Myrtus communisleaf extract protects against cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis in rats

Abstract

In this study, the aim was to examine the potential protective effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis leaf ethanol extract (MC) treatment against acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats. Thirty‐two rats were grouped as the saline‐pretreated control (C), MC‐pretreated control (MC), saline‐pretreated AP (AP), and MC‐pretreated AP (MC + AP) groups. To induce AP, cerulein was administered (50 µg/kg) two times. The rats were given MC for 14 days before cerulein injection. Six hours after the final cerulein injection, the rats were sacrificed. Pancreatic damage was associated with an increase in the serum activity of lipase and amylase, the pancreatic activity of myeloperoxidase, and the pancreatic level of malondialdehyde, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6. AP also led to a decrease in the pancreatic level of anti‐inflammatory interleukin‐10 and glutathione. Pretreatment with MC before the induction of AP significantly reduced the pancreatic damage observed during the histological examination as well as reversed the biochemical changes evoked by AP. Practical applications Acute pancreatitis is characterized by high mortality (average about 5%; severe cases may reach about 30%). The current treatment for acute pancreatitis is mainly symptomatic. The introduction of herbal drugs may lead to the development of a new strategy in the treatment of this disease. This study revealed that MC reduced pancreatic injury by decreasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines, increasing antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10. To the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first report showing that MC inhibits the development of AP. This observation suggests that MC may be useful in the prevention and the treatment of AP in clinical settings.

Effects of <i>Myrtus communis</i> L. Extract and Apocynin on Lens Oxidative Damage and Boron Levels in Rats with a High Fat-Diet

“…Various studies have shown that M. communis has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. 39,40,41 In the literature, studies showing the effect of M. communis on lens antioxidant status are limited. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, M. communis extract was shown to increase lens GSH (p<0.05) and MDA levels (p<0.05).…”

A review of the biological effects ofMyrtus communis

“…Also, pancreatic ROS release was decreased by Myrtle treatment. The results indicate helpful treatment to protect the pancreas (Ozbeyli et al, 2020 ).…”

Prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin administration protected against severe acute pancreatitis partially by VEGF/Flt-1 signaling in a rat model

“…It was reported that Myrtus communis leaf extract could exert protective effect acute pancreatitis. 27 Furthermore, urocortin 2 attenuated severity of an experimental pancreatitis model. 28 Although studies have assessed the value of antibiotics treatment for acute pancreatitis, the outcomes were controversial.…”