Melittin inhibits cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis via inhibition of the JNK pathway

► Pre- and Post- treatment of melittin reduced the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and lung injury associated with AP. ► Melittin inhibited the digestive enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. ► Melittin also inhibited the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK). ► These data suggest that melittin, the major compound of bee venom, has a beneficial role against AP.