Morus alba L. nature's functional tonic

Phenolic compounds, bioactive content and antioxidant capacity of the fruits of mulberry (Morus spp.) germplasm in Turkey

“…White mulberries, which are rich in flavonoids, are also known as an important nutritional source for protecting the immune system (Butt et al 2008). Previous studies had revealed that phenolic compounds having a protective effect in coronary heart disease and some types of cancer are also anti-aging owing to their antioxidant characteristics instrumental in eliminating free radicals (Rodriguez-Mateos et al 2014).…”

Multi-use of the white mulberry (Morus alba L.)

“…First of all, the leaves and fruits contain 15-31% high quality protein, crude fiber, 200-300 mg/100g of ascorbic acid, of which over 90% is present in the reduced form, vitamin B, folic acid, folinic acid and vitamin D, β-carotenes and trace minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium) (Sharma & Madar 1994;Srivastava et al 2006;Ercisli & Orhan 2007). Moreover, there is a lot of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, kuwanon G and C, catechin, mulberrofuran G, albanol B, morusin, sanggenon B and D), which exhibit strong antioxidant activity (Yen et al 1996;Kofujita et al 2004), antifungal and antibacterial potential against harmful strains of bacteria Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia and Streptococcus (Shirata 1982;Park et al 2003) and against viruses Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) (Kimura et al 2007;Butt et al 2008). The flavonoids, such as rutin, isoquercitrin, astragalin and quercetin 3-(6-malonylglukoside) and anthocyanins are the most important antioxidants obtained from mulberries (Kim et al 1999;Doi et al 2001).…”

“…The polysaccharides from the bark of mulberry roots stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and reduce the production of antibodies (Kim et al 2000). Both these properties play a significant role in effective treatment against allergies and are currently used in allergic diseases (Butt et al 2008). In addition, the cyanidin extracted from mulberry fruit protects the brain against endothelial dysfunction and reduces the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease (Serraino 2003).…”

“…The flavonoids (anthocyanins, quercetin) obtained from the white mulberry leaves extract, have strong inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and increase resistance to blood cholesterol deposits (Chen et al 2006;Butt et al 2008). Thus these substances prevent two major causes of atherosclerosis: accumulation of LDL deposits in the vessels and its oxidation.…”

“…They are both monoecious and dioecious, their flowers are inconspicuous and odorless and the small, sweet fruits are multiple: drupelets or nuts. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, often lobed and serrated on the margin (Litwińczuk 1993;Butt et al 2008).…”