Mulberry (Morus spp.): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal and Functional Properties
Veenita M K *
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Kaveri Aramani
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Tejaswini A S
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Gagana Sindhu S
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Nikita Kankanawadi
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Shravanilakshmi V
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mulberry (Morus spp.), a multipurpose medicinal plant, exhibits a wide array of pharmacological activities across its various parts—leaves, fruits, twigs and roots—making it a promising candidate for functional foods and therapeutic applications. Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids and polyphenols, mulberry demonstrates significant potential in managing metabolic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal and oncological disorders. Leaf extracts show anti-ulcer and antidiabetic effects by modulating gastric and glycemic parameters. Fruits improve mental health, joint function, and enhance ovarian cancer treatment via flavonoids like morin. Twigs aid in diabetes and Alzheimer's through enzyme inhibition and liver protection. Roots reduce prostate enlargement by downregulating androgen pathways, showcasing mulberry as a potent multi-targeted nutraceutical.
Keywords: Mulberry, antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotection, cancer therapy