The total flavonoids in leaves of 12 varieties of Korean mulberry (Morus alba L.) were determined. Seventeen flavonoids were isolated and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–DAD–QTOF/MS). To determine the flavonoid contents, HPLC analysis was performed on these 17 flavonoids. The total flavonoid contents of the 12 varieties of mulberry leaves ranged from 748.5 to 1297.9 mg, with the highest obtained from the Cheong Su variety (1297.9 ± 112.0 mg). Among the 17 flavonoids analyzed, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin) had highest contents in the Cheong Su variety. Furthermore, the Dae Dang Sang variety gave the highest quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) content among the mulberry leaves investigated, at 425.5 ± 45.9 mg. Major flavonols from Dae Dang Sang were detected by UPLC–DAD–QTOF/MS. A total of 17 flavonoid compound peaks were identified in the analysis time range of 5–40 min, all of which were kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. Seven of the 17 compounds identified in mulberry leaves were unknown.

Long-term administration of C3G extracted from mulberry fruit could structurally reduce photoreceptor damage and functionally improve scotopic visual functions in the RD rat model induced by MNU.

Antheraea yamamai silkworm cocoon is considered as a natural biocompatible materials, but can not be used as medical resources due to its difficult processability. In this study, we examined the general characteristics including cocoon shell weight and structural and thermal properties of Antheraea yamamai silkworm cocoon. The cocoon shell weight and thickness of wild silkworm cocoon was 0.528 g and 0.424 mm, respectively. The cocoon has yellow-green color in outside cocoon but white in inner layer cocoon. Amino acid analysis showed that the main amino acid of Antheraea yamamai cocoon is alanine, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, tyrosine and arginine. X-ray diffractometry showed that strong diffraction peaks at 2θ = 16. o C These results might be used as basic information for development of non-textile materials using Anthereae yamamai silkworm cocoon.

Adenovirus 36 (Ad36) is known to be associated with human obesity and to trigger inflammation in murine models. However, to date no clinical drugs for treating virus-induced obesity have been developed. Therefore, in this study, the anti-obesity and anti-inflammation effects of mulberry extract on Ad36 were evaluated in mice. The mulberry extract-fed group showed a reduction in total body weight and in epidermal fat pads. A combination of various mulberry components (1-deoxynojirimycin, kuromanin chloride and resveratrol) and a mulberry extract prevented viral replication by 50% and 70%, respectively, compared with an untreated Ad36-infected group. Moreover, the extract decreased both concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as MCP-1 and TNF-a, and the numbers of infiltrating immune cells and macrophages in epidermal fat pads. In conclusion, dietary mulberry extract might offer an avenue for the development of therapeutic approaches for treating or preventing virus-induced obesity and inflammation-related metabolic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Globally, mulberry (Morus sp.) is exploited for feeding leaf to silkworms in order to obtain silk fiber or for animal feedstock production. Also, mulberry fruit is known to a by-product that was produced from mulberry tree after harvesting leaves for silkworm rearing, as a yield and consumption of mulberry fruit was increased, it has been fixing to a new income crop. Mulberry leaves and fruits are used for the health benefits of human beings. Mulberry contains various bioactive components, such as alkaloids and flavonoids. Mulberry flavonoids are an important part of the diet because of their effects on human nutrition. The flavonoids in mulberry leaf and fruit of 'Suhyang'(Morus alba L.) were determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Flavonoids for mulberry leaf and fruit of 'Suhyang' were analysed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS) technique. An UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS system was used, and identification of mulberry leaves constituents was carried out on the basis of the complementary information obtained from LC spectra, MS ions, and MS/MS fragments. The mulberry leaf (16 flavonoids) and fruit (9 flavonoids) were isolated and analyzed from Suhyang using UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS chromatogram. To the best of our knowledge, Quercetin 3-O-(6''-O-malonyl) glucoside and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) was detected on the highest content in leaf and fruit, respectively and further research will be devoted to evaluate their biological activity. CONCLUSION:Obtaining information about the concentration of functional materials in mulberry leaves could contribute to the development and promotion of processed, functional products and offer possible industrial use of 'Suhyang', holding promises to enhance the overall profitability of sericulture.