Nutrition importance and health benefits of mulberry leaf extract: A review

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus) belongs to the Moraceae plant family, native of China. The leaves of mulberry plant are the major food source for the silkworm. The leaf consists of minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre, amino acids, phytosterols, flavonoids and other functional components, mainly 1-DNJ (1-Deoxynojirimycin) which acts as an anti-diabetic drug. In countries like China, Korea and Japan the preparations from mulberry leaves are used as medicine for increasing the immunity of the human body, cough relief and to lower the blood sugar and blood pressure. The high nutritional value of leaves is used as a functional food, mostly in the form of herbal tea, smoothie, yoghurt, salads, nutritional masala biscuits, capsules, dry powder, oil, dietary supplement etc. This manuscript mainly focuses on the nutritional importance and health benefits of mulberry leaves extract. The leaves extract may help to lower blood sugar (diabetes), inflammation levels, cholesterol and fighting against heart disease.