Morus Indica Research Articles

Protein difference among the leaf explants determined for shoot regeneration and callus growth in Mulberry (Morus indica L.)

<p><strong>A comparison of protein profiles of leaves during different stages of shoot and callus induction showed similarities as well as differences in the expression of proteins. A protein of 39 kDa was expressed in low levels in leaf explants and increased in intensity during induction of shoot organogenesis in both the cultivars. Analysis of protein patterns during organogenesis and callus proliferation from leaves by two dimensional gel analysis revealed the separation of 39 kDa protein into four spots during organogenesis with pI values ranging from 4.2-5.8. However, the isoforms of 39 kDa protein with pI values of 4.2 and 5.8 were highly expressed in callus of M-5 cultivar in contrast to S-36 cultivar where only one isoform with pI value of 4.2 was detectable. The analysis of protein synthesis in different stages of development in the cultures may acts as markers to differentiate the group of specific isoforms.</strong></p>

Improved micropropagation and in vitro fruiting of Morus indica L. (K-2 cultivar).

A rapid economically viable micropropagation protocol has been developed in the present work for Morus indica L. (K-2 cultivar) utilizing the readily available nodal explants. Explants were established on different plant growth regulators (PGRs) either individually or in combinations. MS medium containing 1 mg L−1 Kinetin (Kin) showed the best shoot multiplication with 4.8 ± 0.23 cm average shoot length and 6.5 ± 0.03 number of internodes. Regenerated shoots were elongated in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3). Elongated shoots cultured in full-strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for one week and then cultured in half-strength MS proved to be more effective in rooting compared to other PGRs in significantly shorter duration. Micropropagated plants transferred to soil fortified with the quarter-strength of MS salts along with humidity regulation process showed 89% survival frequency. In vitro flowering in the regenerated shoots was also observed in the MS medium supplemented with (1.5 mg L−1) Kin and carbon source replaced by commercial sugar cubes. This method can be effectively used for in vitro culture of M. indica in commercial scale owing to its enhanced quality and reduced time frame.

Effect of IBA formulations, provenances on growth parameters and physiological attributes of Morus indica under nursery conditions in Himachal Pradesh

Effect of IBA formulations, provenances on growth parameters and physiological attributes of <i>Morus indica</i> under nursery conditions in Himachal Pradesh

Acute toxicological studies of leaf extracts of Morus indica L. in rats

Morus indica L. (MI-S36) is a potent source of phytochemicals and its antioxidant activity at in vitro and ex vivo level is very well studied. Further to proceed with the animal studies, the safety and efficacy of the different solvent extracts has to be evaluated at maximum dosage, i.e., 2 g/kg body weight (BW) as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.The acute toxicity study recorded no mortality or any toxic reaction in any group after 14 d. of extracts administration at 2 g/kg BW. The extracts aqueous-MAq; dechlorophylised-MDc; 80% methanol-M8M did not cause any behavioral or physical changes in experimental rats. There was no significant (p  0.05) difference in the biochemical parameters, analysed between the groups. Slight elevation in activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in MDc treated groups was observed, but did not exert any deleterious effect on the normal metabolism which was supported by the histopathology of liver. Extracts did not induce any oxidative stress which is indicated by, no significant difference (p  0.05) in the control and experimental lipid peroxides (LPO) and glutathione values. The serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were less than the control group. Histopathological studies showed no remarkable changes in hepatocytes after 14 d. of oral administration of MAq, MDc and M8M extracts. The study contributes in establishing the non-toxic quality parameters of M. indica leaf and the results indicate the non toxic effect of the extracts.

Transcription activation activity of ERD15 protein from Morus indica

Early Responsive to Dehydration (ERD) genes are described as rapid response mediators of dehydration stress. Recently, ERD15 has emerged as a novel stress induced transcription factor which might be involved in mediating distinct stress responses in plants. In order to determine whether mulberry ERD15 can act as functional transcription factor, yeast-based assays were performed. Mulberry ERD15 was found to drive high level reporter gene expression in yeast which suggests it may function as a transcription factor. However, due to lack of an identifiable DNA binding domain, deletion analysis was carried out to determine the putative region of the protein involved in mediating protein-DNA interaction. Our results indicate that the region between 70 and 100 amino acids is critical in conferring transcription activation activity and might harbor the DNA binding region of ERD15.

Erratum to: Comparison of Effect of Gear Juicer and Colloid Mill on Microstructure, Polyphenols Profile, and Bioactivities of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)

Mulberry (Morus indica L.) fruits are rich sources of polyphenols with multiple health benefits. The gear juicer and colloid mill were compared in mulberry juice production and further marc water extraction based on polyphenol yield, phytochemical profiles, bioactivities, as well as microstructure of residues. Higher content of phenolic compounds, stronger antioxidative, and α-Glucosidase inhibition activities were obtained in colloid mill-processed juice. The extraction kinetics of marc was investigated under three conditions (stirring, ultrasound, and combined stirring and ultrasound) at 25 °C for 2.5 h. Based on total polyphenol and monomeric anthocyanin yield, the optimum extraction condition for gear juicer marc was combination of ultrasound with stirring for half an hour. While ultrasound for 1 h was optimized for water extraction of colloid mill marc. Using the optimized extraction condition, total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanin obtained from colloid mill-processed samples, including juice and marc extract, were approximately 46 and 68 % higher than those in gear juicer-processed samples. Compared to gear juicer, colloid mill processing generated smaller particle size and more disrupted microstructure, which contributed to higher content of phenolic compounds in colloid mill juice. Moreover, changes in the microstructure of mulberry marc were intensified by extraction conditions, which improved polyphenol extraction efficiency, especially for colloid mill marc. These results provided valuable information for comparing gear juicer and colloid mill in mulberry as well as other berries for juice production and marc water extraction, and emphasized the great potential of colloid mill in berry processing.

Comparison of Effect of Gear Juicer and Colloid Mill on Microstructure, Polyphenols Profile, and Bioactivities of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)

Comparison of Effect of Gear Juicer and Colloid Mill on Microstructure, Polyphenols Profile, and Bioactivities of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)

A comparative study on field performance of micropropagated plants and stem cutting derived plants of S-36 cultivar of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)

&lt;p&gt;Micropropagated and stem cutting derived plants of Mulberry (&lt;em&gt;Morus indica&lt;/em&gt; L. cv. S-36) were transferred to the similar field conditions. A comparative study was conducted based on morphological parameters and growth characteristics for three consecutive years. The results demonstrated that micropropagation gave rise to superior clonal populations with respect to number of branches/plant and leaf yield/plant that will be suitable for the mass production of plants. Thus &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; grown plants did not exhibit any significant quantitative variation as compared to the conventionally grown plants, indicating the varietal multiplication to be of true-to-type.&lt;/p&gt;

Complete chloroplast genome of Ficus racemosa (Moraceae)

Ficus racemosa, with immense medicinal value, and known as Cluster Fig Tree, Indian Fig Tree or Goolar (Gular) Figis, is a species of plant which belongs to family Moraceae. The complete chloroplast genome of Ficus racemosa was obtained by de novo assembly using next-generation sequencing data. The chloroplast genome of F. racemosa was 159 473 bp in length, which consisted of a large single region (88 110 bp), a small single copy region (20 007 bp) and a pair of invert repeat regions (25 678 bp). The overall GC content of this chloroplast genome was 36.0%. The chloroplast genome harbored 117 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 27 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes (4.5S rRNA, 5S rRNA, 16s rRNA and 23s rRNA) that were two copied. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome sequences with the report-related chloroplast genomes revealed that Ficus racemosa is most closely related to Morus indica, a typical higher plant in fiamly Moraceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Morus mongolica and a comparative analysis within the Fabidae clade.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the Morus mongolica chloroplast (cp) genome was reported and characterized in this study. The cp genome is a circular molecule of 158,459 bp containing a pair of 25,678 bp IR regions, separated by small and large single-copy regions of 19,736 and 87,363 bp, respectively. The number and relative positions of the 114 unique genes (80 PCGs, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA genes) are almost identical to Morus indica cp genome. Further detailed comparative analyses revealed one hypervariable region, which is responsible for 88% of the total variation, and 64 indel events between two individuals. There are 78 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in M. mongolica cp genome, in which 58 of them are mononucleotide repeats. Comparative analysis with M. indica cp genome indicated 22 SSRs with length polymorphisms and 1 SSR with nucleotide content polymorphism. The phylogenetic analysis of 60 PCGs from 62 cp genomes provided strong support for the monophyletic, single origin of Fabidae (N2-fixing) clade.

Influence of Organic Manures (Biofertilizers) on Soil Microbial Population in the Rhizosphere of Mulberry (Morus Indica L.)

The effect of different kinds of organic manures on soil microbial population and mulberry production was assessed. A field experiment wascarried out at Periyar EVR College, Tamil Nadu, India in basic soil to study the influence of organic manures on soil bacterial population andmulberry production. The 4 groups of mulberry plants of MR2 variety were biofertilized with FYM, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria andVermicompost respectively. The biofertilizers lodged bacteria on the rhizosphere of mulberry plants. When the root microorganism areanalyzed Farm yard manure biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had Gluconacobacter diazotrophicus, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas putida,Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus sonorensis, Azotobacter chrococcum; Azospirillum biofertilized mulberry plants root tips had Bacillus coaculans,Azotobactor chrococcum, Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus subtilis and Azospirillum brasilense. Phosphobacteria biofertilized mulberry plantroot tips had Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansis and Streptomycies thermonitrificans andvermicompost biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had lodged bacterias like Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Gluconacobacterdiazotrophicus, Pseudomonas putida, Azotobacter chrococcum, Azotobacter vinelandi, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansisand Bacillus sonorensis. Microbiology work reveals luxuriant growth of bacteria in all the biofertizer treated rhizosphere in the order FYM &lt;Azospirillum &lt; Phosphobacteria &lt; Vermicompost. Increased availability of NPK and other micronutrients were noticed in T4 treated plantscompared to other treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12137 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 61-66

Preferences, digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics of several mulberry species in goats

This study was aimed to investigate the preferences and nutritional qualities of four mulberry species (Morus cathyana, Morus nigra, Morus indica and Morus multicaulis) in goat diet. Foliages were fed to six adult Boer x Kacang goats in a cafetaria style for preference analyses. Nutritional qualities (feed intake, apparent digestibility, N balances, rumen fermentation characteristics) and blood metabolites were measured in a digestion trial. Twenty male goats were used in a completely randomised arrangement of four treatments (mulberry species) and five replications. The selectivity indices were +0,389, -0,156, -0,154 and -0,234 for M. multicaulis, M. nigra, M. cathyana and M. indica, respectively, indicating that M. multicaulis was the most and M. indica was the least preferred species. When fed as the sole foliage the DM intake was higher (P&lt;0.05) in goats offered M. multicaulis (780 g/d) and M. nigra (718 g/d) compared to those fed M. cathyana ( 637 g/d) and M. indica (598 g/d). The DM intake were equal to 38.6; 35.5; 31.5 dan 29.6 g/kg BW, respectively. The DM apparent digestibility were not different (P&gt;0.05) among the species ranging from 60-65%. The N balances (N retained) was highest (P&lt;0.05) in the M. multicaulis group (16,7 g/d) and was lowest in the M. indica (12,3 g/d) and M. cathyana groups (11,7 g/d). The rumen pH and total VFA concentration was not diferent (P&gt;0,05) among treatments. The ammonia concentration was higest (P&gt;0,05) in the M. multicaulis and was lowest in the M. indica and M. cathyana groups. The bacteria and protozoa population was not different (P&gt;0,05) among the treatments. It is concluded that M. multicaulis was more preferred by goats compared to M. nigra, M. indica and M. cathyana, but all species have potential as foliages for goats as shown by its high intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation rates.

Leaf gas exchange, water relations and photosystem-II functionality depict anisohydric behavior of drought-stressed mulberry (Morus indica, cv. V1) in the hot semi-arid steppe agroclimate of Southern India

The present study was undertaken to characterize leaf gas exchange physiology and photoacclimation characteristics in drought-stressed mulberry cultivar V1 (Morus indica L.) grown under the hot semi-arid steppe agroclimate of Southern India. The experiment was conducted in year 2009 during peak summer months (April–June). Mulberry plants, grown in short rotation coppice system, were subjected to two irrigation regimes: the control plot received a regulated full-rate irrigation (weekly 2–3 times) and the drought-stressed plot received a regulated deficit irrigation (irrigated only once in a fortnight). Net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential (ΨL) and photosytem-II (PS II) efficiency were examined. In spite of significant down-regulation in leaf gas exchange, the drought-stressed stands still exhibited a considerable rate of photosynthesis along with significant concomitant decrease in ΨL, more conspicuously during midday (12.00–13.00h) depicting rather low stomatal control on ΨL, a behavior characterized as ‘anisohydric’. The PS II structural and functional integrity was well-maintained, even in the drought-stressed plants. However, apparent photoacclimatory changes were recorded in drought-exposed stands including decrease in electron transport and enhanced thermal dissipation from PS II. Overall, our data demonstrate some of the important driving leaf-level mechanisms adopted by mulberry cultivar V1 to tolerate drought stress and sustain photosynthesis.

In vitro free radical scavenging and in vivo antioxidant potential of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves

The leaves of mulberry (Morus indica L.) of Moraceae, possess a number of bioactive compounds that fight against various ailments. In vitro free radical scavenging and in vivo antioxidant potential of mulberry leaves were investigated. Ethanolic extract of mulberry leaves was tested for antioxidant activity in vitro using butylated hydroxy toluene as a positive control. Erythrocyte membrane was used as peroxidation model system in vitro while elderly human volunteers who received mulberry leaf powder (5g/day) for 60 days served as subjects for in vivo assessment. Mulberry leaf extract scavenged DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals in a concentration dependent manner and inhibited FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides in the erythrocyte membrane model. This was supported by significantly (p<0.01) decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma (23%) and erythrocytes (49%), significantly (p<0.01) elevated levels of non enzymatic antioxidants viz. β carotene (116%), vitamin A (69%), vitamin C (23%), vitamin E (55%) and ceruloplasmin (26%); decreased nitrite (43%) in serum and significantly elevated activity of superoxide dismutase (47%) and glutathione-S-transferase (72%) and reduced glutathione (21%, p<0.05) in erythrocytes from elderly subjects treated with mulberry leaf powder. Mulberry leaves exhibited antioxidant properties postulated to be as a result of the synergistic action of free radical scavenging compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, moracins and others present in the leaves.

Influence of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves on antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in STZ-diabetic rats

To assess the influence of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves on antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in STZ- diabetic rats as the leaves of mulberry (Morus indica L.) of Moraceae, are reported to be rich in a no. of bioactive principles i.e. antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids and moracins that can fight against oxidative stress in diabetes. STZ-diabetic rats were treated with dried mulberry leaves incorporated in the feed at 25 % level (as per dose response) for 8 weeks in standard experimental conditions in comparison with diabetic glibenclamide–treated and diabetic control rats. At the end of experimental period, fasting blood glucose, serum non-enzymatic antioxidants, hepatic lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were assayed in all the experimental groups. Hyperglycemia, a 274 % (P < 0.01) rise in fasting blood glucose and increased oxidative stress as shown by a two fold increase in lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissue, decreased serum non enzymatic antioxidants viz. vit.C (51 %) and E (47 %), significantly decreased activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (43 %), glutathione peroxidase (41 %) and superoxide dismutase (44 %) and significantly increased activity of catalase (39 %) in STZ-diabetic rats were ameliorated by mulberry leaves which is evidenced by significant fall in fasting glucose, and lipid peroxidation, rise in antioxidants as well as the activities of defense enzymes and decrease in the activity of catalase while the antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide showed lesser effects than mulberry leaves. Mulberry leaves protected STZ-diabetic rats against oxidative stress by improving antioxidants and the activities of defense enzymes and controlling hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation in a better way than the drug.

English

The present investigation was developed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of some members of family Moraceae. The selected plants were Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Ficus glomerata, Morus indica and Morus laevigata. Anthelmintic activity was carried out by the preparation of methanolic extracts of different parts of these selected plants. For anthelmintic activity, the dried leaves of F. bengalensis, F. religiosa and F. glomerata, dried fruits and leaves of M. indica and M. laevigata were extracted with water and methanol for anthelmintic activity. Anthelmintic studies indicated that the methanolic extracts of F. bengalensis, F. religiosa, F. glomerata, M. indica and M. laevigatasignificantly caused paralysis (12.50 ± 0.50, 25 ± 1.00, 19.50 ± 0.50, 15.50 ± 0.50 and 9.50 ± 0.50, respectively), and death (70.50 ± 0.50, 68.5 ± 0.50, 69.00 ± 1.00, 43.50 ± 0.50 and 40.00 ± 1.32, respectively) of worms especially at higher concentration (100 mg/ml) compared with reference drug sample of Albendazole (Paralysis time: 10.60 ± 0.53 and Death time: 36.27 ± 1.42). Key words: Anthelmintic activity, Moraceae, methanolic extracts, aqueous extracts.

English

The knowledge and understanding of the extent of genetic variation of mulberry germplasm is important for conservation and improvement. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity between and within two mulberry species widely grown in Kenya which include&nbsp;Morus alba and Morus indica.&nbsp;Five individuals per species were genotyped with 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR markers presented a high level of polymorphism and detected a total of 35 polymorphic bands and 74.47% polymorphic loci. The mean observed heterozygosity per primer was 0.3670 suggesting a high degree of variation. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 95% of the variation was found within the species and only 5% between the species. Principal coordinates analyses (PCOA) clearly distinguished three groups. It was evident from this study that the mulberry accessions did not cluster on the basis of their geographical origin, and neither according to the group of species they fall into. The study showed a close relationship between the two species and therefore mulberry improvement should target sampling more individuals within species rather than among species. Key words:&nbsp;Mulberry, simple sequence repeat markers, genetic diversity. &nbsp

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF LEAVES OF MORUS INDICA

Mulberry belongs to the genus Morus of the family Moraceae. It is an economically important plant being used for sericulture. Studies have been reported on the chemical composition and nutritional potentials of some mulberry sp ecies worldwide. In the present study the chemical examination of Morus indica leaves on conventional extraction and various chromatographic methods , led to the isolation of five compounds - β - sitosterol - 3 - O - β - D - glucoside , β - sitosterol , salvigenin, cirisima ritin and quercitin . All the compounds were characterized by 2D NMR, MS spectral data and comparison with the published data for the known compounds. All the compounds were reported for the first time from the leaves of this species. The work was further e xtended to test the crude extracts for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The results from the present study have shown that the species have considerable activity against selected bacterial and fungal strains which can be attributed to the presence of steroidal and phenolic compounds in the crude extracts of Morus indica.

Effects of Flavonoids in Morus indica on Blood Lipids and Glucose in Hyperlipidemia-diabetic Rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and possible mechanism of flavonoids extracted from Morus indica (FMI) on blood lipids and glucose. MethodsThe experimental hyperlipidemia-diabetic rats were induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ). Flavonoids-treated rats were pretreated with FMI (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). The plasma, skeletal muscle, and livers were isolated for biochemical assays, HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analysis. ResultsThe results showed that the body weight in flavonoidstreated (100 and 200 mg/kg) rats was reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01) compared to HFD-fed rats. FMI obviously reduced total cholesterol (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), increased high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the atherosclerosis index (P < 0.01); FMI (100 and 200 mg/kg) also down-regulated the elevation of blood glucose induced by STZ (P < 0.05, 0.01); At the meantime, FMI increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content obviously. In addition, the results showed that the expression of hepatic CYP2E1 was markedly decreased while the expression of GLUT-4 in skeletal muscles was increased by FMI. ConclusionThe above results demonstrate that the effect of FMI is related to its up-regulation of hepatic SOD activity, reduction of hepatic MDA content, down-regulation of hepatic CYP2E1 expression, and increase of GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle, which suggests that FMI may prevent or improve hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia caused by an excessive HFD.

Polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics and leaf protein analyses to track dynamics of photosynthetic performance in mulberry during progressive drought

Modulation of photosynthesis and the underlying mechanisms were studied in mulberry (Morus indica L. genotype V1) under progressive drought stress conditions. Five months old potted mulberry plants were arranged in a semi-controlled glasshouse chamber in completely randomized block design with four replications. On day 1 (D1), the plants were subjected to two watering treatments: well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS). In WS plants, watering was completely withheld for next 10days (D1–D10), whereas the WW plants were maintained at 100% pot water holding capacity. Photosynthetic performance was tracked periodically (from D0 to D10) through measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients and additionally leaf protein analyses were performed on D10. Down-regulation in net CO2 fixation (Pn) was primarily mediated through stomatal limitation which concurrently reduced transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). The OJIP transients and other associated biophysical parameters elucidated the events of photoacclimatory changes in photosystem II (PSII) with progressive increase in drought stress. Down-regulation of PSII activity occurred predominantly due to increase in inactive reaction centers (RCs), decrease in electron transport per RC (ETO/RC) as well as per leaf cross-section (ETO/CSm) and enhanced energy dissipation. The L and K-bands appeared only in the stage of extreme drought severity indicating the ability of genotype V1 to resist drought-induced damage on structural stability of PSII and imbalance between the electrons at the acceptor and donor sides of PSII, respectively. Drought-induced changes in leaf protein analyses revealed significant up-regulation of important proteins associated to photostability of thylakoid membrane including oxygen evolving enhancer, chlorophyll a/b binding proteins, rubisco and rubisco activase. Further, the antioxidative defense proteins including peroxiredoxin and NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase were also enhanced. In conclusion, our data demonstrate an integrated down-regulation of the photosynthetic process to maintain intrinsic balance between electron transfer reactions and reductive carbon metabolism without severe damage to PSII structural and functional integrity.