Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity of mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark

Abstract

BackgroundRoot bark of mulberry (Morus alba L.) has been used in herbal medicine as anti-phlogistic, liver protective, kidney protective, hypotensive, diuretic, anti-cough and analgesic agent. However, the anti-cancer activity and the potential anti-cancer mechanisms of mulberry root bark have not been elucidated. We performed in vitro study to investigate whether mulberry root bark extract (MRBE) shows anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.MethodsIn anti-inflammatory activity, NO was measured using the griess method. iNOS and proteins regulating NF-κB and ERK1/2 signaling were analyzed by Western blot. In anti-cancer activity, cell growth was measured by MTT assay. Cleaved PARP, ATF3 and cyclin D1 were analyzed by Western blot.ResultsIn anti-inflammatory effect, MRBE blocked NO production via suppressing iNOS over-expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, MRBE inhibited NF-κB activation through p65 nuclear translocation via blocking IκB-α degradation and ERK1/2 activation via its hyper-phosphorylation. In anti-cancer activity, MRBE deos-dependently induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells, SW480. MRBE treatment to SW480 cells activated ATF3 expression and down-regulated cyclin D1 level. We also observed that MRBE-induced ATF3 expression was dependent on ROS and GSK3β. Moreover, MRBE-induced cyclin D1 down-regulation was mediated from cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation, which was dependent on ROS.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that mulberry root bark exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.

Genetic diversity among mulberry genotypes from seven countries

“…In the last decade, many studies showed that Morus has relatively significant effects on chronic diseases, like diabetes, and the nervous system (Yadav and Nade 2007;Yadav et al 2008;Nakamura et al 2009). Additionally, mulberry has both the anticancer and the anti-inflammatory properties, which act through different pathways (Kollar et al 2013;Eo et al 2014;Kwon et al 2015;Qian et al 2015). Some reports have demonstrated the leaf's role in ameliorating obesity-induced reactions, increasing bone density and antiplatelet activity (Ann et al 2015;Sungkamanee et al 2014;Kim et al 2014).…”

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of DW1029M, a Botanical Drug for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy, Following Single Doses in Healthy Subjects

“…DW1029M, a mixed botanical extract of Morus alba linne root bark and Puerariae radix , is extracted by Dongwha Pharmaceutical for the treatment of DN. Morus alba linne root bark has already been used safely in traditional medicinal herbs for its effects as an antiphlogistic, liver‐protective, hypotensive, anticancer, kidney‐protective, anticough, and analgesic agent . Puerariae radix has been used to treat diarrhea, acute dysentery, deafness, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases .…”

Phase 1 and Pharmacokinetic Drug–Drug Interaction Study of Metformin, Losartan, and Linagliptin Coadministered With DW1029M in Healthy Volunteers

“…Morus alba linne root bark has been used as a traditional medicine . The active constituents of Morus alba linne root bark include flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and coumarins, which have significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumorigenic activities . Clinical studies of Morus alba linne have found hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and cognitive‐enhancing effects .…”

“…11 The active constituents of Morus alba linne root bark include flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and coumarins, which have significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumorigenic activities. [12][13][14][15] Clinical studies of Morus alba linne have found hypoglycemic, 16,17 hypolipidemic, 18 and cognitive-enhancing effects. 19 Regarding Puerariae radix, there is evidence that constituents of Puerariae radix might yield protective effects against the common cold, influenza, shoulder stiffness, hypertension, and allergic disease.…”