Mulberry Leaf Extracts prevent obesity-induced NAFLD with regulating adipocytokines, inflammation and oxidative stress

Chiung-Huei Peng ^a, Huei-Ting Lin ^b, Dai-Jung Chung ^b, Chien-Ning Huang ^c,d,**, Chau-Jong Wang ^b,e,*

^a Division of Basic Medical Science, Hungkuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung 43302, Taiwan

^b Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung-Shan Medical University, Number 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan

^c Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Number 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan

^d Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Number 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan

^e Department of Medical Research, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Number 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan

Mulberry (Morus alba) leaf has been used in Chinese medicine as the remedy for hyperlipidemia and metabolic disorders. Recent report indicated Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) attenuated dyslipidemia and lipid accumulation in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is generally considered as the liver component of metabolic syndrome. The hepatic lipid infiltration induces oxidative stress, and is associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) which are regulated by the leptin and adiponectin. MLE could prevent obesity-related NAFLD via downregulating the lipogenesis enzymes while upregulating the lipolysis markers. Treatment of MLE, especially at 2%, enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and clenched the oxidative stress of liver. MLE decreased the plasma level of leptin but increased adiponectin. The advantage of MLE is supposed mainly attributed to chlorogenic acid derivative. We suggest MLE, with promising outcome of research, could be nutraceutical to prevent obesity and related NAFLD.