Mulberry Root Research Articles

Systematic analysis on chemical constituents of Mori Cortex, mulberry root bark and its phellem layer based on HPLC-ESI-MS

In this study, HPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC methods were established to explore the differences in the main chemical components and content of Mori Cortex with(mulberry root bark) and without(Mori Cortex) the phellem layer from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The HPLC-ESI-MS method was used for quality analysis in positive and negative ion modes, and 33 compounds were identified in mulberry root bark, 22 compounds in Mori Cortex, and 26 compounds in phellem layer; mulberry root bark and Mori Cortex shared 22 components, and mulberry root bark has 11 unique compounds; Mori Cortex and its phellem layer shared 15 components, while Mori Cortex has 7 unique compounds. HPLC method was used to simultaneously determine 7 major constituents, including mulberroside A, chlorogenic acid, dihydromorin, oxyresveratrol, moracin O, kuwanon G, and kuwanon H, and the developed method showed good linearity(r>0.998 9) within the concentration range and the recoveries varied from 99.88% to 103.0%, and the RSD was 1.7%-2.9%. The HPLC results showed that the contents of the 7 compounds have great differences in 13 batches samples, compared with mulberry root bark, the contents of mulberroside A, chlorogenic acid, dihydromorin and moracin O of Mori Cortex were increased, while the contents of oxyresveratrol, kuwanon G and kuwanon H were decreased after peeling process. These results can provide a basis for the rationality and quality control of Mori Cortex required to remove the phellem layer.

The sexual dimorphism displayed by the roots of mulberry (Morus alba) saplings depends on the sex of the neighboring plants

Abstract Aims Dioecious plants present sexual dimorphism, but how the root traits and nutrient uptake of female and male plants in dioecious species response to the sexual identity change of the neighbor plants are poorly understood. Methods Mulberry (Morus alba L.), a dioecious plant widely distributed in China, was employed in our study. Male and female plants were grown with neighbors of the same and opposite sex for 3 months. At harvest, the root anatomy, root morphology, nutrient concentrations and biomass accumulation were measured. Important Findings When grown with the opposite sex, the males showed decreases in root xylem size, biomass of root and stem and increases in root N, P and K concentrations compared with grown with the same sex. By contrast, females showed significant increases in xylem size, fine root system (e.g. fine root length, root surface area and root volume), root carbon isotope composition (δ 13C) and root N, P and K concentrations. The changes in the δ 13C and N, P and K concentrations in male and female plants were associated with the changes of root traits. These results demonstrated that the sexual identity of the neighboring plants affected root anatomy and morphology of female and male mulberry plants. Meanwhile, the responses of female and male plants to the sex change of the neighboring plants showed sexual dimorphism, which influenced water-use efficiency and resource acquisition. These findings are important for understanding the population dynamics of other dioecious species in forestry and natural systems.

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii Strain KQ-01, Isolated from Bacterial Wilt-Resistant Mulberry Cultivar YS283.

An Enterobacter roggenkampii strain, named KQ-01, was isolated for the first time from the diseased roots of the bacterial wilt-resistant mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) cultivar YS283 in the western part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. E. roggenkampii KQ-01 was characterized by a single, circular chromosome of 4,667,006 bp in size, with a 56.16% GC content. In total, 4,396 genes were annotated, of which 4,281 were assigned as protein-coding genes. In addition, 25 ribosomal RNA, 84 transfer RNA, and 6 noncoding RNA genes as well as 34 pseudogenes were predicted. The resource herein presented will help to explore the pathogenetic mechanisms of mulberry wilt disease caused by genus Enterobacter.

Improvement of stilbene production by mulberry Morus alba root culture via precursor feeding and co-elicitation.

Large amounts of Morus alba L. (MA) roots are needed as the source of active stilbenes in the industrial production of traditional medicines and cosmeceuticals. A recent investigation demonstrated resveratrol and its derivatives to be promising anti-COVID-19 agents. However, conventional cultivation of MA does not meet the demand for its stilbenes, and root quality usually varies between crops. This study established the in vitro non-GMO root culture of MA and optimized the root density, precursor feeding, and elicitors for stilbene productivity. A root culture with optimal inoculum density (3 g/flask of 30 mL medium) accumulated mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol, and resveratrol at 18.7 ± 1.00 mg/g, 136 ± 5.05 µg/g, and 41.6 ± 5.84 µg/g dry weight (DW), respectively. The feeding of L-tyrosine shortened the time required to reach the stilbene productive stage. Root cultures co-treated with 200 µM methyl jasmonate and 2 mg/mL yeast extract accumulated the highest contents of mulberroside A (30.3 ± 2.68 mg/g DW), oxyresveratrol (68.6 ± 3.53 µg/g DW), and resveratrol (10.2 ± 0.53 µg/g DW). In summary, root culture is a promising and sustainable source of stilbenes for the development of health products and agents for further investigation as potential anti-COVID-19 agents.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00449-020-02474-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) response to cadmium stress

Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) is an economically important woody tree and has great potential for the remediation of heavy metals. To investigate how cadmium accumulates and its detoxification in mulberry, we assessed the physiological and transcriptomic effects of cadmium contamination and as well as its chemical forms and subcellular distribution. Cadmium significantly inhibited mulberry plant growth and primarily accumulated in mulberry roots. Antioxidant enzymes were induced by cadmium in all tissues of mulberry. Subcellular fractionation analyses of cadmium indicated that the majority was compartmentalized in soluble fraction in roots while it mainly located in cell wall in leaves and stems. The greatest amount of the cadmium was integrated with proteins and pectates in all mulberry tissues. RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses of mulberry roots revealed that various metabolic pathways involved in cadmium stress response such as RNA regulation, hormone metabolism, and response to stress, secondary metabolism, as well as signaling, protein metabolism, transport, and cell-wall metabolism. These results will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cadmium detoxification in mulberry and provide new insights into engineering woody plants for phytoremediation.

Accumulation of Cd by three forage mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) cultivars in heavy metal-polluted farmland: a field experiment.

A 3-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the accumulation ability of 3 forage mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) varieties (Guisangyou 62, Guisangyou 12, Yuesang 11) for Cadmium (Cd). The results showed that the shoot biomass of forage mulberry could reach to 64.51~69.58 t/ha in 2018. The total production of Guisangyou 12 was the highest among the tested 3 cultivars in each year. However, the biomass of the 3 varieties displayed without significant differences at every sampling time. In addition, the concentrations of Cd in the roots of the 3 mulberry cultivars were higher than those in the corresponding shoots in 2018. But in 2019, the Cd content in roots was near to that of shoots. The Cd concentrations in the roots of the forage mulberry showed Guisangyou 62 > Yuesang 11 > Guisangyou 12. And the Cd concentrations in shoots of all the 3 tested forage mulberry varieties were less than 1 mg/kg, meeting the hygienical standard for feeds (China). Though the 3 forage mulberry varieties were not hyperaccumulators for Cd, they could be used as alternative plants to make use of the Cd-polluted (< 1.0 mg/kg) paddy soils.

Application of an Endophyte Enterobacter sp. TMX13 to Reduce Thiamethoxam Residues and Stress in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica chinensis L).

A strain of thiamethoxam-degrading endophyte, named TMX13, was isolated from roots of mulberry (Morus alba L.) and was identified as Enterobacter sp. Inoculating Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L) with strain TMX13-gfp (gfp-labeled TMX13) could significantly reduce thiamethoxam residues in the aboveground part (edible portion) of the vegetable. The theoretical daily intake (TDI) of thiamethoxam via consumption of TMX13-gfp inoculated Chinese cabbage was 0.17 μg/kg body weight per day, far less than the prescribed acceptable daily intake (ADI) for this pesticide. TMX13-gfp colonization could increase the leaf chlorophyll content and plant biomass and promote the development of plant roots. Compared with the uninoculated treatment, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in leaves of the TMX13-gfp inoculated plants decreased by 18.4%-60.2%, suggesting that TMX13-gfp colonization could alleviate the oxidative stress induced by thiamethoxam exposure. The total amounts of organic acids and amino acids in root exudates from the TMX13-gfp inoculated Chinese cabbage decreased by 9.2% and 85.2%, respectively. Results of this study lead to the conclusion that the isolated endophyte Enterobacter sp. TMX13 could reduce thiamethoxam residues in edible vegetables, promote plant growth, and alleviate the phytotoxic effects induced by thiamethoxam exposure.

Hairy root culture of white mulberry (&lt;i&gt;Morus alba&lt;/i&gt; L.) for a source of tyrosinase inhibitors

White mulberry (Morus alba L.) root was reported to contain potential tyrosinase inhibitors such as norartocarpetin, streppogenin, oxyresveratrol (5, 7, 2′, 4′-tetrahydroxy-flavavone) and 2-arylbenzofuran. This study aims at investigating Morus alba L. hairy root culture to create a source of tyrosinase inhibitors for skin-whitening application. Morus alba L. leaf (including mesophyll and petiole) and stem explants were randomly wounded and inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834 in 10-40 minutes, and coculturing for 4 days. After inoculation, Agrobacterium rhizogenes were removed by using MS medium adding 200mg/L cefotaxime as antibiotics. Then, fresh inducted hairy roots were grown in nonphytohormone liquid medium (MS, White, Gamborg B5 or WPM) on a shaker (80rpm) at 25 ±1°C. Inducted hairy roots were tested for the present of rolB by PCR analysis and its effect on tyrosinase activity using a 96-well plate reader. The suitable explants for hairy root induction are leaves, especially petioles in 10 minutes (root induction frequency: 83%). After induction, hairy roots on MS was grown more efficiently (increased 3.933 times in FW) than on WPM, B5 and White medium. Inducted hairy roots were successfully transgenes by the present of rolB in their genome and had the same anti-tyrosinase activity as the natural roots without significance differences (IC50: 3.860 and 3.597 μg/mL, respectively). Cultured Morus alba L. hairy roots are potential source of tyrosinase inhibitors for future skin-whitening ingredient.

Molecular identification of fungi associated with mulberry root rot disease in Eastern and North Eastern India

Molecular identification of fungi associated with mulberry root rot disease in Eastern and North Eastern India

Multiple In vitro biological effects of phenolic compounds from Morus alba root bark.

Morus alba L. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including bacterial infections and inflammation. As a rich source of phenolic compounds, the plant is an object of many phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The aim of the study was to isolate and evaluate possible parallel antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of phenolic mulberry compounds. Extensive chromatographic separation of mulberry root bark extract and in vitro biological screening of 26 constituents identified promising candidates for further pharmacological research. Selected compounds were screened for anti-infective and anti-inflammatory activities. Antiviral activity was determined by the plaque number reduction assay and by the titer reduction assay, antibacterial using broth microdilution method, and anti-inflammatory activity using COX Colorimetric inhibitor screening assay kit. One compound was evaluated in vivo in carrageenan-induced paw-edema in mice. Five prenylated compounds 1, 2, 8, 9, and 11, together with a simple phenolic ester 13, exhibited inhibitory activity against the replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), with IC50 values ranging from 0.64 to 1.93 μg/mL, and EC50 values 0.93 and 1.61 μg/mL. Molecular docking studies demonstrated the effects of the active compounds by targeting HSV-1 DNA polymerase and HSV-2 protease. In antibacterial assay, compounds 1, 4, 11, and 17 diminished the growth of all of the Gram-positive strains tested, with MIC values of 1-16 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory ability of several compounds to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) was tested in vitro, and compound 16 displayed greater activity than the indomethacin, positive control. Mulberrofuran B (11) showed anti-inflammatory activity in vivo against carrageenan-induced paw-edema in mice. Experimental investigation showed promising antiviral, antibacterial, and/or anti-inflammatory activities of the phenolic mulberry constituents, often with multiple inhibitory effects that might be used as a potential source of new medicine.

Sanggenon D from root bark of mulberry inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus by moderating the fatty acid biosynthesis system

Mulberry trees are an important crop widely cultivated in the Americas, Eurasia and Africa. Various prenylated flavonoids with different bioactivities have been identified in mulberry root bark. The objective of this study was to investigate antibacterial properties of several prenylated flavonoids from mulberry root bark and elucidate their mechanism(s) of action toward bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and time-dependent inhibiting curves of bacteria treated with mulberry root bark prenylated flavonoids were applied to identify bacteriostatic effects. Antibacterial effects were observed toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the strongest effect was of sanggenon D toward Staphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe structural changes of Staphylococcus aureus cells, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to investigate the fatty acid components in cells, and assessment by quantitative real-time PCR was applied to elucidate changes in expression of fatty acid biosynthesis enzyme system-associated genes on sanggenon D treatment. The mechanism of the anti- Staphylococcus aureus activity of sanggenon D involves downregulation of expression of fatty acid biosynthesis enzyme-encoding genes, which may in turn affect biosynthesis of the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane. Collectively, our results reveal that sanggenon D from mulberry root bark shows a potent antibacterial effect.

A PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN VITRO SKIN PENETRATION OF MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT NANOEMULSION

Objective: White mulberry (Morus alba) root extract has terpenoid, flavonoid, and stilbene compounds. The stilbenes, oxyresveratrol and resveratrol, have antioxidant and antityrosinase activities. Nanocarriers can help active ingredients to be delivered in a more efficient manner. The advantages of nanoemulsion on products include increased penetration, biocompatibility, and low toxicity due to its non-ionic properties and have the ability to combine the properties of lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients. The objective of this study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro skin penetration of M. alba root extract nanoemulsion.&#x0D; Methods: The M. alba root extract was prepared by ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted extraction method. Nanoemulsion was optimized and prepared using virgin coconut oil (VCO), Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) by aqueous phase-titration method to construct pseudoternary phase diagram. M. alba root extract nanoemulsion was characterized for droplet size, viscosity, zeta potential, and physical stability tests for 12 weeks. In vitro skin penetration of oxyresveratrol from nanoemulsion was determined by the Franz diffusion cell and was compared by macroemulsion preparation, then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography method.&#x0D; Results: Based on pseudoternary phase diagram, nanoemulsion of white mulberry root extract contained of 2% VCO and 18% mixture of surfactant Tween 80 and PEG 400 (1:1) was chosen. Nanoemulsion has average globule size of 81.61 nm, with polydispersity index 0.22, and potential zeta −1.56 mV. The cumulative penetration of oxyresveratrol from nanoemulsion was 55.86 μg/cm2 with flux of 6.53 μg/cm2/h, while regular emulsion was 32.45 μg/cm2 with flux of 3.5501 μg/cm2/h.&#x0D; Conclusion: Nanoemulsion of white mulberry root extract was penetrated deeper than regular emulsion.

Optimization of Urea-Glycerin Based NADES-UAE for Oxyresveratrol Extraction from Morus alba Roots for Preparation of Skin Whitening Lotion

: Objective: The oxyresveratrol, polyphenol from Morus alba (Mulberry) roots has been known to have potential skin whitening activities. The application of urea-glycerin-based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (NADES-UAE) method was successful on extraction of polyphenols from plant material. The purpose of this research was to get optimum extraction conditions to enhance oxyresveratrol content and get the best lotion formula based on physical properties evaluation. Methods: The roots were extracted with urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method. The NADES-UAE method was employed to determine the optimal extraction condition for two parameters: the molar ratio of urea: glycerin and ultrasonic irradiation time. Oxyresveratrol concentration of the extracts was analyzed with HPLC. Morus alba roots extract was formulated into three formulas of lotion preparation and evaluated based on their physical properties. Results: The optimized conditions for the highest oxyresveratrol concentration from Morus alba roots extract were the molar ratio of urea-glycerin (1:3) and ultrasonic irradiation time as 15 mins. It showed that urea-glycerin UAE method produced Morus alba roots extract with higher oxyresveratrol content than conventional method. Based on physical evaluation from three lotion formulas, formula A was chosen as best formula. Conclusion: This urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method was suitable as a green alternative method for the extraction of oxyresveratrol from Morus alba roots because cheaper, faster and easier than conventional extraction method. The lotion preparation which has good physical properties can be applied as a skin whitening cosmetic.Key words: Natural deep eutectic solvent, Ultrasonic assisted extraction, Urea, Glycerin, Oxyresveratrol, Morus alba, Roots extract, Skin whitening.

First report of molecular characterisation of Fusarium proliferatum associated with root rot disease of Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalis How.) in Viet Nam

Root rot is the most serious disease affecting Indian mulberry in Viet Nam. The objective of the present study was to confirm the identities and pathogenicity of species of Fusarium isolated from the roots of Indian mulberry. Based on pathogenicity assays, F. proliferatum was shown to be the pathogenic agent. The identity of F. proliferatum was confirmed by PCR and phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the ITS region and the TEF1-α gene. Of four semi-solid media (CA, PDA, CDA and YMA) tested, PDA was the most suitable medium for the growth of F. proliferatum. The optimal temperature range for the growth of F. proliferatum was 20–30 °C with a maximum at growth rate at 25 °C. The optimum pH for growth ranged from pH5.0–6.0 with maximum growth at 5.5. This is the first report of F. proliferatum causing root rot of Indian mulberry in Viet Nam.

Chemical characterization of the main bioactive polyphenols from the roots of Morus australis (mulberry).

Morus species, commonly known as mulberry, is widely distributed in China. The mulberry tree is a high-value plant in agriculture. Morus australis is one of the major Morus species growing in Northern China. However, the biological properties of the main constituents of M. australis roots were not well studied. In the present study, through extensive chromatographic and spectral analysis, 12 phenolic compounds were isolated and identified from the M. australis roots. Compounds 1, 2, 8, 9 and 12 were isolated from M. australis roots for the first time. Antitumor activities of these polyphenols were studied on the A549 cell line. Compounds 1, 5 and 6 exhibited cytotoxicity on A549 cells and induced apoptosis in A549 cells via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. They also mediated inhibition of autophagic flux contributed cell death via the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway. In order to explore more potential bioactivities of these isolates, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were studied, and the results demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of these polyphenols on enzymes was not defined by their basic structural skeletons, but by the substituted position.

IN VIVO ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIER-BASED GEL OF MULBERRY ROOT EXTRACT AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the in vivo anti-ultraviolet (UV) activity of nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) of mulberry extract on six NewZealand rabbits.Methods: Mulberry roots were treated with 96% ethanol using a maceration-ultrasonication method, and the extract was transformed into NLCsusing the solvent evaporation method. The NLC was characterized for particle size and polydispersity index and zeta potential. The morphology ofnanoparticles was examined using transmission electron microscope and subsequently in the NLC-based gel preparation. The gel was evaluated in vivofor anti-UV activity on male rabbits in three treatment groups: Positive control, sample gel, and negative control (exposed to UV light for 6 h). Theanti-UV activity was scored as a skin erythema response using Dermalab®, and the results were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitneymethods.Results: The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the NLC were quantified as 203.2 nm, 0.264, and −38.7 mV, respectively. Theviscosity of the gel was 42,500 cps, with pseudoplastic thixotropic flow properties including the spreading ability, particle size 5156.81 mm, andpH 5.92, respectively. The anti-UV activity was determined as 0.22, 1.44, and 2.22 for the positive control, NLC-based gel, and negative control groups,respectively.Conclusion: The anti-UV activity of NLC-based gel of mulberry root extract was very small on areas where erythema had formed and differedsignificantly between the positive and negative control groups (p&lt;0.05).

Characterization and correlation of pathogenicity of Botryodiplodia theobromae isolates, the causal agent of black root rot of mulberry (Morus spp.)

The study reports the characterization of 10 isolates of mulberry black root rot causing fungus, Botryodiplodia theobromae obtained from the infected gardens of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The analysis based on cultural, morphological, pathogenicity and molecular markers (RAPD and SSRs) revealed significant variations among the isolates. Based on the disease reaction on susceptible V-1 variety, isolates were grouped as pathogenic (60%), moderate pathogenic (20%) and non-pathogenic (20%). Among all isolates, RAPDs revealed higher marker polymorphism however, based on Shannon’s Information Index (I) SSRs were more informative (0.781) compared to the former (0.444). Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) indicated a total of 5, 5 and 3 molecular markers were found to correlate with disease symptoms. Screening of germplasm using multiple strains of virulent isolates will enhance possibilities of locating diverse resistant genes. Pyramiding of these genes will aid in development of mulberry variety with durable resistance and sustainable sericulture.

Anti-inflammatory effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark and its active compounds

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark (MRB) was extracted using methanol and the extracts were subjected to tests of anti-inflammatory effects. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory effects. Purified compounds, sanggenon B, albanol B and sanggenon D, showed inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and albanol B demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory effects. Regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms, further investigations showed that treatments with Albanol B reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These results would contribute to development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs from MRB.

The composition and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in karst soils and roots collected from mulberry of different ages

ABSTRACT: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been attracted more scientific attentions due to its critical role in enhancement of drought tolerance of plants for growth and vegetation restoration in karst fragile ecosystem. However, scientists know little about the AMF composition and diversity occurring in root systems of mulberry (Morus sp.), and in karst habitats which return land use from mulberry forestry, as well as the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities. To understand: (1) the AMF community composition and diversity at different stage of returning cropland to forest; and (2) the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities, soil and mulberry root samples were collected from Bijie and Libo sites, China, which experienced one and ten years, respectively, after returning croplands to forest. With the high throughput 454-sequencing technology, 8 known genera including 83 virtual species were distinguished and the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Archaeospora and Diversispora were found to be dominant in soil and root sample. Compared to the samples in Libo, the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora and Claroideoglomus in root samples at Bijie site had a relatively abundance of species indicating that the returning cropland to forest is benefit to the AMF diversity and abundance, which was attribute to the variation of soil physiochemical properties. This conclusion is of great significance for guiding the return of farmland to forests.

Effect of Morus alba root bark extract on gene-level expression of inflammatory markers in rats subjected to ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis- influence of heat shock protein 70.

Background Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a persistent inflammation of the pancreas clinically presented with severe abdominal pain, progressive fibrosis, and loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. Inflammasomes, cytosolic multiprotein complexes which regulate the formation of proinflammatory cytokines, are influenced by various factors including heat shock proteins (HSPs). Morus alba L., or white mulberry root bark is a valued traditional Asian medicine with a diverse array of phytochemicals. The aim of this investigation was to define the modulatory action of methanolic extract of Morus alba root bark (MEMARB) on NLRP3 inflammasome, and HSPs in pancreas subjected to inflammatory insult. Methods Pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by ethanol (0-36%) and cerulein (20 µg/kg b.wt., i.p.) for 5 weeks with or without MEMARB administration. Serum lipase/amylase (L/A) ratio, oxidative stress index (OSI) and reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in the pancreas were evaluated. Levels of serum HSP70 was quantified by ELISA. NF-kappa B, NLRP3-ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and HSP70 gene expression was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results L/A ratio and oxidative stress determined in terms of OSI and GSH/GSSG ratio were elevated in pancreatitis-induced rats. The levels were restored in MEMARB co-administered animals. Serum level of HSP70 was increased in pancreatitis-induced animals and dropped significantly in MEMARB co-administrated rats. Pancreatitis-induced group showed increased expression of NF-kappa B, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, NLRP3-ASC and HSP70 mRNA than in MEMARB treated group. Conclusions It can be concluded that the M. alba root extract modulates the expression of HSP70 and NLRP3-ASC which might be attributed to its pancreato-protective effect.