Mori Folium regulates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice and cytokine production in mast cells

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by detrimental immune reactivity in the gut, and the imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactivity. The incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in Korea have been increasing rapidly during the past decades. In this study, we investigated regulatory effect of leaf of a mulberry tree (Moraceae) called Gwasang-No.2 in Korea. Leaf of Gwasang-No.2 (Gwa.L) inhibited the inflammatory responses on dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice and the production of nitrite oxide from lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Gwa.L inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 production from HMC-1 cells without cytotoxic effects on cell viability. These results may be relevant for future pharmacological or dietary interventions in patients with ulcerative colitis.