Anti-inflammatory effects of Cheongilppong on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

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 tried to find the new effect of fruits and branches of mulberry tree called Cheongilppong in Korea (belongs to Morus alba, Moraceae). The previous studies revealed mulberry fruits and branches had anti-oxidative effect and anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, the fruits and branch of Cheongilppong 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. These results may be relevant for future pharmacological or dietary interventions in patients with ulcerative colitis.