Mulberry – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and its Applications in Food, Biomaterials, and Medicine: A Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Modern dietary habits and other factors have led to a global rise in chronic diseases, posing significant threats to daily life. Among the most valuable fruits worldwide, mulberry has been extensively studied for its diverse health benefits and economic potential. Mulberries are not only rich in nutrients and active compounds but also demonstrate antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer pharmacological effects. Despite these promising attributes, there is a lack of systematic evaluations of mulberry's bioactive substances and their pharmacological impacts. Additionally, the increasing focus on developing mulberry derivatives is crucial for enhancing its economic value. This systematic review, complemented by bibliometric analysis, aggregates relevant information from databases such as PubMed and Web of Science to explore research trends and hotspots. Through comprehensive analysis, this review elucidates the nutritional value of mulberry, its unique mechanisms in preventing and treating chronic diseases, and its potential applications in developing functional foods and biomaterials. The latest research findings are summarized to provide a robust scientific foundation for the future research, development, and utilization of mulberry and its derivatives, thereby expanding and deepening its applications in health promotion and disease prevention.