Effects of Mulberry Fruit (Morus alba L.) Consumption on Health Outcomes: A Mini-Review

Structural, rheological properties and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from mulberry fruits (Murus alba L.) based on different extraction techniques with superfine grinding pretreatment

The structural characteristics and biological activity of polysaccharides were influenced by different extraction methods. In this study, polysaccharides from mulberry fruits (Murus alba L., which were pre-treated with superfine grinding process) (MFP) were exacted using hot-water extraction (HWE), enzyme-assisted hot water extraction (EAHE), ultrasonic-assisted hot water extraction (UAHE), and high-speed shear homogenization-assisted hot water extraction (HSEHE). The extraction yield, structure, rheological properties and antioxidant activities of MFPs were investigated. MFP extracted using the HSEHE method have the highest extraction yields than other extraction methods. The smaller particle size of mulberry powder was found to improve the extraction yields. The MFPs were obtained by the combination between different extraction methods and superfine grinding pretreatment (through 100 mesh sieve) (MFP-HWE100, MFP-EAHE100, MFP-UAHE100, MFP-HSEHE100) showed the same levels of monosaccharide compositions and glycosyl linkages, However, these methods can produce MFP with different monosaccharide proportions, branching degree, different molecular weight, particle size and microstructure. MFP-HSEHE100 achieved the lowest molecular weight and particle size, which exhibited better thixotropy and antioxidant activities than other MFPs. This study identified that HSEHE was the most suitable extraction method for MFP.

Morus alba L. Plant: Bioactive Compounds and Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient

Morus alba L. (M. alba) is a highly adaptable plant that is extensively incorporated in many traditional and Ayurveda medications. Various parts of the plant, such as leaves, fruits, and seeds, possess nutritional and medicinal value. M. alba has abundant phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and volatile aromatic compounds, indicating its excellent pharmacological abilities. M. alba also contains high nutraceutical values for protein, carbohydrates, fiber, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a low lipid value. However, despite its excellent biological properties and nutritional value, M. alba has not been fully considered as a potential functional food ingredient. Therefore, this review reports on the nutrients and bioactive compounds available in M. alba leaves, fruit, and seeds; its nutraceutical properties, functional properties as an ingredient in foodstuffs, and a microencapsulation technique to enhance polyphenol stability. Finally, as scaling up to a bigger production plant is needed to accommodate industrial demand, the study and limitation on an M. alba upscaling process is reviewed.

Effects of Different Parts on the Chemical Composition, Silage Fermentation Profile, In Vitro and In Situ Digestibility of Paper Mulberry

Simple Summary

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, PM) is a potential roughage source widely distributed in Asia, but the chemical composition, silage fermentation, and digestibility are not fully understood. Here, we compared the chemical composition, silage fermentation, and digestibility of leaf, stem, and whole plant of PM to evaluate its feeding value. The result showed that the leaf had lower fiber content and higher protein content than the stem and whole plant. Meanwhile, the stem silage had the lowest pH value and lactate content, while those in the leaf were the highest. The in vitro and in situ digestibility showed the leaf was more digestible. Our study gives the reference of different parts of PM to be used as a feedstuff.

Abstract

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, PM) is high protein but unutilized as a feed source. The study explores the different parts (leaf, stem, and whole plant) of PM chemical composition, silage fermentation, and in vitro and in situ digestibility, aiming to give some guidelines to PM usage as feed. The result showed that the leaf had a higher fresh weight than the stem (p < 0.05). The dry matter contents of the three groups had no differences. The highest crude protein, ether extract, water-soluble carbohydrate, ash, calcium, phosphorus, amino acid contents, and butter capacity were observed in the leaf (p < 0.05). The stem had the highest (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin contents. After ensiling, the stem silage had the lowest pH value, ammonia nitrate (NH₃-N), lactate, acetate, and propionate (p < 0.05). The leaf silage had the highest pH value (p < 0.05). The lactate, acetate, and propionate in the leaf and whole plant silage had no difference. The butyrate was not detected in all silage. The in vitro and in situ digestibility experiments showed the leaf had the highest digestibility (p < 0.05), which could produce more volatile fatty acids and have a higher effective digestibility. These results allow a greater understanding of PM to be used as a feedstuff.

Preventive Effects of Anthraquinones Isolated from an Endophytic Fungus, Colletotrichum sp. JS-0367 in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Stimulated Damage of Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major causative factor of inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix degradation. ROS also cause skin aging and diverse cutaneous lesions. Therefore, antioxidants that inhibit the generation of ROS may be beneficial in the relief of skin aging and diseases. We investigated the anti-skin aging effect of anthraquinones from cultures of Colletotrichum sp., an endophytic fungus isolated from Morus alba L. using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We preferentially evaluated the preventive effects of anti-oxidative anthraquinones (1, 4) against the generation of ROS, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandins-E₂ (PGE₂). Among them, 1,3-dihydroxy-2,8-dimethoxy-6-methylanthraquinone (1) suppressed the generation of ROS, NO, and PGE₂ in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated HDFs. Compound 1 reversed the TNF-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and a decrease in procollagen I α1 (COLIA1). It also suppressed inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, which upregulate inflammatory reactions. Mechanistically, compound 1 suppressed nuclear factor-κB, activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases in TNF-α-stimulated HDFs. These results suggest that compound 1 may be beneficial for improving skin aging and diverse cutaneous lesions.

Effects of dietary white mulberry leaves on hemato-biochemical alterations, immunosuppression and oxidative stress induced by Aeromonas hydrophila in Oreochromis niloticus

The present work was designed to assess the potential hemato-biochemical protective action, immunemodulatory and antioxidant conclusions of varied concentration of white mulberry Morus alba leaves (MAL) extract supplementation on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis .niloticus). A total two hundred and forty of O. niloticus were haphazardly sorted into four groups. The control (CT) group was fed on basal diet. A group MAL₁, MAL₃ and MAL₅ was fed on 1, 3 and 5 g/kg MAL respectively for thirty days. On day thirty one, half of replicates in each group were challenged by 0.5 ml × 10⁸Aeromonas hydrophila where, the residual replicates were kept without challenge. A. hydrophila challenged tilapias revealed anemia that alleviated by supplementation with 5 g/kg MAL also, recovers the shift of leucogram prompted by the challenge. Elevation of alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde (ALP, ALT, AST, LDH and MDA) in CT, MAL₁ and MAL₃ in the challenged replicates respectively where within normal at MAL₅. Supplementation with MAL₅ showed more potent antioxidant and immune reaction than MAL₁ and MAL₃. There were a rapid increase of immunoglobulin M, lysozymes, nitric oxide, catalase and superoxide dismutase and their allied genes expression (IgM, CAT and SOD) in MAL groups with contrast in CT challenged groups. Where in challenged groups, there was suppression in genes expression of interleukins (8 and 1 beta) and interferon ɤ (IL8. IL-1β and INFɤ). Tilapias challenged by A. hydrophila unveiled plentiful surge in the percentage of mortality in CT challenged fish (80%), followed by the groups supplemented with MAL₁ and MAL₃ were (73.33%) where MAL₅ was 20%. The mortalities have been halted from the 6^th, 13^th, 14^th and 15^th days in, MAL₅, MAL₃, MAL₁, and CT correspondingly. These previous results could be fulfilled that using of MAL 5 g/kg protect tilapias from hemato-biochemical alterations and enhance its immune feedback, antioxidant defense and resistance against A. hydrophila.

Effects of Mulberry on The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review

Background

Mulberry, including several species belonging to genus Morus, has been widely used as a traditional medicine for a long time. Extracts and active components of mulberry have many positive neurological and biological effects and can become potential candidates in the search for new drugs for neurological disorders.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically review the medical literature for evidence of mulberry effects on the central nervous system.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in nine databases. We included all in vivo studies investigating the effect of mulberry on the central nervous system with no restrictions.

Results

We finally included 47 articles for quality synthesis. Our findings showed that mulberry and its components possessed an antioxidant effect, showed a reduction in the cerebral infarct volume after stroke. They also improved the cognitive function, learning process, and reduced memory impairment in many animal models. M. alba and its extracts ameliorated Parkinson's disease-like behaviors, limited the complications of diabetes mellitus on the central nervous system, possessed anti-convulsant, anti-depressive, and anxiolytic effects.

Conclusion

Mulberry species proved beneficial to many neurological functions in animal models. The active ingredients of each species, especially M. alba, should be deeper studied for screening potential candidates for future treatments.

Food-Drug Interactions with Fruit Juices

Fruit juices contain a large number of phytochemicals that, in combination with certain drugs, can cause food–drug interactions that can be clinically significant and lead to adverse events. The mechanisms behind such interactions are in most cases related to phytochemical interference with the activity of cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes (CYPs) or drug transporters. Moreover, alterations in their activity can have a clinical relevance if systemic exposure to the drug is decreased or increased, meaning that the pharmacological drug effects are suboptimal, or the drug will cause toxicity. In general, the common pharmacokinetic parameters found to be altered in food–drug interactions regarding fruit juices are the area under the concentration–time curve, bioavailability, and maximum plasma concentration. In most cases, the results from the drug interaction studies with fruit juices provide only limited information due to the small number of subjects, which are also healthy volunteers. Moreover, drug interactions with fruit juices are challenging to predict due to the unknown amounts of the specific phytochemicals responsible for the interaction, as well as due to the inter-individual variability of drug metabolism, among others. Therefore, this work aims to raise awareness about possible pharmacological interactions with fruit juices.

Characterization, biological evaluation and molecular docking of mulberry fruit pectin

Contemplating the exemplary benefits of pectin on human health, we precisely characterized and evaluated the antibacterial and anticancer activities from purified Mulberry Fruit Pectins (MFP). Here, we tested BR-2 and S-13 varieties of mulberry fruit pectins against six bacterial strains and two human cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Hep G-2), using MIC and an in vitro cell-based assay respectively. The BR-2 mulberry fruit pectin performs superior to S-13 by inhibiting strong bacterial growth (MIC = 500–1000 μg/mL) against tested bacterial strains and cytotoxic activities at the lowest concentration (10 µg/ml) against the Hep G-2 cell line. However, both tested drugs failed to exhibit cytotoxicity on the human colon cancer cell line (HT-29). Based on molecular interaction through docking, pectin binds effectively with the receptors (1e3g, 3t0c, 5czz, 6j7l, 6v40, 5ibs, 5zsy, and 6ggb) and proven to be a promising antimicrobial and anti-cancer agents. The pursuit of unexploited drugs from mulberry fruit pectin will potentially combat against bacterial and cancer diseases. Finally, future perspectives of MFP for the treatment of many chronic diseases will help immensely due to their therapeutic properties.

Potential of Mulberry Leaf Biomass and Its Flavonoids to Improve Production and Health in Ruminants: Mechanistic Insights and Prospects

Leaf biomass from the mulberry plant (genus Morus and family Moraceae) is considered a potential resource for livestock feeding. Mulberry leaves (MLs) contain high protein (14.0-34.2%) and metabolizable energy (1130-2240 kcal/kg) with high dry matter (DM) digestibility (75-85%) and palatability. Flavonoid contents of MLs confer unique antioxidant properties and can potentially help alleviate oxidative stress in animals during stressful periods, such as neonatal, weaning, and periparturient periods. In addition, mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) possess antimicrobial properties and can effectively decrease the population of ruminal methanogens and protozoa to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production. Owing to its rich flavonoid content, feeding MLs increases fiber digestion and utilization leading to enhanced milk production in ruminants. Dietary supplementation with MLFs alters ruminal fermentation kinetics by increasing total volatile fatty acids, propionate, and ammonia concentrations. Furthermore, they can substantially increase the population of specific cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. Owing to their structural homology with steroid hormones, the MLFs can potentially modulate different metabolic pathways particularly those linked with energy homeostasis. This review aims to highlight the potential of ML and its flavonoids to modulate the ruminal microbiome, fermentation, and metabolic status to enhance productive performance and health in ruminants while reducing CH4 emission.

Select Polyphenol-Rich Berry Consumption to Defer or Deter Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Complications

Berries are considered "promising functional fruits" due to their distinct and ubiquitous therapeutic contents of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic, ellagic acid derivatives, and organic acids. These polyphenols are part of berries and the human diet, and evidence suggests that their intake is associated with a reduced risk or the reversal of metabolic pathophysiologies related to diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension. This work reviewed and summarized both clinical and non-clinical findings that the consumption of berries, berry extracts, purified compounds, juices, jams, jellies, and other berry byproducts aided in the prevention and or otherwise management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications. The integration of berries and berries-derived byproducts into high-carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat (HFD) diets, also reversed/reduced the HCD/HFD-induced alterations in glucose metabolism-related pathways, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid oxidation in healthy/obese/diabetic subjects. The berry polyphenols also modulate the intestinal microflora ecology by opposing the diabetic and obesity rendered symbolic reduction of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction-restoring bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, and organic acid producing microflora. All studies proposed a number of potential mechanisms of action of respective berry bioactive compounds, although further mechanistic and molecular studies are warranted. The metabolic profiling of each berry is also included to provide up-to-date information regarding the potential anti-oxidative/antidiabetic constituents of each berry.

Effects of Paper Mulberry Silage on the Milk Production, Apparent Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Bacteria Composition in Holstein Dairy Cows

Simple Summary

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is a type of roughage rich in bioactive substances, such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are beneficial for animal health. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility of PM silage in Holstein dairy cows and its effect on the milk production, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition of the animals. The results showed that the PM silage had no significant influence on the milk yield, apparent digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition of dairy cows. However, diets with PM silage can enhance the antioxidant and immune capacity of dairy cows, mainly due to the bioactive substance in PM. Today, faced with a shortage of feedstuff resources in ruminants, PM can be a useful feed resource for ruminants. Simultaneously, with the ban on antibiotics, PM may become an important functional feed for protecting animal health.

Abstract

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is an excellent and extensive type of roughage in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM silage on the milk production, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition in Holstein dairy cows. Forty-five lactating Holstein dairy cows with a similar milk yield and parity were selected and randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was fed a non-PM silage diet, and the PM-treated groups were fed 4.5 and 9.0% PM silage supplementary diets for 28 days. Then, treatment groups were fed diets containing 13.5 and 18.0% PM silage for the next 28 days, respectively. PM silage increased the milk urea nitrogen and decreased the somatic cell count (p < 0.05), but did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. PM silage can enhance the blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and immune globulin content (p < 0.05). The PM silage significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Tyzzerella-4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PM silage enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows, but did not influence the milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition.

Pomegranate juice as a functional food: a comprehensive review of its polyphenols, therapeutic merits, and recent patents

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family and is regarded as the 'miracle fruit' for its seeds being consumed as food, juice and as a functional food. Significant modern pharmacological and clinical evidence has highlighted the wide medicinal applications of pomegranate fruit parts and its juice. Pomegranate juice (PJ) that is superior to other fruit juices is a fortified source of dietary polyphenols with potential antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols of PJ include tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The presence of these beneficial phytochemicals is directly linked to its favourable health benefits viz., obesity and diabetes management and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review capitalizes on PJ with emphasis on the interrelationship between its holistic chemical composition, metabolism and biological effects. Moreover, the review recapitulates on the diverse health benefits of PJ and related patents in the field of PJ production to ensure the best produced juice quality.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Un-Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Mulberry Fruit (Morus atropurpurea) in Response to Sclerotiniose Pathogen Ciboria shiraiana Infection

Mulberry sclerotiniose caused by Ciboria shiraiana is a devastating disease of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit in Northwest China. At present, no disease-resistant varieties are used in production, as the molecular mechanisms of this disease are not well understood. In this study, to explore new prevention methods and provide direction for molecular breeding, transcriptomic sequencing and un-targeted metabolomics were performed on healthy (CK), early-stage diseased (HB1), and middle-stage diseased (HB2) mulberry fruits. Functional annotation, gene ontology, a Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, and a Mapman analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed differential regulation of genes related to plant hormone signal transduction, transcription factors, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. A correspondence between the transcript pattern and metabolite profile was observed in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. It should be noted that the log2 ratio of eugenol (isoeugenol) in HB1 and HB2 are 85 times and 23 times higher than CK, respectively. Our study shows that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis may play an essential role in response to sclerotiniose pathogen infection and eugenol(isoeugenol) enrichment in mulberry fruit, which may provide a novel method for mulberry sclerotiniose control.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Ameliorates Adipogenesis via Increasing AMPK Activity and Downregulating MicroRNA-21/143 in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruits have long been used in traditional medicine and as edible berries in many countries. This study investigated the antiadipogenic effect of high hydrostatic pressure mulberry fruit extract (MFE) during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. MFE decreased lipid and triglyceride accumulation and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to adipogenesis, such as the adipocyte protein 2, proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α, were suppressed by MFE. They also reduced microRNA (miR)-21 and miR-143 expression, which are involved in adipogenesis. In contrast, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was increased by MFE. These results suggested that MFE may suppress adipogenesis through modulating miR-21/143 expression and AMPK activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which may be useful as antiobesity food agents.

Fruits

Fruits come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. This chapter will cover selected fruits that are known to be healthy and highly nutritious. These fruits were chosen due to their common usage and availability. Since it is not possible to cover all health benefits or essential nutrients and important phytochemicals of the fruit composition, this chapter will focus on the key valuable constituents and their potential health effects.

The Effect of Adding the Leaves and Fruits of Morus alba to Rape Honey on Its Antioxidant Properties, Polyphenolic Profile, and Amylase Activity

Two various species of mulberry (Morus sp.) were selected to enrich rape honey with dried leaves or lyophilized fruits (4% w/v). Finally, fruits and leaves of the ‘Ukraińska’ clone were introduced into the honey during creaming in concentrations from 1 to 4% w/v. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content, and polyphenolic profile were tested in plant extracts and enriched honeys. Moreover, α-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, and diastase activities were investigated in honeys. For mulberry extracts, chlorogenic acid isomers and rutin were considered main antioxidant compounds. The antioxidant activity of honey enriched with mulberry leaves increased even more than 50 times, due to introducing numerous phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. A significant decrease in the diastase activity in honey depending on the content of added mulberry leaves (almost 50% decrease in the case of 4% addition) was found, suggesting the inhibitory effect of honey with mulberry leaves against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes.

A Comparative Study on the Phenolic Composition and Biological Activities of Morus alba L. Commercial Samples

Morus alba L. (white mulberry) has been commonly used as a functional food and for medicinal purposes. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare the phenolic profile of white mulberry commercial samples in relation to their antioxidant potential and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. It is of interest to determine whether herbal products originating from different commercial sources differ in their phenolic profiles. For this purpose, a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for the separation and determination of ten major phenolic compounds. Total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total phenolic acid contents (TPAC), as well as l(+)-ascorbic acid (ASA) contents, were determined. The antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) scavenging activity and ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, while the AChE inhibitory activity was determined by the Ellman assay for water extracts. The study revealed that excluding two herbal products containing fruits and a sample containing leaves of white mulberry, yerba mate and lemon, the remaining samples were generally consistent in terms of phenolic composition as well as antioxidant potential and AChE inhibitory activity. This reflects the health-promoting properties of the samples under study. Moreover, the results showed that the water extracts of white mulberry were richer in phenolic compounds and presented higher antioxidant activity than the hydromethanolic extracts. However, the water extracts showed low inhibitory activity against AChE. Moreover, the correlation analysis indicated a high positive relationship between phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in extracts of white mulberry. Overall, the obtained results may be useful in the evaluation of new dietary supplements and food products. The water extracts of white mulberry could be used for antioxidant purposes, while the hydromethanolic extracts could be incorporated in antioxidant formulations.

The Profile of Secondary Metabolites and Other Bioactive Compounds in Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucurbita moschata Pumpkin Cultivars

Plants and animals are sources of various bioactive compounds that exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. Scientists continue studies on the chemical composition of many products in search of foods with high nutritional value. The pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) is unquestionably a source of valuable nutrients. This vegetable is well-known all over the world and it is appreciated due to its high content of carotenoids, but it is still not much used in the processing industry. The aim of present study was to compare the flesh of 15 pumpkin varieties belonging to the Cucurbita pepo and C. moschata species in terms of the bioactive compound content (carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonols, minerals and vitamins) and to demonstrate whether the variety has an effect on the chemical composition. To date, no such extensive research has been carried out in this area. The research revealed that the pumpkin pulp had high content of carotenoids. In nearly all cases lutein was the most abundant carotenoid. Numerous phenolic acids and flavonols were also identified. All the cultivars contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin. The pumpkin pulp also contained alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. No beta- or delta-tocopherol was found. Potassium, calcium, and sodium were the most abundant minerals. The research also proved that the profile of bioactive compounds in the pumpkin pulp was considerably diversified and depended on the species and cultivar

Encapsulated Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Changes in an Animal Model of Menopause with Metabolic Syndrome

Currently, the therapeutic strategy against metabolic syndrome and its complications is required due to the increasing prevalence and its impact. Due to the benefits of both mulberry fruit extract and encapsulation technology, we hypothesized that encapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could improve metabolic parameters and its complication risk in postmenopausal metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Then, they were orally given MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks and the parameters, such as percentage of body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, atherogenic index, fasting blood glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), oxidative stress status, histology, and protein expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and NF-κB in adipose tissues were determined. MME improved body weight gain, adiposity index, glucose intolerance, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, ACE, oxidative stress status, and protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Moreover, MME attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced PPAR-γ expression. Taken altogether, MME decreased metabolic syndrome and its complication via the increased PPAR-γ expression. Therefore, MME is the potential candidate for improving metabolic syndrome and its related complications. However, further research in clinical trial is still necessary.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf infusion against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) is used in folk medicine against tooth and knee pain, wounds, inflammation, and stomach discomfort; however, the effects of P. orientalis leaf (PO-leaf) infusion on the liver and kidney are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of an infusion obtained from dried P. orientalis leaves against ethanol-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats. After a toxicity test, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Ethanol 20%, Ethanol 20% + Silymarin (10 mg/kg), Ethanol 20% + PO-20 mg/mL infusion, and Ethanol 20% + PO-60 mg/mL infusion. The PO-leaf infusion doses were given ad libitum during 28 days to test the biochemical and antioxidant enzyme levels. According to the results, the PO-leaf contained rich compounds such as benzaldehyde, palmitic acid, 2,4-ditert-butylphenol, stearic acid, octadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, kaempferol, and kaempferol derivatives. In the Ethanol group, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, UA, and urea in the serum and GST and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and erythrocyte tissues showed a significant increase compared to the Control group. AST, LDH, GGT, UA, and LDL-C levels in the serum and MDA (all tissues) significantly decreased in the Ethanol + PO-60 mg/mL group compared to the Ethanol group. SOD, GPx, and CAT activities in the kidney tissue of the Ethanol group showed a significant decrease compared to the Control group, whereas the GPx activity in kidney tissue in all of the treatment groups increased significantly compared to the Ethanol group. These findings suggest that the administration of the determined PO-leaf infusion doses might have a protective role against ethanol-induced liver and kidney damage in rats.

Organ-Specific Analysis of Morus alba Using a Gel-Free/Label-Free Proteomic Technique

Morus alba is an important medicinal plant that is used to treat human diseases. The leaf, branch, and root of Morus can be applied as antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory medicines, respectively. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the various pharmacological functions within different parts of Morus, organ-specific proteomics were performed. Protein profiles of the Morus leaf, branch, and root were determined using a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique. In the Morus leaf, branch, and root, a total of 492, 414, and 355 proteins were identified, respectively, including 84 common proteins. In leaf, the main function was related to protein degradation, photosynthesis, and redox ascorbate/glutathione metabolism. In branch, the main function was related to protein synthesis/degradation, stress, and redox ascorbate/glutathione metabolism. In root, the main function was related to protein synthesis/degradation, stress, and cell wall. Additionally, organ-specific metabolites and antioxidant activities were analyzed. These results revealed that flavonoids were highly accumulated in Morus root compared with the branch and leaf. Accordingly, two root-specific proteins named chalcone flavanone isomerase and flavonoid 3,5-hydroxylase were accumulated in the flavonoid pathway. Consistent with this finding, the content of the total flavonoids was higher in root compared to those detected in branch and leaf. These results suggest that the flavonoids in Morus root might be responsible for its biological activity and the root is the main part for flavonoid biosynthesis in Morus.

Goji Berries as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Their Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Goji berries (Lycium fruits) are usually found in Asia, particularly in northwest regions of China. Traditionally, dried goji berries are cooked before they are consumed. They are commonly used in Chinese soups and as herbal tea. Moreover, goji berries are used for the production of tincture, wine, and juice. Goji berries are high antioxidant potential fruits which alleviate oxidative stress to confer many health protective benefits such as preventing free radicals from damaging DNA, lipids, and proteins. Therefore, the aim of the review was to focus on the bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties of goji berries including their molecular mechanisms of action. The health benefits of goji berries include enhancing hemopoiesis, antiradiation, antiaging, anticancer, improvement of immunity, and antioxidation. There is a better protection through synergistic and additive effects in fruits and herbal products from a complex mixture of phytochemicals when compared to one single phytochemical.

UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS Analysis of Flavonoids from 12 Varieties of Korean Mulberry Fruit

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) has been used in East Asia (Korea, China, and Japan) as a medicine because of its various pharmacological effects including the excellent antioxidant properties of its fruit. This study analyzed extracts from 12 varieties of Korean mulberry fruit for flavonoids using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS). Six quercetin derivatives were identified by mass spectrometry (MS) based on the [quercetin + H]+ ion (m/z 303), while four kaempferol derivatives were identified based on the [kaempferol + H]+ ion (m/z 287). Two new compounds (morkotin A and morkotin C, quercetin derivatives) were identified for the first time in mulberry fruit. The total flavonoid contents of the mulberry fruits ranged from 35.0 ± 2.3 mg/100 g DW in the Baek Ok Wang variety (white mulberry) to 119.9 ± 7.0 mg/100 g DW in the Dae Shim variety. This study has, for the first time, evaluated the flavonoid chromatographic profiles of 12 varieties of Korean mulberry fruits in a following quali-quantitative approach, which will contribute to improved utilization of these fruits as health foods.

Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications

Whole grain foods have been promoted to be included as one of the important components of a healthy diet because of the relationship between the regular consumption of whole-grain foods and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Rice is a staple food, which has been widely consumed for centuries by many Asian countries. Studies have suggested that brown rice is associated with a wide spectrum of nutrigenomic implications such as anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, cardioprotective and antioxidant. This is because of the presence of various phytochemicals that are mainly located in bran layers of brown rice. Therefore, this paper is a review of publications that focuses on the bioactive compounds and nutrigenomic implications of brown rice. Although current evidence supports the fact that the consumption of brown rice is beneficial for health, these studies are heterogeneous in terms of their brown rice samples used and population groups, which cause the evaluation to be difficult. Future clinical studies should focus on the screening of individual bioactive compounds in brown rice with reference to their nutrigenomic implications.