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Background: The high virulence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has triggered global health and economic concerns. The absence of specific antiviral treatments and the side effects of repurposed drugs present persistent challenges. This study explored a promising antiviral herbal extract against SARS-CoV-2 from selected Thai medicinal plants based on in vitro efficacy and evaluated its antiviral lead compounds by molecular docking. Methods: Twenty-two different ethanolic-aqueous crude extracts (CEs) were rapidly screened for their potential activity against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a surrogate using a plaque reduction assay. Extracts achieving ≥ 70% anti-PEDV efficacy proceeded to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity test using a 50% tissue culture infectious dose method in Vero E6 cells. Molnupiravir and extract-free media served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Potent CEs underwent water/ethyl acetate fractionation to enhance antiviral efficacy, and the fractions were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 performance. The fraction with the highest antiviral potency was identified using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). Molecular docking analyses of these compounds against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (6LU7) were performed to identify antiviral lead molecules. The top three hits were further evaluated for their conformational stability in the docked complex using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Results: The water fraction of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf CE (WF-MLCE) exhibited the most potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy with low cytotoxicity profile (CC50 of ~ 0.7 mg/mL), achieving 99.92% in pre-entry mode and 99.88% in postinfection treatment mode at 0.25 mg/mL. Flavonoids and conjugates were the predominant compounds identified in WF-MLCE. Molecular docking scores of several flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro demonstrated their superior antiviral potency compared to molnupiravir. Remarkably, myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, maragrol B, and quercetin 3-O-robinobioside exhibited binding energies of ~ − 9 kcal/mol. The stability of each ligand–protein complex of these compounds with the Mpro system showed stability during MD simulation. These three molecules were pronounced as antiviral leads of WF-MLCE. Given the low cytotoxicity and high antiviral potency of WF-MLCE, it holds promise as a candidate for future therapeutic development for COVID-19 treatment, especially considering its economic and pharmacological advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was study on properties of each ripening stage of mulberry fruits and conducted study of physical and chemical properties of mulberry fruit at each ripening stage and apply mulberry fruit in ice cream products. Mulberry at fully-ripened stage showed higher phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content. Mulberry fruits were used to make four different types of ice cream; sorbet, sherbet, milk, and yogurt. The sensory qualities of mulberry ice cream were studied (9-point hedonic scale), and the results revealed that mulberry sherbet ice cream had the highest overall acceptability, followed by mulberry sorbet ice cream. The physical, chemical, nutrition composition, and microbiological properties of mulberry sherbet and sorbet ice cream were investigated further. Due to the presence of fresh milk in the composition, sherbet ice cream has a higher overrun and lightness (L*) than sorbet ice cream. The mulberry sherbet ice cream had more incredible energy, energy from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, protein, total carbohydrates, calcium, dietary fiber and phenolic compounds. This study shows that mulberry has beneficial properties in terms of consumer acceptance and health benefits, particularly in mulberry sherbet ice cream. All mulberry ice creams had been sanitized and were suitable to consume. As a result, mulberry ice cream formulations can add value to agricultural products and suggested for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boeremia was established to accommodate phoma-resembling fungi. Its species occur in terrestrial ecosystems as endophytes, saprobes and pathogens, except one species reported from a marine ecosystem. Boeremia species are characterized by hyaline, thin-walled, and aseptate (occasionally 1(-2)-septate) conidia that are variable in shape, and hyaline, straight or slightly curved, thick-walled, and 1-septate ascospores that are usually constricted at the septum. In the past, host associations were used to delimit Boeremia species. However, since Boeremia taxa have overlapping morphological characters and are cryptic, it renders taxonomic identification arduous. Therefore, the use of other approaches including multi-gene phylogenetic analyses are imperative. Recommended DNA markers for species delineation are the internal transcribed spacer (ITS, nuclear rDNA consisting of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and large subunit (28S, D1-D2 domains of nuclear 28S rDNA) loci, and the genes for actin (ACT1), beta-tubulin (TBB1), RNA polymerase 2 (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1). Here, we applied morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses to establish a new taxon (B. albae), and a new host and geographical record for B. maritima associated with leaf spots of Morus alba (Moraceae) in northern Thailand. By providing sequence data for three additional gene regions, our phylogenetic analyses impart a stable phylogenetic placement of the ex-type strain of B. maritima, as illustrated. This is the first study that reports Boeremia species from M. alba, and B. maritima from a terrestrial habitat., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest On behalf of all co-authors, I confirm that the submitted research is original and has not been published, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. We have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Morus alba L. is one of the economic plants in Thailand. Several varieties are grown in various parts of the country. Different varieties from different regions may produce dissimilar chemical fingerprints. Objectives: The gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fingerprints of 2 varieties of M. alba leaves from three locations in Thailand, along with tea products will be established. Materials and Methods: The GC-MS chromatograms combined with chemometric analysis were used to analyze the extracts of M. alba leaves and their tea products. Results: A total of 83 compounds comprising terpenes, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids and benzofurans were found in M. alba leaves from both varieties. Fifteen compounds such as phytol, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, with % peak area (detected at >0.04%) from high to low, were found in var. Buriram 60. Eighteen compounds such as phytol, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, respectively, were found in var. Khun Pai. Six compounds, that is, methyl palmitate, palmitic acid, methyl linolenate, phytol, oleic acid, and stearic acid were found in the tea products. Conclusion: The GC-MS fingerprints were combined with chemometric analysis for the authentication and characterization of two varieties of M. alba leaves from Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular amyloid‐β (Aβ) oligomers are key therapeutic targets because they are strongly cytotoxic and play crucial roles in the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Anthocyanins, polyphenolic flavonoids with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, are potential therapeutic candidates for AD. Here, we investigated the effects of anthocyanin‐enriched extracts from fruits of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) in Thailand against the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers. Using the monitoring system for Aβ aggregation, we showed that the extract induced the dissociation of Aβ in cultured HEK293T cells. To investigate the effects on cognitive function, we orally administered the extract to Aβ‐GFP transgenic mice (Aβ‐GFP Tg), a mouse model that expresses Aβ oligomers inside neurons, and performed the novel object recognition test and passive avoidance test. Aβ‐GFP Tg usually showed deficits in novel object recognition memory and reference memory compared with non‐Tg, but administration of the extract improved both compared with vehicle‐treated Aβ‐GFP Tg. Aβ‐GFP Tg exhibited lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than non‐Tg. However, after the administration of the extract, the SOD activity was restored. These results suggest that Thai mulberry fruit extract ameliorates cytotoxicity induced by the intracellular Aβ oligomers and may be an effective therapeutic or preventive candidate for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fiber of paper mulberry, which is mostly grown in the East Asian region, varies in both length and width—even if from the same species—depending on the country, soil, and climate where it is grown. This accounts for differences in the quality of handmade paper between domestic and imported products. Once handmade paper is manufactured as sheets, its origin cannot be determined from a morphological perspective, regardless of macroscopic and microscopic observations. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the origin of Korean and imported products using mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper from a chemometrics perspective. The inorganic components of wood are absorbed from the soil and exist in the bark of trees; thus, metal and rare-earth elements in the bast fibers and handmade papers were quantitatively analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/MS). Following this, a prediction model of their origin was constructed by applying multivariate statistical analysis, i.e., a partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) loading plot was constructed, which helped in identifying the discrimination factors resulting from their origin. According to the ICP-AES results, Pb was only detected in the Gyeongbuk Mungyeong dak sample of the Korean bast fibers. The Chinese bast fiber sample had high contents of Ca, and B and Zn were detected only in the Chinese bast fiber samples. Bast fiber samples from China, Japan, and Thailand showed relatively high contents of Al, Ca, and Na. Meanwhile, Cu and Zn were detected in the handmade paper manufactured from the imported materials. According to the ICP-MS results, among the Korean handmade papers, the products from Gyeongbuk Mungyeong, Andong, and Chungbuk Goesan exhibited a high U content and that from Gapyeong had high Sc, Rb, Sr, and Ba contents. Thus, the elemental analysis employed in this study effectively identified the origin of the papers. The origin prediction by PLS-DA for the domestic and imported products revealed an accuracy of 86.4% and 72.7% for ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods, respectively, which is deemed acceptable to assess the origin. We believe this method significantly contributes to determining the origin of paper mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper manufactured in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Phytochemical contents and free radical scavenging of Mulberry leaf extracts by using different fertilizer, time of harvesting and solvent extraction were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Dried Mulberry leaves were extracted by using different solvent including aqueous, 50% ethanol and 95% ethanol. The phytochemical screening were determined by Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Contents (TFC). The anti-oxidation were tested by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging and 2,2 -azinobis-(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS+) assay. Results: This experimental study found that the mulberry leaf extract were given extraction with 95% ethanol, all of fertilizer and at Week 4 showed highest total phenolic contents espectcially BET2 was high amount of TPC (124.444±0.609 mgGE/gExt). The harvest time, all of groups at the Week 4 were significantly higher than all of groups at the Week 2. On the other hand, total flavonoid contents, the DET1 (Fertilizer formula 15-15-15, extraction with 95% ethanol at the Week 2; 110.913±3.208 mgQE/gExt) showed highest amount. The Antioxidant activities, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, The groups were given extraction with 95% ethanol, all of fertilizer at the Week 4 including CHT2 (IC50 =0.00459±0.00001 mg/mL), BHT2 (IC50 =0.00487 ±0.00005 mg/mL), AHT2 (IC50 =0.00499±0.00007 mg/mL), DHT2 (IC50 =0.00499±0.00005 mg/mL) and EHT2 (IC50 =0.00667 ±0.00039 mg/mL) were more potent on free radical scavenging higher than all of groups. The ABTS+ assay, at the Week 2 of all fertilizer groups were given with all solvent extraction including BHT1 (IC50 =0.03191±0.00257 mg/mL), CHT1 (IC50 =0.03247±0.00044 mg/mL), AHT1 (IC50 =0.03320±0.00120 mg/mL), EHT1 (IC50 =0.03342±0.00116 mg/mL) and AAT1 (IC50 =0.03792±0.00076 mg/mL) showed free radical scavenging activity not different from standard substances, ascorbic acid (IC50 =0.00699 ±0.00004 mg/mL) and Trolox (IC50 =0.01594±0.00116 mg/mL). Conclusion: The study was undertaken to investigate it’s fertilizer use, harvest time and extraction method for biologically activities also chemical composition contents and their antioxidant potentials. Therefore, our data might be help to good cultivation and harvesting practice selection in order to produce better of mulberry leaf production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of sample preparation, cultivar, leaf age and tea processing on melatonin content of mulberry (Morus spp.) leaves were investigated. Sample preparation using ultrasonic technique in combination with solid phase extraction resulted in high recovery rate (76%), when compared to homogenisation in combination with liquid–liquid extraction procedure (12% recovery rate). The melatonin contents in mulberry leaves harvested from three major cultivars (Buriram 60, Sakonnakhon and Khunphai) grown in Thailand were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with fluorescence detector. The average melatonin content of the mulberry leaves cv. Buriram 60 (279.6ng/g dry weight (DW)) was higher than those of cv. Sakonnakhon (100.5ng/g DW) and cv. Khunphai (40.7ng/g DW). The melatonin contents of all cultivars tested were highest in the tip of the leaves, followed by that in the young leaves, whereas the lowest was found in the old leaves. The melatonin contents of the two types of tea produced from mulberry leaves cv. Buriram 60 were also determined. Heat treatment during tea processing decreased the melatonin content in mulberry leaves cv. Buriram 60 by approximately 87%, when compared to that of the fresh leaves. However, there were no significant differences between the melatonin contents of the mulberry leaf tea produced with blanching (mulberry green tea) and those produced without blanching (mulberry black tea). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Combined far-infrared radiation with hot-air convection (FIR-HA) drying was used for improving colour and antioxidant properties of mulberry leaf tea. Antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds of FIR-HA dried mulberry tea were determined and compared with the commercial product and with fresh leaves. We found that a smaller decrease in L and b values of the FIR-HA dried tea than those of commercial tea was observed. FIR-HA tea was found to have similar colour to fresh leaf while the commercial tea had darker colour. A significant decrease in total phenolic acid content (TPC) and total fiavonoid content (TFC) was found in hot-air (HA) dried commercial tea compared to fresh leaves, while TPC in FIR-HA dried tea was significantly increased. Similar results were found in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activities. However, the results were different for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Both teas had lower FRAP values compared to fresh leaves. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in fresh leaf and in mulberry tea, namely p-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and caffeic acid. The total content of phenolic compounds (TPCC) increased in FIR-HA dried samples compared to those of HA dried tea, except for chlorogenic and syringic acids, which were found in greater amounts in HA dried commercial tea. Our results have demonstrated that FIR-HA should be considered as a suitable drying method for mulberry tea with respect to preserving its antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-six indigenous and 29 exotic mulberry varieties were screened against powdery mildew, Myrothecium leaf spot, Pseudocercospora leaf spot for a period of three years under field conditions. The percent disease index (PDI) was recorded during the peak season of the diseases. Out of 85 germplasm lines studied four-germplasm lines viz. Thailand lobed (0.43), M. multicaulis (2.63), Italian (2.83) and M. australis (4.56) were found highly resistant; nine lines were resistant; 43 lines were moderately resistant and 29 were susceptible to the disease complex. Powdery mildew showed significant positive correlation with Pseudocercospora leaf spot. Highly resistant varieties may be utilized for future disease resistance breeding programme to evolve multiple disease resistant mulberry varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a laboratory screening of 12 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi against nymphs of the mulberry whitefly ( Pealius mori Takahashi), Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin CKB-048 was the most virulent, causing 87 ± 3% mortality at 1 × 106 conidia/ml. Infection was confirmed by growth of the fungus from cadavers and by scanning electron microscopy of treated nymphs. Beauveria bassiana CKB-048 was formulated as a wettable powder (1 × 109 conidia/g) and tested in two mulberry ( Morus alba Linn) plantations in central and northeastern Thailand. In both locations, two spray applications of B. bassiana CKB-048 at 3.75 × 1012 to 6.25 × 1012 conidia/ha and at 14 day intervals provided good control of whitefly nymphs; control with B. bassiana CKB-048 was comparable to that with the pesticide buprofezin at 250 g of active ingredient/ha. In addition, no mortality of silkworm larvae occurred when the larvae were fed with mulberry leaves sprayed with B. bassiana CKB-048 7, 14, or 21 days earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of this study: Streblus asper is a medicinal plant from Thailand used in folk medicine for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of Streblus asper leaf ethanolic extract (SAE). Materials and methods: The experimental carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats was performed in which the SAE at doses of 125, 250, 500mg/kg body weight was intraperitoneally administered to the rats. Then, reverse transcriptive polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was also performed to determine the effect of SAE on the expression of inflammation-associated genes in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: The SAE at all given doses caused a significant dose-dependent inhibition of edema (p <0.05). Moreover, the significant and dose-dependent LPS-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expressions were demonstrated in RAW 264.7 cells treated with SAE. The inhibition is selective, since COX-1 mRNA expression did not change in the presence of SAE. Conclusion: The results of this study are the first scientific evidence on the molecular effects of Streblus asper as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, which supports the fact that the plant is employed in traditional remedies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fruit of mulberry trees (Morus sp.), mulberries, are traditionally utilised as a nutritional food and provide health benefits as well as skin nourishment in Thailand. White mulberries (Morus alba L.) from Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces were evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant activities as well as the total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The aqueous extracts of mulberries exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, which was associated with a higher phenolic and anthocyanin content. In testing the potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae, the mulberry extracts proved to be quite efficient, especially following water extraction. Time-kill and antibacterial adhesion assays further indicated that aqueous mulberry extracts could inhibit bacterial growth and prevent adhesions of pathogenic enteric bacteria on intestinal epithelial cells. It thus appears that mulberries can potentially be consumed as a good source of antioxidants, containing antimicrobial properties against some pathogenic bacteria which cause gastrointestinal tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the inhibitory neurotransmitter, can be naturally synthesized by a group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which is commonly found in rich carbohydrate materials such as fruits and fermented foods. Thirty-six isolates of GABA-producing LAB were obtained from Thai fermented foods. Among these, Levilactobacillus brevis F064A isolated from Thai fermented sausage displayed high GABA content, 2.85 ± 0.10 mg/mL and could tolerate acidic pH and bile salts indicating a promising probiotic. Mulberry (Morus sp.) is widely grown in Thailand. Many mulberry fruits are left to deteriorate during the high season. To increase its value, mulberry juice was prepared and added to monosodium glutamate (MSG), 2% (w/v) prior to inoculation with 5% (v/v) of L. brevis F064A and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h to obtain the GABA-fermented mulberry juice (GABA-FMJ). The GABA-FMJ obtained had 3.31 ± 0.06 mg/mL of GABA content, 5.58 ± 0.52 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL of antioxidant activity, 234.68 ± 15.53 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/mL of anthocyanin, an ability to inhibit growth of Bacillus cereus TISTR 687, Salmonella Typhi DMST 22842 and Shigella dysenteriae DMST 1511, and 10.54 ± 0.5 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of viable L. brevis F064A cell count. This GABA-FMJ was considered as a potential naturally functional food for human of all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. To fight the disease, natural products, including mulberry, with antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities against key enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1)) are of interest. However, even in the same cultivars, mulberry trees grown in different populated locations might possess disparate amounts of phytochemical profiles, leading to dissimilar health properties, which cause problems when comparing different cultivars of mulberry. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory activities against AChE, BChE, and BACE-1, of twenty-seven Morus spp. cultivated in the same planting area in Thailand. The results suggested that Morus fruit samples were rich in phenolics, especially cyanidin, kuromanin, and keracyanin. Besides, the aqueous Morus fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activities, both in single electron transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms, while strong inhibitory activities against AD key enzymes were observed. Interestingly, among the twenty-seven Morus spp., Morus sp. code SKSM 810191 with high phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and in vitro anti-AD properties is a promising cultivar for further developed as a potential mulberry resource with health benefits against AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]