Morus alba; A Ray of Hope for Psychiatric Illnesses

Abstract

Purpose: Over the years, plants have been used in treatment of various health ailments. Morus alba also known as White Mulberry is a deciduous tree which belongs to family Moraceae. Mulberry is rich in antioxidants such as hydrophobic flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin A, C and E.
 Materials and Methods: This study analyses the central nervous system activities including memory enhancement, learning abilities, changes in behavior, cognition, anxiety and depression. These effects will be studied on experimental mice, which will be distributed in control and test groups. Aqueous fruit extract prepared by Maceration extraction will be given to test group in three different doses per oral over a time period of 30 days, whereas control will be given water for injection for same duration.
 Findings: Afterwards, changes in aforementioned effects will be observed to determine the pharmacological effects of taken fruit. The obtained results suggest an antidepressant like effect of mulberry in the initial two weeks of dosing. Afterwards it shows anxiolytic effect at higher doses.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: All these tests can be repeated weekly while dosing the animals daily for 90 days for chronic toxicity analysis. Furthermore, we can add a brain biopsy/histopathology to evaluate the changes in chemical neurotransmitters.