Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Morus alba Linn. with Reference to its SARS-CoV-2 Inhibiting Potential

Abstract

Morus alba Linn. is a plant with varieties of phytochemicals and commonly known as Mulberry tree or Nuni (in Assamese). Mulberry is a perennial and woody plant, belongs to the family Moraceae consider as a native plant of China. In Assam, the leaves of mulberry tree are out most important in horticulture department for feeding purpose. A literature survey was done out by using key words such as Morus alba, or mulberry tree or phytoconstituents, or pharmacological activities, or ethnobotany on the search engine namely Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholars, PubMed. The purpose of this article is to forward a solid review about the plant profile, method of extraction, phytochemicals constituents and pharmacological activities in reference to SARS-CoV-2. All the parts of Morus alba are phytochemically rich but highest number can be found in fruits and leaves. Fruits of Morus alba contains various class of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, anthocyanins, stillbenoids, flavones. Owing to presence of this compounds, it exhibits various pharmacological. Its leaves, fruits and root bark containing flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids and stilbenoids, possess various pharmacological properties. Resveratrol is one of the most important compounds found in M. alba which possess SARS-CoV-2 inhibiting potential. Still there are some gaps remain in exploring whole plants parts and successive studies of toxicity.