Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) leaf protein hydrolysates ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis via integrated modulation of gut microbiota and immunity

•Mulberry leaf protein hydrolysates (MLPH) efficiently alleviated DSS-induced colitis.•Prevention and therapeutic intervention was more effective than therapeutic intervention.•MLPH reversed microbiota dysbiosis and increased colonization of SCFA-producing genera.•Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio are the key bacteria in MLPH group.•Dominant genera in MLPH group positively correlated with IBD prevention parameters.