Biochemical Composition and Pharmacological Properties of Mulberry (Morus spp.) - A Review

Abstract

Mulberry leaves contains (g kg -1 on dry matter basis) 163 g kg -1 ash, 201 g kg -1 crude protein, 120g kg -1 crude fibre and chemical analysis indicated highest crude protein and the lowest non digestive factor contents (22.3 and 31.1% dry matter, respectively) among the four forages tested. The caloric values were calculated as 241.05 Kcal./100g. Among minerals, mulberry leaves contains calcium 1493.22, iron 27.06 and zinc 2.18 mg/100g. Magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium content were 533.24, 370.91, 58.62 and 1239.07 mg/100 gm, respectively. Concentrations of total phenolic compounds like tannins, alkaloids and saponins were within safe range. Analyses of mineral composition indicated that potassium was the main mineral of fruit followed by sodium and phosphorus. Carbohydrate content is highly significant in apical leaf (f<0.05) and less significant in middle and bottom leaf (f>0.05). Antioxidant activities ranged from 22.85– 76.88 μmol/100g quercetin equivalents. Anti HIV and chemo-protective activities have also been reported. The wide range of important pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, nephroprotective and various other effects like adaptogenic effect, effect on hyperlipidemia, inhibition of melanin biosynthesis used in psychiatric disorder also in gut and airways disorders. The plant is a very good source of ascorbic acid of which over 90% is present in a reduced form, and also contains carotene, vitamin b1, folic acid, folinic acid, isoquercetin, quercetin, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Due to its chemical composition and pharmacological functions it is being utilized as a medicinal plant. Many active compounds isolated from the mulberry plants which used as medicines. Biochemical compounds such as Moranolin, Moran (glycopeptides), hydrophobic flavonoids (flavones and flavonone), 2-Arylbenzofuran and Ethanolic extract, Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, E, Ethyl acetate, γ -aminobutyric acid, Flavanics are isolated from different parts of mulberry plants which play a vital role in hypoglycemic activity, anti-obesity action, lipid-lowering action, antioxidants action, anti-inflammatory actions, antiallergic action, vasoactive action, neuroprotective action, anticancer action. Mulberry plants are identified for their profitable health consequences and therefore attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. The main objective of present reviews to provide the active principles of mulberry plants.