Morus alba: a comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological review

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023 Jul;396(7):1399-1413. doi: 10.1007/s00210-023-02434-4. Epub 2023 Mar 6.

Abstract

Morus alba is a fast-growing shrub or medium-sized tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk. Medicinally, whole plants, leaves, fruits, branches, and roots have been employed. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical components and pharmacologic and mechanism of action of the Morus alba. This was reviewed to assess important updates about Morus alba. The fruits of Morus alba have traditionally been used as an analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, hypotensive, hypoglycemia, purgative, restorative, sedative tonic, and blood stimulant. Various plant parts were used as a cooling, sedating, diuretic, tonic, and astringent agent to treat nerve disorders. The plant contained tannins, steroids, phytosterols, sitosterol, glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as saponins, triterpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, benzofuran derivatives, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, glycosides, vitamins, and minerals. Previous pharmacological research identified antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunological, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, dermatological, neurological, muscular, and protecting effects. This study looked at Morus alba's traditional uses, chemical components, and pharmacological effects.

Keywords: Morus alba; Pharmacological effects; Phytochemicals; Traditional uses.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Anthocyanins
  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Caffeine
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Plant Extracts
  • Alkaloids
  • Phytochemicals
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Caffeine

Supplementary concepts

  • Morus alba