Mulberry Leaf ( Morus Alba L.) Benefits the Intestinal Health Via Direct Anti-Oxidation and Indirect Modulation of Microbiota in Weanling Pigs

Abstract

Diarrhea commonly occurs in young mammals, and still a major economic loss in livestock production and human health. In this study, the protective effect of mulberry leaf on intestinal health was investigated in 160 weanling pigs and in vitro of porcine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). The inclusion of 1% to 3% mulberry leaf powder (MLP) in diet improved intestinal health and decreased diarrhea incidence without the additional weight loss by 5% MLP. Oxidative stress occurs during the progression of intestinal disease and MLP exhibited the robust anti-oxidative capacity in serum and mucosa to improve intestinal health. Importantly, we provided the mechanisms that mulberry leaf extracts directly ameliorated H2O2 induced oxidative stress and cell damage via the reduction of ROS levels and the activation of Nrf2-Keap1 signalling pathway in IPEC-J2 cells. We also identified some favorable bacteria, which indirectly benefit the intestinal health via producing more SCFAs and enhancing anti-oxidative capacity.

Keywords: Mulberry leaf, Anti-oxidation, Intestinal health, Gut microbiota, Weanling pigs