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Morus alba L. (M. alba) is a highly adaptable plant that is extensively incorporated in many traditional and Ayurveda medications. Various parts of the plant, such as leaves, fruits, and seeds, possess nutritional and medicinal value. M. alba has abundant phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and volatile aromatic compounds, indicating its excellent pharmacological abilities. M. alba also contains high nutraceutical values for protein, carbohydrates, fiber, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a low lipid value. However, despite its excellent biological properties and nutritional value, M. alba has not been fully considered as a potential functional food ingredient. Therefore, this review reports on the nutrients and bioactive compounds available in M. alba leaves, fruit, and seeds; its nutraceutical properties, functional properties as an ingredient in foodstuffs, and a microencapsulation technique to enhance polyphenol stability. Finally, as scaling up to a bigger production plant is needed to accommodate industrial demand, the study and limitation on an M. alba upscaling process is reviewed.

Background and Aims: The novel nutraceutical combination containing red yeast rice (monacolin K 3.3 mg), Berberis aristata cortex extract (Berberine 531.25 mg) and Morus alba leaves extract (1-deoxynojirimycin 4 mg) is effective in the management of elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the three components on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of LDL receptor (LDLR) expression, in hepatocyte cell lines and to compare their effects on LDL cellular uptake.Methods and Results: HepG2 and Huh7 cells were incubated with B. aristata cortex extract (BCE), red yeast rice (RYR) and M. alba leaves extract (MLE) alone or in combination for 24 h. RYR (50 μg/mL) increased PCSK9 protein expression (Western blot analysis and ELISA), PCSK9 mRNA (qPCR) and its promoter activity (luciferase reporter assay). BCE (40 μg/mL) reduced instead PCSK9 expression, mRNA levels and promoter activity. MLE determined a concentration-dependent reduction of PCSK9 at the mRNA and protein levels, with a maximal reduction at 1 mg/mL, without significant changes of PCSK9 promoter activity. MLE also downregulated the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase and fatty acid synthase mRNA levels. The combination of RYR, BCE and MLE reduced the PCSK9 mRNA and protein levels, as well as the promoter activity. Finally, the single components and their combination induced LDL receptor and LDL uptake by the hepatocytes.Conclusion: The positive effect of MLE on PCSK9 supports the rationale of using the nutraceutical combination of RYR, BCE and MLE to control hyperlipidemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morus alba (white mulberry) is a cultivated species of mulberry that exists as both dioecious and monoecious plants in nature. Although it has been cultivated for years as an essential crop for sericulture, and although various cultivars are readily available, its sex determination mechanisms are not yet clear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate sex determination mechanisms of mulberry using both genetic and genomic approaches. Female and male cultivars of dioecious M. alba were crossed, and the segregation of sex was analyzed in the F1 plants. In the F1 plants, female and male plants were segregated at an almost equal ratio. By comparing the restriction site associated DNA sequencing analysis data between female- and male-bulked DNA of these F1 plants, the male-bulk-specific RAD tags were predominantly identified. Thus, we presumed that the male M. alba is heterogametic whereas the female M. alba is homogametic. Based on the corresponding sequences of male-bulk-specific RAD tags, putative male-specific markers were developed, and these markers exhibited linkage with the male sex in individual F1 plants. However, genotypes of these markers did not always show an association with sex in the cultivars of M. alba, M. bombycis, and M. lhou. Around half of the analyzed female cultivars showed identical marker genotypes to male, whereas all the analyzed male and monoecious cultivars showed a consistent genotype. According to these results, the DNA markers developed in this study were found to be relevant to male flower determination, and are thus expected to be helpful for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the evolutionary and sex determination systems of mulberry plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize some indicators of cecal fermentation in diets of meal from Morus alba L. variety Yu 62. Materials and Methods: The in vitro simulation of the digestive process in the cecal segment of the gastrointestinal tract was carried out. For such purpose, the ceca from nine fattening rabbits, of 2 kg live weight, of the hybrid breed (NZB x SGB), were used. A complete randomized design was used, in which the diets with inclusion of meal from M. alba variety Yu 62 (50 and 100%) and Medicago sativa L. as control, were analyzed. Indicators of cecal fermentation (short chain fatty acids and pH) were determined and the data were analyzed in the INFOSTAT system. Results: Significant differences (p < 0,001) were shown among the treatments, with marked increase of the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids, in the diets with inclusion of M. alba meal, when compared with the control M. sativa, which is due to a higher proportion of acetate and butyrate and lower proportion of propianate in the M. alba diets. Conclusions: The mulberry forage meal constitutes an alternative feedstuff, which can substitute M. sativa in rabbit feeding and favor the cecal fermentation indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, interest in fruit consumption and the practice of healthy eating is growing. Therefore, the focus of this research is to determine some physicochemical properties of mulberry fruits from the area of northwest Bosnia, where significant amount genetic resources of mulberries are available. In total, six genotypes of black and eight genotypes of white mulberries were analyzed. From physical properties, the fruit mass, fruit height, fruit width and length were determined. Black mulberries are found richer than white mulberries for most of the searched parameters. The average water, soluble solids, total acidity, total sugar, ash, vitamin C, total phenol and total anthocyanin of black mulberry genotypes were 86.46%, 14.88%, 0.08%, 7.30%, 0.68%, 45.84 mg/100 g FW (fresh weight), 50.67 mg GAE/100 g FW and 562.42 cyanidin-3-glucoside mg/g. These values were 82.49%, 17.51%, 0.09%, 7.34%, 0.78%, 43.79 mg/100 g FW and 29.49 mg GAE/100 g FW for white mulberries. The obtained results can serve for future steps in the breeding of these species, and because of the high quality fruit characteristics, they can affect the conservation of these species due to the increasing genetic erosion of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of mulberry leaf tea is popularly increasing worldwide due to its potential health benefit associated with phenolic compounds. To ensure the quality, the content of phenolic compounds of mulberry leaf tea need to be monitored throughout the storage period. OBJECTIVE: This research proposed a rapid prediction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of mulberry leaf tea using an electronic tongue (e-tongue). METHODS: Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) of mulberry leaf tea stored at 30–60°C for 12 months were measured by an e-tongue and conventional chemical analyses. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was applied to predict chemicals parameters by e-tongue data. RESULTS: The PLS models for TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH achieved good predictability with high values of coefficient of determination (R p 2 = 0.956, 0.964, 0.926, and 0.943, respectively) and gave low mean square error of prediction. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that e-tongue can be applied as a rapid and non-destructive tool for the simultaneous evaluation of phenolics compounds and antioxidant activity to ensure the quality and health benefits of mulberry leaf tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections of clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a very tough public health problem and a challenge of new drug development. Nearly 90 Diels-Alder adducts (DAAs) have so far been isolated from Morus plants, but only a few of them have been evaluated for their anti-MRSA activities. To study the antibacterial compounds of DAAs from the root barks' section of Morus alba L. and their synergism with antibacterial agents against clinical MRSA strains, bioassay-guided phytochemical methods were used to screen the active components. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were assayed through broth serial microdilution. The synergism were evaluated by checker board microdilution and dynamic time-kill experiments. Three DAAs (multicaulisin (1), sanggenon G (2) and albanin G (3)) were isolated and identified from M. alba root barks. They were determined with potent effect against MRSA isolates with MICs/MBCs at 2–8/16–128 mg/L. They also showed synergy with conventional antibacterial agents, especially the aminoglycosides, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) ranged from 0.19 to 0.50 and the dose reduction indices (DRIs) ranged from 16 to 2. The MRSA resistance to the antibiotics could be reversed by compounds 1–3. The dose-dependent bactericidal synergism against MRSA was observed as well. The study released for the first time the anti-MRSA synergism of DAAs from M. alba root barks with antibacterial agents and the reversal of MRSA resistance to aminoglycosides. The results may be valuable for further development of new antibacterial drugs and synergists against MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-acne herbal formulations are used for the treatment of acne vulgaris with the added advantage of not producing adverse effects unlike synthetic drugs. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that occurs due to blockages in polysebase and inflammation that are caused by bacteria. Topical and systemic antibiotics are always used for treatment of acne, but the gradual resistance to antibiotics can affect the success rate of acne cure. Medicinal plants play an important role in the development of potent therapeutic agents. Plant based drugs provide outstanding contribution to modern therapeutics as a source of many valuable secondary metabolites which serves as plant defence mechanisms against predator such as microorganism, insects and herbivores which have been proved to be potentially active compounds. There is a tremendous increase in search of antimicrobial plant extracts due to the fact that the resistance offered against antibiotic by the microorganism, in short the effective life span of any antibiotic is limited. Propionibacterium acnes are common pus-forming microbes responsible for the development of various forms of acne. In the present study anti-acne gels were prepared using polymer carbopol 940 along with the hydroalcoholic extracts of plants fruits of Luffa acutangula, leaves of Amaranthus spinosus and Morus alba and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, like pH, washability, extrudability, spreadability and viscosity. The formulations (PHG1-PHG6) were tested for the anti-acne activity by well diffusion method against Propionibacterium acnes. Results showed that the gels were non-irritant, stable and possess anti-acne activity. The efficacy when tested with a standard was almost same to that of Clintop (Marketed gel). This suggests that fruits of Luffa acutangula, leaves of Amaranthus spinosus and Morus alba have potential against acne causing bacteria and hence they can be used in topical anti-acne preparations and may address the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of obesity is expanding rapidly worldwide, making the disease a global burden with limited treatment options. The current obesity drug development trends suggest the possibility of reducing weight and reverse metabolic disturbances of obesity by controlling appetite. In this study, we screened more than 8000 plants from our plant library for the cannabinoid (CB1) receptor antagonists and identified Morus alba as a lead medicinal plant. Kuwanon G and Albanin G were isolated and identified from root-barks of Morus alba with 92% and 96% CB1 receptor ligand binding inhibitory activity, respectively. The bioflavonoid standardized extract was tested in the acute food intake study in rats at oral doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for its appetite suppression activity. Diet-induced obesity in the C57BL/6J mice was used to evaluate the long-term food intake reduction activity and effect on the weight loss administered orally at 250 and 500 mg/kg for 7 weeks. Statistically significant and dose-dependent reduction in food intake was observed in both acute and long-term studies for the extract. Food intake reductions of 58.6% and 44.8% at 250 mg/kg and 50.1% and 44.3% at 500 mg/kg were observed at 1 and 2 h postfood provision, respectively. A 20% reduction in daily calorie intake was observed in the long-term study. Obese mice treated with the high dose of Morus root-bark extract showed 10.4 g (22.5%) and 7.1 g (16.5%) loss in body weight compared with the vehicle-treated obese animals (at week 7) and baseline, respectively. Statistically significant reductions in biochemical markers and visceral fat deposit were also observed. These results demonstrated that Morus alba extracts enriched in Kuwanon G, and Albanin G could be used alone to control appetite, manage body weight, and improve metabolic syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Murberry (Morus alba) is one of the plants that can be used to treat diabetes and bioactive compounds that play a role are apigenin. Apigenin compounds have been reported to have an antidiabetic effect and are found in the form of glycosides. To separate apigenin from its glycosides, it takes the process of hydrolysis using acid. This study aims to look at the differences between ethanol extracts without hydrolysis with acids and ethanol extracts which are hydrolyzed by acid and determine their activity as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in vitro. Methods: Morus alba stem bark dry powder was extracted MAE using 96% ethanol with acid hydrolysis using HCl 2 N and extracted without acid hydrolysis then apigenin levels can be measured by each extraction process using HPLC. DPP-4 activity was evaluated using glycyl-prolyl-7-amino-4-methyl coumarin (Gly-Pro-AMC) substrate then the inhibitory effect of extracts was determined based on the number of free AMCs by measuring fluorescence at excitation wavelengths of 350-360 nm and emission wavelengths of 450-465 nm using micro-plate readers. Sitagliptin is used as a positive control of DPP-4 inhibition in this test. Result: The ethanol extraction method with acid hydrolysis can attract more apigenin compounds than the ethanol extraction method without acid hydrolysis. The level of apigenin in the sample of ethanol extract with acid hydrolysis was 0.16%, and in the ethanol extract without acid hydrolysis was 0.04%. The amount of inhibitory activity of DPP-4 Morus alba stem bark extract was 23%, which is 0.33 times the inhibition of sitagliptin activity. Conclusion: Extraction methods with acid hydrolysis are more effective in attracting apigenin compounds than without acid hydrolysis. Morus alba stem bark extract has an anti-diabetic effect through the mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitors can be used as a reference for therapy of diabetes mellitus from natural ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is the molecular characterization using nuclear SSR markers of different mulberry (Morus alba L.) cultivars from different countries including Cuba, Costa Rica, Brazil, South Korea, Ethiopia, China, Japan, Italy and Spain to deep in the dissemination through the world of this species. Results established the value of SSR markers for distinguishing different genetic lineages and characterize an extensive and largely gene pool available to mulberry cultivars. The results revealed the presence of 53 different alleles from the 12 SSR analysed in the 37 assayed genotypes. The Japanese, Italian and Spanish cultivars formed a separated group in which only 5 genotypes were present in the Cuban germplasm bank. On the other hand the Cuban cultivars 'Cuba 2' and 'Cuba 3' propagated from Chinese parents were grouped in the same branch, which suggests that these cultivars retain the genomic characteristics of their selection. It was also possible to relate the genotypes of cultivars 'Tigriada' and 'Acorazonada' present in Costa Rica as well as to evaluate other cultivars for their use in silkworm feeding. Molecular results also evidenced the dissemination of the cultivated mulberry specie from China around the world, the introduction in South Korea and Japan in the first dissemination step and the later wide dissemination of modern mulberry to the Mediterranean area and later to South America and the Caribe area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a persistent inflammation of the pancreas clinically presented with severe abdominal pain, progressive fibrosis, and loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. Inflammasomes, cytosolic multiprotein complexes which regulate the formation of proinflammatory cytokines, are influenced by various factors including heat shock proteins (HSPs). Morus alba L., or white mulberry root bark is a valued traditional Asian medicine with a diverse array of phytochemicals. The aim of this investigation was to define the modulatory action of methanolic extract of Morus alba root bark (MEMARB) on NLRP3 inflammasome, and HSPs in pancreas subjected to inflammatory insult. Methods: Pancreatitis was induced in male albino Wistar rats by ethanol (0–36%) and cerulein (20 µg/kg b.wt., i.p.) for 5 weeks with or without MEMARB administration. Serum lipase/amylase (L/A) ratio, oxidative stress index (OSI) and reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in the pancreas were evaluated. Levels of serum HSP70 was quantified by ELISA. NF-kappa B, NLRP3-ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and HSP70 gene expression was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: L/A ratio and oxidative stress determined in terms of OSI and GSH/GSSG ratio were elevated in pancreatitis-induced rats. The levels were restored in MEMARB co-administered animals. Serum level of HSP70 was increased in pancreatitis-induced animals and dropped significantly in MEMARB co-administrated rats. Pancreatitis-induced group showed increased expression of NF-kappa B, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, NLRP3-ASC and HSP70 mRNA than in MEMARB treated group. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the M. alba root extract modulates the expression of HSP70 and NLRP3-ASC which might be attributed to its pancreato-protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Transcriptomic and metabolic analysis of white and red fruits of M. alba. • A total of 46 primary and secondary metabolites were detected in fruits of M. alba. • Anthocyanin and betulinic acid biosynthetic genes were identified in transcriptome. • Some secondary metabolites were positively correlated with its biosynthetic genes. Abstract To better understand the molecular mechanism of color formation in different varieties of the mulberry fruit, we investigated the functional genes related to anthocyanin and betulinic acid biosynthesis using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and detected the primary and secondary metabolites in the white (Morus alba L. cv. 'Turkey') and red (Morus alba L. cv. 'Cheongil') mulberry cultivars. We obtained 171,702,058 high-quality reads with an average read length of 125 bp. These reads were assembled into 51,272 and 51,159 unigenes in Turkey and Cheongil, respectively. We also identified the genes related to anthocyanin and triterpene biosynthesis and investigated their expression and metabolite profiles. Overall, our transcriptome sequencing provides valuable information that could be used in gene discovery, marker-assisted selection, and investigation of metabolic pathways in mulberry. Additionally, gene expression and metabolite profiles provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of anthocyanin and betulinic acid biosynthesis and relationship between primary and secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The oxyresveratrol, polyphenol from Morus alba (Mulberry) roots has been known to have potential skin whitening activities. The application of urea-glycerin-based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (NADES-UAE) method was successful on extraction of polyphenols from plant material. The purpose of this research was to get optimum extraction conditions to enhance oxyresveratrol content and get the best lotion formula based on physical properties evaluation. Methods: The roots were extracted with urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method. The NADES-UAE method was employed to determine the optimal extraction condition for two parameters: the molar ratio of urea: glycerin and ultrasonic irradiation time. Oxyresveratrol concentration of the extracts was analyzed with HPLC. Morus alba roots extract was formulated into three formulas of lotion preparation and evaluated based on their physical properties. Results: The optimized conditions for the highest oxyresveratrol concentration from Morus alba roots extract were the molar ratio of urea-glycerin (1:3) and ultrasonic irradiation time as 15 mins. It showed that urea-glycerin UAE method produced Morus alba roots extract with higher oxyresveratrol content than conventional method. Based on physical evaluation from three lotion formulas, formula A was chosen as best formula. Conclusion: This urea-glycerin-based NADES-UAE method was suitable as a green alternative method for the extraction of oxyresveratrol from Morus alba roots because cheaper, faster and easier than conventional extraction method. The lotion preparation which has good physical properties can be applied as a skin whitening cosmetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy management practices viz. lopping, pruning, coppicing and pollarding in trees alter branch density, height, leaf area index and rooting pattern of the trees. The present study was conducted to quantify the impact of canopy management practices and intercropping on fine and coarse roots distribution in mulberry (Morus alba). In total, six treatments comprising of three management practices (pollarding, coppicing and lopping) and two cropping situations (intercropping and without intercropping) were evaluated. Vertical and lateral distribution of fine root biomass (FRB) was recorded through sequential core method in different seasons. Coarse root distribution and biomass was studied using excavation method. Results revealed that canopy management treatments viz., coppicing and pollarding reduced the FRB as compared to lopping treatment in both intercropped and non-intercropped situation. Results also revealed that majority of the fine root biomass (67.3%) was confined in 0-15 cm soil layer. All the canopy management treatments under non-intercropped plots showed higher production rate as compared to intercropped plots. Fine root turnover rate (yr−1) was highest (0.592) in lopping treatment in non-intercropped plots whereas, the minimum turnover rate was recorded in coppicing treatment (0.331) in non-intercropped plots. Coarse root biomass was highest in case of intercropped plots in all the three canopy management treatments. Pollarding + turmeric cultivation showed the maximum root biomass followed by lopping + turmeric intercropping treatment. The main and primary roots in all the treatments accounted for > 70% biomass except for coppicng + turmeric treatment, whereas secondary and tertiary roots contributed about 40% biomass. All the treatments showed a pronounced decrease in root biomass with increasing soil depth and 75-84% of the total root biomass (main + lateral roots) was allocated in the top 30 cm of the soil profile. From the study, it can be concluded that tree management practices have direct impact on fine and coarse root distribution and should be judiciously used for avoiding competition in intercropping situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Nine new flavan derivatives were isolated from the leaves of Morus alba. • Two pairs of stereoisomers were separated by chiral HPLC. • The absolute configurations of five flavans were determined by the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD curves. • All of the obtained flavans were potential Nrf2 pathway activators. Abstract Two pairs of new flavans, moracinflavan A and B (1a/1b and 2a/2b), together with another five new flavan derivatives moracinflavan C–G (3–7), and three known flavans (8–10) were isolated from the leaves of Morus alba. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analyses based on spectroscopic data. Separation of the stereoisomeric mixtures of 1a and 1b , 2a and 2b was achieved using chiral HPLC, and the absolute configurations of the respective stereoisomers were determined based on comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Using an ARE-dependent luciferase reporter assay, we identified that these flavans were capable of increasing ARE-luciferase activities. This indicated that these flavans are potential Nrf2 activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives, moracinfurol A and B (1-2), and ten known compounds (3-12) were isolated from the leaves of Morus alba. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. All of the 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity against A549 cells. Some cytotoxic 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives might induce autophagy characterized by the accumulation of LC-3 Ⅱ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mulberry Diels-Alder-type adducts (MDAAs) are a group of structurally unique natural products biosynthetically derived from the intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of a dehydroprenylphenol and a chalcone. In the current study, ten MDAAs, including an undescribed one, inethermulberrofuran C, were isolated from the root bark of Morus alba. The anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) properties of these isolates were systematically screened for a series of potential targets (A β self-aggregation, tau aggregation, and ChEs) as well as the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Four compounds, mulberrofuran C, mulberrofuran K, mulberrofuran G, and isomulberrofuran G, turned out to be potent multi-targeted agents for AD. Among them, mulberrofuran K with a good blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (8.7 ± 0.3 × 10−6 cm/s) was selected as a promising candidate for further mechanism study in glutamate-induced HT22 cell model, which showed its neuroprotective ability on up-regulation of the glutathione (GSH) level and suppression of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Graphical abstract Mulberry Diels-Alder-type adducts from Morus alba were identified as multi-targeted agents for Alzheimer's disease. Image 1 Highlights • Ten compounds including an undescribed one were isolated from Morus alba. • Four compounds turned out to be potent multi-targeted agents for AD. • Compound 7 with good BBB permeability was selected as promising candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytogenetic analysis is essential to determine the effect of mutagens and antimutagens on genetic material. This study was done to evaluate the protective effect of root bark extract of Morus alba (M. alba) against cyclophosphamide induced somatic and germinal cell damage in male rats. The ethanolic extract of M. alba (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg, 2 weeks) was evaluated against cyclophosphamide (75 mg/kg, single dose) induced nuclear damage. The sampling was done after 48 h of the clastogen treatment. The somatic and germinal nuclear damage was studied by bone marrow micronucleus and sperm analysis, respectively. Serum superoxide and catalase levels were estimated to determine the antioxidant status in each group. The results were analyzed statistically to find the significant variation. The administration of M. alba for 2 weeks suppressed dose-dependently the changes induced by cyclophosphamide. M. alba (0.5 g/kg) decreased the frequency of micronucleated erythrocyte, sperm shape abnormality and enhanced the sperm count, sperm motility and polychromatic-normochromatic erythrocytes ratio significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison with the cyclophosphamide treated group. The highest tested dose of M. alba (1 g/kg) produced more prominent suppression (p < 0.01) in the cyclophosphamide-induced somatic and germinal cell defects. The results also showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the serum antioxidant enzymes levels with M. alba when compared with the challenge group. The lower dose of M. alba extract (0.25 g/kg) prevented the CP-induced changes but was found to be statistically insignificant. Therefore, antimutagenic potential of the high dose of the extract of M. alba is possibly due to its antioxidant nature. The ability of the M. alba extract to prevent the nuclear damage could play an important role in overcoming several mutational defects that are associated with anticancer chemotherapy.

سفیدبالک Pealius mori (Takahashi) برای اولین بار از ایران گزارش می‌شود. این سفیدبالک از روی درخت توت سفید، Morus alba L. (Moraceae)، از استان تهران، تهران، در آبان ماه 1395 جمع‌آوری شد. ویژگی‌های تشخیصی به‌همراه تصاویر مربوطه واطلاعات در مورد پراکنش و گیاهان میزبان این گونه ارایه شده است.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves (MLs), originally used to feed silkworms, have recently been recognized as a food ingredient containing health-beneficial, bioactive compounds. In this study, the extrusion process was applied for the enhancement of the amount of extractable flavonoids from MLs. Extrusion conditions were optimized by water solubility index, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content (TF) using response surface methodology, and antioxidative stress activities were evaluated in macrophage cells. According to the significance of regression coefficients of TF, the optimal extrusion parameters were set as barrel temperature of 114 °C, moisture feed content of 20%, and screw speed of 232 rpm. Under these conditions, the TF of extruded ML reached to 0.91% and improved by 63% compared with raw ML. Fifteen flavonoids were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-QTOF/MS), and the extrusion resulted in increases in quercetin-3-gentiobioside, quercetin-3,7-di-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-glucoside, rutin, isoquercitrin, and moragrol C. Besides, regarding antioxidative activity, extruded ML water extract inhibited the production of H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species and attenuated nuclear morphology alterations in macrophage cells. The findings of this study should be useful in food processing design to improve the extractable functional compounds in MLs.

This study identified three coumarins (1–3), and six moracin derivatives (4–9). The structures of these natural compounds were determined by the spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR methods, and comparison with previous reported data. All of the isolated compounds were assessed for the effects on the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity. Among them, compounds 1–7 exhibited significant inhibitory effect with 100% inhibitory, with IC50 values of 6.9, 0.2, 15.9, 1.1, 1.2, 9.9, and 7.7 µM, respectively. A kinetic study revealed that compounds 1–4, and 6 were competitive types of inhibitors, compounds 5 and 7 were mixed types of inhibitors. These results suggest that moracin and coumarin derivatives from mulberry leaves are significant sEH inhibitors.

This study evaluated the effect of adding a new step, termed conditioning, to the traditional processing of leaves from Morus alba var. zolwinska wielkolistna grown in Poland (WML-P). This step, modeled on tea leaves processing, was conducted in a controlled environment on a semi-technical scale. The primary goal was to evaluate the effect of the WML-P conditioning for 1–4 h at 32–35 °C on the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonols, 1-deoxynojirimycin) and antioxidant activity (radical scavenging against DPPH, antioxidant capacity, chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential) of the lyophilized extracts. For the first time WML-P extracts content was comprehensively characterized by assessing dietary fiber fractions, fatty acids, amino acids, macro- and microelements and chlorophyll content. Compared to the traditional process, adding the conditioning step to WML-P processing resulted in an increased total phenolics content, radical scavenging capacity, ability to quench 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and iron-chelating ability in the lyophilized extracts. The beneficial effect depended on conditioning time. The highest flavonols and phenolic acids content were found after 2-h conditioning. We concluded that adding a 2-h conditioning step to traditional WML-P processing results in getting WML-P lyophilized extract with increased bioactive compounds content and high antioxidant activity.

In this study we aimed to compare the chemical composition and biological activity between Morus alba L. leaf extract obtained with 95% v/v ethanol using a pulsed electric field (PEF) and the conventional maceration method. Extracts of M. alba leaves collected from Chiang Mai (CM), Sakon Nakon (SK), and Buriram (BR), Thailand, were investigated for 1-deoxynojirimycin content by high-performance liquid chromatography and for total phenolic content by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was investigated by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Anti-tyrosinase and anti-hyaluronidase activity was investigated by in vitro spectrophotometry. The results show that this is the first study to indicate PEF as a novel method for enhancing the phenolic content and antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-hyaluronidase activity of M. alba leaf extract (P < 0.05). PEF extract of M. alba leaves collected from BR had comparable ABTS•+ scavenging activity to l-ascorbic acid and comparable anti-tyrosinase activity to kojic acid (P > 0.05). On the other hand, PEF extract of M. alba leaves collected from SK exhibited significantly high anti-hyaluronidase activity, comparable to that of oleanolic acid (P > 0.05). Therefore, PEF is suggested for further M. alba leaf extraction in the production of natural whitening and anti-aging cosmetic ingredients.

Numerosas familias producen silicofitolitos en sus tejidos, los cuales constituyen una herramienta de importancia taxonómica y paleobotánica. Una de las morfologías producidas en dicotiledóneas son los cistolitos, definidos como concreciones de carbonato de calcio con un esqueleto silíceo. Este esqueleto silíceo puede quedar preservado en suelos y sedimentos, constituyendo una morfología diagnóstica para estudios fitolíticos paleoambientales y arqueológicos. En este trabajo se analizaron silicofitolitos de seis especies de las familias Cannabaceae, Moraceae y Urticaceae, todas productoras de cistolitos. Los silicofitolitos se extrajeron mediante técnicas de calcinación; se describieron las morfologías y realizaron mediciones a los cistolitos, bajo microscopios óptico y electrónico de barrido. Se aplicaron tests estadísticos para evaluar diferencias. Todas las especies estudiadas producen silicofitolitos, reportándose las primeras descripciones en tres especies de Urticaceae y una de Moraceae. Se describieron cistolitos de variada forma, pelos y fitolitos poliédricos, y fue posible la diferenciación, al menos a nivel de familia. Celtis spp (Cannabaceae) y Morus alba L.(Moraceae) producen cistolitos diferentes a las especies de Urticaceae y presentan una protuberancia o pelo asociado, son más angostos y más cortos. Estas características, así como las variables morfométricas medidas, podrían ser utilizadas para la diferenciación de estos taxa en el registro fitolítico fósil.

ABSTRACT Morous Alba, known as white mulberry contains many oxidative flavonoids, widely used in the treatment of many diseases like hyperglycemia, inflammation, fever and cancer. In the present study we investigated the interaction of extracted flavonoids from Iranian Morus Alba leaves with DNA as a main target for anticancer drugs. Various spectroscopic techniques (UV/Vis, CD and Fluorescence Spectroscopy) were used to detect the interaction. In vivo studies also were done to confirm the effectiveness of the extracted flavonoids. The spectroscopic results showed that the extracted flavonoids bind to DNA especially to the sugar-phosphate backbone and making DNA conformational changes upon this binding. Experiments on the cancerous mice with solid tumors indicated that the treatment of mice with these extracted flavonoids increased significantly the life span but they did not have any effects on the tumor size reduction. These data suggest that Morus Alba flavonoids may use as an effective natural anticancer drug in the near future.

Morus alba is commonly called white mulberry, which is native to China and is the tender branch of mulberry as a herbal medicine in China. In this study, we presented and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of M. alba. The whole chloroplast genome is 159,050 bp in size, exhibiting a large single copy region (87,762 bp), a small single-copy region (19,876 bp) and a pair of inverted-repeat regions (25,706 bp). The overall nucleotide composition is: 31.4% of A, 32.4% of T, 18.4% C, and 17.8% G, with a total A + T content of the chloroplast genome 63.8% and G + C content of 36.2%. The whole chloroplast genome of M. alba contains 126 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes (PCG), 36 transfer RNA (tRNAs), and 8 ribosome RNA (rRNAs). Phylogenetic Maximum-Likelihood (ML) tree based on 15 species chloroplast genomes that Morus alba is closely related to Morus cathayana. This complete chloroplast genomes can be used for medicinal value and clinical drug development that also can have a great significance for future to continue research.

The natural durability of wood to mold fungi was tested under laboratory conditions with locally sourced Citharexylum spinosum and Morus alba woods. The mold fungi were Penicillium selerotigenum, Paecilomyces variotii, and Aspergillus niger. Changes in surface elemental composition were evaluated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and the biodeterioration of wood surfaces by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The C peak element of C. spinosum wood was affected significantly (P = 0.0004) and decreased from 49.91% in the control specimens to 47%, 40.1%, and 40% with P. selerotigenum, A. niger, and P. variotii, respectively. Also, the C peak element of M. alba heartwood significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) from 51.33% in the control specimens to 41.49%, 45.66%, and 43.66% in wood inoculated with A. niger, P. variotii, and P. selerotigenum, respectively. The elements Al and Cu were observed in high percentages with M. alba heartwood inoculated by P. variotii. The methanol extract from M. alba heartwood showed good inhibition against the growth of A. niger at a concentration of 32 μg/mL, and the methanol extract from C. spinosum wood showed remarkable inhibition against the growth of P. variotii at a concentration of 8 μg/mL. The results of this study clearly showed the changes that occur in wood samples as a result of fungal infestation.

Melanin is a natural pigment that plays an important role in the protection of skin, however, hyperpigmentation cause by excessive levels of melatonin is associated with several problems. Therefore, melanogenesis inhibitory natural products have been developed by the cosmetic industry as skin medications. The leaves of Morus alba (Moraceae) have been reported to inhibit melanogenesis, therefore, characterization of the melanogenesis inhibitory constituents of M. alba leaves was attempted in this study. Twenty compounds including eight benzofurans, 10 flavonoids, one stilbenoid and one chalcone were isolated from M. alba leaves and these phenolic constituents were shown to significantly inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin content in B6F10 melanoma cells. To maximize the melanogenesis inhibitory activity and active phenolic contents, optimized M. alba leave extraction conditions were predicted using response surface methodology as a methanol concentration of 85.2%; an extraction temperature of 53.2 °C and an extraction time of 2 h. The tyrosinase inhibition and total phenolic content under optimal conditions were found to be 74.8% inhibition and 24.8 μg GAE/mg extract, which were well-matched with the predicted values of 75.0% inhibition and 23.8 μg GAE/mg extract. These results shall provide useful information about melanogenesis inhibitory constituents and optimized extracts from M. alba leaves as cosmetic therapeutics to reduce skin hyperpigmentation.

Objective: To investigate the possible ameliorative effect of crude water extract of Morus alba (M. alba) leaves on retinopathy of rat pups maternally subjected to diabetes and/or Al intoxication. Methods: Both control and experimental groups were subjected to certain integrated approaches, namely, biochemical assessments, light microscopic investigation, transmission electron microscopic investigation, single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) and determination of DNA fragmentation. Results: The retina of pups of diabetic and/or Al-intoxicated mothers exhibited abnormal alterations in retinal cell layers including retinal pigmented epithelium, photoreceptor inner segment and ganglion cells. Increased incidence of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis were evident in pups of diabetic and/or Al-intoxicated mothers. However, retina of pups maternally received M. alba extract plus diabetes or Al-intoxicated alone or in combination showed marked amelioration. Less degree of ameliorations was seen in retina of pups maternally subjected to combined treatment. Furthermore, application of crude water extract of M. alba resulted in amelioration of the alterations of maternal serum glucose as well as Al concentration. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, M. alba extract is effective against experimentally diabetic and Al-induced developmental retinopathy.

Various studies have confirmed toxic effects of monosodium glutamate in different organs. The review of literatures about influence of MSG on the male reproductive system shows the variety of tissue damages. Most of these changes mainly manifested by increased oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. The present study was aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of herbal antioxidants (Morus Alba) on the tissue damages related to monosodium glutamate cytotoxicity. Forty-eight adult Wistar rats were divided into two control and experimental groups. Each group divided into short (14 days) and long term (28 days) group. Experimental group was subdivided into four subgroups. The experimental group was injected with MSG (4 mg/kg BW, i.p.). Morus Alba extract (100 mg/kg BW) was administrated to two MSG treated experimental subgroups. At the end of study, the right testis was processed for histological evaluation and the left one was processed for sperm analysis and morphometric studies. Decrease of spermatogenic indices was accompanied with the changes in histomorphology of seminiferous tubules in MSG treated groups. Moreover, the sperm analysis indices were decreased in MSG treated rats. These changes were more obvious in long term treatments. The administration of Morus Alba extract led to improvement in histologic and spermatogenic indices. The most observable improvement in tissue changes was obtained by long term treatment with Morus Alba extract. The present study suggests that the administration of Morus Alba extract can preserve the positive effects in reduction of testicular tissue alterations in Monosodium glutamate tissue toxicity. [Med-Science 2015; 4(1.000): 1959-65]

Background: Periodontitis has a multifactorial etiology, with primary etiologic agents being pathogenic bacteria that reside in the subgingival area. Recent advances in the field of alternative medicine introduced various herbal products for the treatment of periodontitis. Aim: To assess and compare the antimicrobial activity of Morus alba sol-gel with chlorhexidine sol-gel against ATCC standard strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Materials and Methods: Crude extract of Morus alba leaves was prepared by Soxhlet method by using ethanol as a solvent. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract of M. alba was performed to check the various chemical constituents. M. alba sol-gel and chlorhexidine sol-gel were formulated using Pluronic f127 and Pluronic f108 and compared for their antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both the gels was performed using agar well diffusion technique. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration of M. alba sol-gel and chlorhexidine sol-gel against A. actinomycetemcomitans is 19 and 17 mm, T. forsythia is 12 and 21 mm, and P. gingivalis is 16 and 18 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Both M. alba and chlorhexidine sol-gel exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against periodontal pathogens.

Context: Antibiotic resistance is a major problem with inadvertent usage. Thus, there is a need to search for new antimicrobial agents of herbal origin to combat antibiotic resistance. One such plant is Morus alba which has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Aim: To compare the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of M. alba leaves with chlorhexidine gluconate against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Settings and Design: Experimental in vitro study. Methodology: Crude extract from the leaves of M. alba were prepared by Soxhlet extraction method by using ethanol as a solvent. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was assessed against A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. forsythia, and compared with that of chlorhexidine gluconate by broth dilution method. Results: P. gingivalis was the most sensitive organism against the M. alba extract with an MIC value of 1.95 mg/ml; while T. forsythia and P. gingivalis both were most sensitive organisms against chlorhexidine gluconate with MIC values of 0.00781 mg/ml. Conclusion: M. alba possess good antibacterial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. forsythia and thus would be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. However, chlorhexidine gluconate was found to be more effective when compared to M. alba.

Mulberry plants ( Morus alba ) have leaf shapes, ranging from unlobed to lobed, which are crucial for yield, growth, and adaptability, indicating their ability to adapt to their environment. Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) constitute a web of RNAs within the organism's transcriptional regulatory system, including protein-coding genes (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and others. In this study, samples for ceRNA sequencing were categorized into two groups: whole leaves and lobed leaves, each group with three replicates. In addition, we isolated, cloned, and characterized the precursor miRNA (miR156x) from the leaves of M. alba . miR156x precursor had a length of 107 base pairs and a minimum folding free energy of 50.27 kcal/mol. We constructed a pCAMBIA-35S-GUS-miR156x dual overexpression vector and established a transient transformation system for mulberry. At an optimal transformation solution (OD600 = 0.7), the GUS gene showed a higher expression in the leaves of transiently transformed mulberry with miR156x overexpression, four days after transformation, while the target genes of miR156x had decreased expression in the same leaves. Investigations into the transgenic mulberry plants uncovered various modifications to physio-chemical parameters including POD, SOD, PRO, MDA, soluble proteins and sugars, and chlorophyl content. miRNAs in the plants were found to act as negative regulators of gene expression in response to changes in leaf shape regulation, which was confirmed in vitro using dual-luciferase reporter assays. Subsequently, we cloned Maspl3 in vitro and conducted GST-Pull down assays, obtaining multiple proteins that interacted with the Maspl3 gene. This indicates that the miR156x/ Maspl3 /MSTRG.25812.1 regulatory module contributes to the differences in mulberry leaf shape.

Pharmaceutically active compounds from medical plants are attractive as a major source for new drug development. Prenylated stilbenoids with increased lipophilicity are valuable secondary metabolites which possess a wide range of biological activities. So far, many prenylated stilbenoids have been isolated from Morus alba but the enzyme responsible for the crucial prenyl modification remains unknown. In the present study, a stilbenoid-specific prenyltransferase (PT), termed Morus alba oxyresveratrol geranyltransferase (MaOGT), was identified and functionally characterized in vitro. MaOGT recognized oxyresveratrol and geranyl diphosphate (GPP) as natural substrates, and catalyzed oxyresveratrol prenylation. Our results indicated that MaOGT shared common features with other aromatic PTs, e.g. multiple transmembrane regions, conserved functional domains and targeting to plant plastids. This distinct PT represents the first stilbenoid-specific PT accepting GPP as a natural prenyl donor, and could help identify additional functionally varied PTs in moraceous plants. Furthermore, MaOGT might be applied for high-efficiency and large-scale prenylation of oxyresveratrol to produce bioactive compounds for potential therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As part of our continuing research to obtain pharmacologically active compounds from Morus alba L. (Moraceae), four Diels-Alder type adducts (DAs) [morusalbins A−D], one isoprenylated flavonoid [albanin T], together with twenty-one known phenolic compounds were isolated from its root bark. The chemical structures were established using NMR, MS, and ECD spectra. The DAs including morusalbins A−D, albasin B, macrourin G, yunanensin A, mulberrofuran G and K, and albanol B exhibited strong inhibitory activities against both protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) (IC 50 , 1.90 − 9.67 μM) and α-glucosidase (IC 50 , 2.29 − 5.91 μM). In the kinetic study, morusalbin D, albasin B, and macrourin G showed noncompetitive PTP1B inhibition, with K i values of 0.33, 1.00, and 1.09 μM, respectively. In contrast, these DAs together with yunanensin A produced competitive inhibition of α -glucosidase, with K i values of 0.64, 0.42, 2.42, and 1.19 μM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that these active DAs have high affinity and tight binding capacity towards the active site of PTP1B and α -glucosidase. Graphical abstract Four Diels-Alder adducts, one isoprenylated flavonoid, and 21 known phenolic compounds were isolated from Morus alba root bark. The active Diels-Alder adducts could act as dual allosteric PTP1B/catalytic α -glucosidase inhibitors. Image 1 Highlights •. Four Diels-Alder adducts (DAs) and one isoprenylated flavonoid were isolated from Morus alba • Absolute configuration of DAs with a bicyclo[3.3.1] core was confirmed for the first time by calculated ECD. • Some of the DAs showed potent inhibition of both PTP1B and α-glucosidase. • The active DAs could act as dual allosteric PTP1B/ catalytic α -glucosidase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was conducted at the Research Center Santa Lucía, of the University Institute of la Paz, from Colombia, with 240 broiler chicken of the Cobb Avían 48® breed in their finishing stage. The objective was to evaluate the productive and economic response when including alternative feedstuffs such as 10% meal from woody forage plants and oil palm fruit in the conventional diet. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments of three replicas each and 20 animals per replica. The treatments were: T0: 100% commercial concentrate feed; T1: 10% mulberry Morus alba (L.) meal and 90% commercial concentrate feed; T2: 10% Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth meal and 90% commercial concentrate feed; and T3: 10% ground oil palm Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) fruit and 90% commercial concentrate feed. No significant statistical differences were found among the treatments for the variables: weight gain, intake, conversion index and viability. The weight gains (g/bird) fluctuated between 1 388,8 (T0) and 1 037,0 (T1). The incomes, net cash profit, profit margin, net profit per animal and benefit/cost (B/C) ratio, were higher in treatments T2 and T3. The viability was high in all the treatments. It is concluded that the inclusion of these meals from woody forage plants in the conventional diet of broilers is feasible, because the productive results are not affected, while the inclusion of oil palm fruit turned out to be the best economic alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was conducted at the Research Center Santa Lucía, of the University Institute of la Paz, from Colombia, with 240 broiler chicken of the Cobb Avían 48® breed in their finishing stage. The objective was to evaluate the productive and economic response when including alternative feedstuffs such as 10% meal from woody forage plants and oil palm fruit in the conventional diet. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments of three replicas each and 20 animals per replica. The treatments were: T0: 100% commercial concentrate feed; T1: 10% mulberry Morus alba (L.) meal and 90% commercial concentrate feed; T2: 10% Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth meal and 90% commercial concentrate feed; and T3: 10% ground oil palm Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) fruit and 90% commercial concentrate feed. No significant statistical differences were found among the treatments for the variables: weight gain, intake, conversion index and viability. The weight gains (g/bird) fluctuated between 1 388,8 (T0) and 1 037,0 (T1). The incomes, net cash profit, profit margin, net profit per animal and benefit/cost (B/C) ratio, were higher in treatments T2 and T3. The viability was high in all the treatments. It is concluded that the inclusion of these meals from woody forage plants in the conventional diet of broilers is feasible, because the productive results are not affected, while the inclusion of oil palm fruit turned out to be the best economic alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims Morus , a member of the family Moraceae and commonly known as the mulberry, comprises a pharmaceutically important plant group whose major constituents are the moracins. Moracin derivatives have received great attention because they exhibit a diverse range of biological functionalities. However, no studies have considered the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) and anti-glycation potential of moracin derivatives. Main methods We designed the current study to explore the anti-AD activity of moracin derivatives via in vitro inhibition of BACE1 and cholinesterase, their antioxidant activity via scavenging ONOO− and ABTS + radicals, and their anti-diabetic activity through inhibition of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation. Moreover, to define the mechanism of action of moracin derivatives in depth, we performed in silico molecular modeling using a computer-assisted drug design and modeling program. Key findings Among the four Morus -derived moracins tested, moracin S, which has a prenyl moiety in the 2-aryl benzofuran scaffold, possessed the highest BACE1 inhibitory activity. It also, in a dose-dependent fashion, decreased ONOO−-mediated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nitration and formation of AGEs and amyloid cross-β structures in the glycated BSA system, and it showed notable radical scavenging activity. In addition, enzyme kinetic and molecular docking studies demonstrated that moracin S is a potent, competitive BACE1 inhibitor that could interact with key catalytic aspartyl residues. Significance The prenyl moiety in the 2-aryl benzofuran structure plays a crucial role in inhibition of BACE1. These in vitro and in silico results provide valuable information for the design of anti-AD drugs. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves are widely used as herbal tea to prevent heat stroke. Potential chemical markers of the antioxidant properties and its correlation with harvesting times and leaf location were explored in this study. A 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay guided isolation of mulberry leaves extract provided five phenolic compounds: 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (2), gastrodin (3), isoquercetin (4) and rutin (5). The 50% radical-scavenging concentrations (SC50) of these compounds were 32.76 ± 0.27, 11.41 ± 0.48, 404.30 ± 4.92, 10.63 ± 0.96, and 10.57 ± 0.61 μg/mL, respectively. Chromatographic fingerprinting allowed content analysis of 1-5 in samples over a 12-month period. Compounds 1-5 were abundance in apical leaves (0-10 cm) in January and February at temperatures < 20 °C. Contents of 2 and 5 were highest in these months and were strongly correlated to the antioxidant property. Therefore, we suggested that the mulberry leaves harvested during January and February have high yield of 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid and this compound can be used as antioxidative marker in mulberry leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The application of ionic liquids as solvent in the microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method has been developed for extraction of secondary metabolites from plants. However, oxyresveratrol extraction from Morus alba roots using IL-MAE method has never been reported. Purpose of this research was to get the optimum condition of imidazoliumbased ionic liquid-microwave assisted extraction (IL-MAE) for oxyresveratrol extraction from M. alba roots. Methods: M. alba roots were extracted with 3 kinds of ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim]Br), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Hmim]Br)and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium sulfate ([Bmim]2[SO4]), respectively by microwave with 3 different microwave power (P10%, P30% and P50%) for 10 min. Then, fractionated with ethyl acetate and salted out by additionof 4 different salts (Na2CO3, NaHCO3, K2HPO4, and NaCl). Oxyresveratrol concentration of the extracts was analyzed with TLC-densitometry and HPLC. Results: Based on the results of this study, the most optimum condition of IL-MAE for oxyresveratrol from M. alba roots was using [Bmim]Br concentration 1.5mol/L with microwave power 10% for 10 min. The salt 0.01 mol/L NaHCO3 was optimum for the back extraction of oxyresveratrol from [Bmim]Br solution. Under optimized conditions, oxyresveratrol concentration in M. alba roots extract using IL-MAE method was 735.25 ppm. Conclusion: This IL-MAE method was suitable to be applied as an alternative technique to extract oxyresveratrol from the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extracts from mulberries (the fruit of Morus alba L.) led to the identification of six heterocyclic compounds (1‑6). These compounds were screened to detect whether they protected pancreatic INS‑1 cells from streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced cytotoxicity. Compound 3 was the most effective at preventing STZ‑induced cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in INS‑1 cells. In addition, compound 3 effectively prevented apoptosis induced by STZ in INS‑1 cells. Compound 3 also prevented STZ‑mediated cleavage of caspase‑8, caspase‑3 and poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase and increased the expression of B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2), an anti‑apoptotic Bcl‑2 family protein. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that compound 3 extracted from the fruit of M. alba was highly effective in preventing type 1 diabetes mellitus and may be a novel treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]