Apoptosis-inducing activity of ethanol extracts from the tea of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves in HL-60 cells

Abstract

The tea of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves were extracted with 70% ethanol. The extracts inhibited the proliferation of human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The extracts activated the caspase-3 of the cells, one of the key enzyme of apoptosis. Moreover, DNA ladder formation and apoptotic body formation were observed in the presence of the extracts. These results suggest that the extracts from the tea of mulberry leaves is an excellent functional food containing effective substance for preventing cancer.