activity of white mulberry root bark extract in an experimental model of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is characterized by highly morbid inflammation in the pancreas. Currently, there is no specific drug available for pancreatitis except supportive medicines. The present study assessed the pancreato-protective effect of Morus alba root bark extract by using alcohol and cerulein-induced model of pancreatitis. The study also investigated the phytochemical profile through GC-MS and HPLC. Methanolic extract of Morus alba root bark extract (MEMARB) was subjected to GC-MS and HPLC studies. Male albino Wistar rats were administered ethanol (0%–36%) and cerulein (20 μg/kg b.wt. i.p.) with or without MEMARB. Serum lipase, amylase, caspase-1, lipid peroxidation products, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants were determined. Histological changes in the pancreas were assessed. Cudraflavone B in MEMARB was quantified by HPLC. Significant amount of Cudraflavone B was detected by quantitative HPLC. Marked increase in the levels of serum amylase, lipase, caspase-1, IL-18 and IL-1β were observed in ethanol and cerulein administered rats than in MEMARB co-administered rats. In MEMARB co-administered rats, the antioxidant status was restored to near normal levels. Histological examinations showed that MEMARB significantly reduced the inflammatory and fibrotic changes. The results reveal the potent pancreato-protective effects of Morus alba root bark. The anti-inflammatory effect of Morus alba root bark extract might be due to the presence of various phytonutrients including Cudraflavone B.