Objective To investigate the effects of resveratrol (Res) on expression of serum inflammatory cytokines in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods SAP model was induced by intraductal administration of 5% taurocholic acid sodium salt. SD rats were then randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16), namely normal, model and Res group (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg). Drugs were administered via caudal vein 30 min post-operation. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in serum were measured by ELISA, and pancreatic histological changes were observed under microscope 6 h and 12 h post-operation. Resluts Res veratrol evidently reduced the severity of pancreatic pathology in rats with SAP, compared with model group (P<0.01). Res veratrol significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α [(89.0±19.2), (84.7±16.0)and (105.6±22.3) ng/L, respectively], IL-1 [(109.3±19.8), (114.5±30.2) and (135.5±29.2) ng/L, respectively] and [IL-6 (185.3±28.8), (201.5±44.0) and (213.0±30.7) ng/L, respectively] in serum 6 h post-operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and those of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 12 h post-operation (P<0.01). Conclusions Res veratrol can inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and protect rats with SAP effectively.