Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Mulberry Plant Parts: A Review
Neha Sudan
*
Division of Sericulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mulberry (Morus spp.), a traditional medicinal and nutritional plant, has been widely investigated for its bioactive composition and associated health benefits. Different parts of the mulberry plant, including leaves, fruits, bark, and roots, are rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, anthocyanins, stilbenes, and polysaccharides. Leaves are particularly abundant in 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to their antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties. Fruits are notable for anthocyanins, resveratrol, and vitamins that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, while also supporting cardiovascular health. The root bark contains stilbenes and prenylated flavonoids with antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-obesity potential. Moreover, mulberry extracts demonstrate immunomodulatory, anti-aging, and neuroprotective activities, validating their role in both preventive and therapeutic applications. Current evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical studies supports the safety and efficacy of mulberry-derived products in promoting human health, though standardization of bioactive compounds and long-term safety evaluations remain necessary. This review highlights the compositional diversity of mulberry plant parts and their pharmacological significance, providing a basis for future nutraceutical and pharmaceutical developments.
Keywords: Mulberry, health, effects, composition, plant, compounds