Volume 46, Issue 11 e14263
REVIEW

Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review

Maria Maqsood

Maria Maqsood

National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Contribution: Conceptualization, Visualization, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing

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Raakia Anam Saeed

Raakia Anam Saeed

National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Contribution: Writing - review & editing

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Amna Sahar

Amna Sahar

Department of Food Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Contribution: Writing - review & editing

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Muhammad Issa Khan

Corresponding Author

Muhammad Issa Khan

National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Correspondence

Muhammad Issa Khan, National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.

Email: [email protected]

Contribution: Supervision, Writing - review & editing

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First published: 31 May 2022
Citations: 32

Abstract

Medicinal plants from the family Moraceae have diverse applications in agriculture, cosmetics, food, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their extensive spectrum of pharmacological activity for treating numerous inflammatory illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems reflects their biological and therapeutic value. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms related to the biological implications of mulberry extracts, fractions, and isolated bioactive compounds from different parts in various health-related ailments. Additionally, the food industry and animal nutrition applications are summarized. Phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins are found in this medicinal plant. The aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, as well as bioactive compounds, have anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immune-modulatory, cardioprotective, and skin protecting activities. Mulberry supplementation in food products improves the stability of phenolics, sensory properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Mulberry leaves in animal feed increase the nutrient digestibility, growth parameters, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Practical applications

This review summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological activities of the mulberry and isolated constituents in various health conditions. In addition, the food uses such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, and physicochemical properties were discussed. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed mulberry as a significant protein source and its flavonoids as potential animal foliage.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data sharing not applicable.

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