Morus Rubra Research Articles

Model for estimating red mulberry leaf area using a genetic algorithm

The success of sericulture depends directly on the quality and quantity of mulberry leaves, as it is essential for the feeding and development of silkworm caterpillars and, consequently, influences the quality of the silk thread manufactured. The estimation of mulberry leaf area is important to have plant development and growth indicators, such as transpiration intensity, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area and leaf area index, which allow predicting crop productivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and test a model capable of estimating the red mulberry leaf area using a genetic algorithm. The model was adjusted with the proposed stochastic optimization method. The mean error found for the tested dataset was approximately 228.17 mm2 in sample space with mean leaf area of 6515.55 mm2. The information generated allows applying the model to estimate red mulberry leaf area in future studies.

The impact of green roofs’ composition on its overall life cycle

Green roof systems have been developed to improve the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. Selecting the appropriate version of the green roof composition plays an important role in the life cycle assessment of a green roof. In this study, 10 compositions of an intensive green roof for moderate zone and 4 green roof compositions for different climatic conditions were designed and comprehensively assessed in terms of their environmental and economic impacts within the “Cradle-to-Cradle” system boundary. The assessment was carried out over a 50-year period for a moderate climate zone. The results showed that asphalt strips and concrete slab produced the highest total emissions. It was found that most greenhouse gases emissions were released in the operational energy consumption phase and in the production phase. The energy consumption phase (48.78%) for automatic irrigation and maintenance caused the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) value (758.39 kg CO2e) in the worst variant, which also caused the highest life cycle cost (878.47€). On the contrary, in the best variant, planting more vegetation and lower maintenance and irrigation requirements led to a reduction in GWP (445.0 kg CO2e), but in terms of cost (506.6€) this composition didn't represent the best variant. The Global Warming Potential Biogenic (GWP-bio) compared to the Global Warming Potential Total (GWP-total) represents a proportion ranging from 0.8% to 78% depending on the proposed vegetation. Overall higher biogenic carbon values (up to 1525 kg CO2e) were observed for the proposed tall vegetation of Magnolia, Red Mulberry, Hawthorne, Cherry, and Crab-apple Tree. Based on the results of the multicriteria analysis, which included core environmental & economic parameters, biogenic carbon emission levels, the outcome of this paper proposed optimal green roof composition. Optimal intensive green roof composition was subjected to a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact of changing climatic conditions on CO2 emissions and life cycle costs. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the optimal variant of the green roof can be implemented in the cold and subtropical zone with regard to CO2 emissions, but not with regard to life cycle costs.

Biochemical characterization of mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes from the Türkiye (Hizan, Bitlis): A comprehensive analysis of fruit properties and bioactive compounds

AbstractThe present study was carried out to assess the fruit traits and phytochemical properties of 39 mulberry genotypes [Morus alba L. (16 white mulberry), Morus rubra L. (11 red mulberry), and Morus nigra L. (12 black mulberry)] selected in Bitlis province (Hizan) of Türkiye. Approximately, 1 kg fruit were hand‐harvested from each genotype. The fruit size, fruit color, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content (SSC), vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and individual phenolic compounds were determined. The fruit weight varied between 1.80 and 5.84 g in black mulberry, 1.22 and 4.18 g in red mulberry, and 1.29 and 3.10 g in white mulberry. In white mulberry, SSC was determined to be between 19.00% and 38.86%, and in black and red mulberry it was between 11.86% and 21.90% and 12.60% and 18.90%, respectively. The titratable acidity rate, which varied depending on the species, was lower in white mulberry, but the highest acidity rate was recorded in red mulberry. Vitamin C was determined as 33.13 mg 100 g−1 in red mulberry, 24.10 mg 100 g−1 in black mulberry, and 14.03 mg 100 g−1 in white mulberry. Total phenolics in mulberries varied depending on the species, and the red mulberry fruit contained higher phenolic substances, followed by black and white mulberries. The total flavonoids varied between 0.27 and 7.83 g QE kg−1, whereas the flavonoids varied depending on the species and genotype. The highest values in terms of bioactive compounds were recorded in fruits of the 13HZN23 and 37 genotypes. Black and red mulberry fruit were found to have higher levels of individual phenolic content than the white mulberrry fruit.

Artificial plant-based diet for mass-rearing larvae of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Efforts to overcome the problems of a new pest, Spodoptera frugiperda or fall armyworm, need basic and applied research. In order to carry out the research efficiently, it is necessary to rear large numbers of test insects on an artificial diet. The present study aimed to determine the effect of an artificial diet on larval weight, adult longevity, and number of eggs laid by S. frugiperda. Artificial diets were prepared from leaf-based ingredients of land spinach (Ipomoea reptans), pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus), red mulberry (Morus rubra), and maize (Zea mays) (control). The present study indicated that the highest weight of 6th instars was found on treatment of pigweed leaves (135.79 mg), which was significantly different from others. The longest longevity of S. frugiperda adults was found on pigweed (9.06 days), but it was not significantly different from that on red mulberry (8.03 days). The highest number of eggs laid was on pigweed (94.63 eggs per female), but this was not significantly different from maize (91.30 eggs per female) and red mulberry (84.86 eggs per female). Finally, the most appropriate artificial diet for mass-rearing larvae of S. frugiperda is an artificial diet based on pigweed leaves.

Molecular mechanisms of the effects of mulberry (Morus Rubra) extracts on UV-radiation and oxidative stress-induced skin cell damage

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while beneficial for the homeostasis of human skin at proper doses, causes skin cell damage under extreme conditions, with a result of photoaging and skin cancer. With the depletion of the ozone layer, the prevalence of UV-induced skin cancer including melanoma has increased dramatically worldwide. Unfortunately, that poses a public health challenge for almost all countries. Over the past two decades, we have been working extensively on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which UV radiation induces skin aging and skin cancer. We have observed that UV radiation activates cell surface receptors, more pronouncedly EGFR, leading to a cascade of activation of MAP kinase pathways, with a result of MMP activation and in turn matrix degradation, and apoptosis. We have also found that UV radiation induces the downregulation of water channel aquaporins and skin cell dehydration. This novel discovery together with other reports has resulted in the emergence of numerous skin care products. Moreover, UV radiation induces the generation of reactive oxygen species, which exacerbates skin cell damage. With this important line of discovery, more skin care products with added antioxidants have been developed. Mulberries ( Morus Rubra) have been known to be rich in antioxidants and applied to cosmetic products in Asian countries with reported effcacy although the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its actions remain elusive. The objective of this study was to investigate these mechanisms from various perspectives. We hypothesize that the mulberry extracts affect cell signaling pathways that lead to protection against UV radiation or oxidative stressed-induced cell damage. First, we extracted the antioxidants with methanol from two types of mulberries, red and white. Human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with and without mulberry extracts. Confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis were employed to measure various cell signaling components. The results showed that mulberry extracts protect against UV radiation and H2O2 induced cell death, with red extracts showing better protection than white extracts. Mulberry extracts attenuate H2O2-induced mitochondrial activity as tested by MitoTracker™ Red CMXRos. Our previous studies have shown that UV radiation induces mTOR pathway activation evidenced by elevation of phosphorylated S6. Interestingly, in this study, Western blot analysis data indicated that mulberry extracts potentiate UV-induced S6 phosphorylation and H2O2-induced MEK activation. Furthermore, confocal data demonstrated that mulberry extract pretreatment inhibits IL1β induced NFκB p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Taken all together, our data suggest that mulberry extracts containing abundant antioxidants affect MAPK kinase and mTOR pathways and modulate cell signaling pathways associated with skin cell survival and inflammation under UV radiation and oxidative stress. Funding from the Committee on Aid to Faculty Research (CAFR) from Providence College. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Extensive Analysis of Mulberry (Morus rubra L.) Polysaccharides with Different Maturities by Using Two-Step Extraction and LC/QqQ-MS.

A primary challenge of polysaccharide analysis is the need for comprehensive extraction and characterization methods. In this study, mulberry polysaccharides at different maturities were fully extracted through a two-step process involving ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and their structures were determined by a combination analysis of monosaccharides and glycosidic linkages based on liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/QqQ-MS). The results indicate mulberry polysaccharides mainly contain highly branched pectic polysaccharides, (1,3,6)-linked glucan, xylan, and xyloglucan, but the content of different portions varies at different maturity stages. HG decreases from 19.12 and 19.14% (green mulberry) to 9.80 and 6.08% (red mulberry) but increases to 17.83 and 11.83% as mulberry transitioned from red to black. In contrast, the contents of glucan showed opposite trends. When mulberry turns red to black, the RG-I arabinan chains decrease from 47.75 and 28.86% to 13.16 and 12.72%, while the galactan side chains increase from 1.18 and 1.91 to 8.3 and 6.49%, xylan and xyloglucan show an increase in content. Overall, the two-step extraction combined with LC/QqQ-MS provides a new strategy for extensive analysis of complex plant polysaccharides.

Purification, functional characterization and enhanced production of serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens MES-4: An endophyte isolated from Morus rubra

Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme serves as an important anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication. Present study reports the production and purification of extracellular serratiopeptidase from an endophyte, Serratia marcescens MES-4, isolated from Morus rubra. Purification of the enzyme by Ion exchange chromatography led to the specific activity of 13,030 U/mg protein of serratiopeptidase, showcasing about 3.1 fold enhanced activity. The catalytic domain of the purified serratiopeptidase, composed of Zn coordinated with three histidine residues (His 209, His 213, and His 219), along with glutamate (Glu 210) and tyrosine (Tyr 249). The molecular mass, as determined by SDS-PAGE was ∼51 kDa. The purified serratiopeptidase displayed optimal activity at pH 9.0, temperature 50°C. Kinetic studies revealed Vmax and Km values of 33,333 U/mL and 1.66 mg/mL, respectively. Further, optimized conditions for the production of serratiopeptidase by Taguchi design led to the productivity of 87 U/mL/h with 87.9 fold enhanced production as compared to the previous conditions.

Nutrient Composition and Metabolic Energy of Different Fruit Tree Leaves as Feeding Sources for Ruminants

The need for roughage in the animal nutrition industry has led to the search for various alternative roughage. In this context, as a result of the research, tree leaves have the potential to be considered as a nutritious and balanced forage source for animals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usability of apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), cherry (Prunus avium), grape (Vitis vinifera), and umber mulberry (Morus rubra) leaves in ruminant nutrition. As a result of the research, nutritional contents of tree leaves (dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, crude oil, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, tannin), in vitro gas, carbon dioxide and methane gas production, in vitro gas post-production rumen fluid volatile fatty acid contents were found to be different from each other (P

Assessment of Molecular Diversity and Population Structure of Pakistani Mulberry Accessions Using Retrotransposon-Based DNA Markers

Both morphological and molecular markers have been extensively used to evaluate genetic diversity; however, molecular markers are considered more reliable and can lead to improved reproductive efficiency. This study utilized inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of thirty mulberry accessions from the districts of Sahiwal and Faisalabad, Pakistan. These mulberry accessions belonged to three species: Morus nigra (n = 13), Morus alba (n = 12), and Morus rubra (n = 5). The use of nine iPBS primers in this study provided a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity among the selected mulberry accessions. Nine iPBS primers were used in the study and generated 431 bands with allelic frequencies ranging from 21 to 75 and band sizes from 200 to 1500 base pairs. The primer 2230 showed the highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.47 and the highest Shannon’s information index (I = 0.53). The Morus nigra accessions had the highest levels of expected heterozygosity (He = 0.30), unbiased expected heterozygosity (µHe = 0.33), and Shannon’s information index (I = 0.45). The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) revealed a high degree of genetic variation, as estimated by the pairwise PhiPT value of 0.21, which was significant at the p < 0.001 *** level. The neighbor joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and structure analysis grouped the 30 mulberry accessions into four main clusters. The distinct grouping of accessions SWLS14, SWLS6, FSDS30, and SWLS7 validated their notable genetic distinctiveness. Overall, these findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic landscape of mulberry accessions, which are essential for conservation and breeding strategies.

ZONAREA CULTURII SPECIILOR GOJI, DUD, KIWI ȘI BANANA NORDULUI ÎN ROMÂNIA, ÎN CONDIȚIILE SCHIMBĂRILOR CLIMATICE

The warming trends of Romania's climate create increasingly favorable conditions for the cultivation of some new and subtropical species. However, the absolute minimum temperatures in the winter period do not follow a statistically assured increasing trend in all months, and this is not similar throughout the country. The objective of this work was to identify the areas in Romania where the climatic conditions are suitable for growing goji berry (Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill.), mulberry (Morus rubra L. and M. alba L.), kiwi (Actinidia deliciousa A. Chev., A. arguta Siebold & Zucc and A. kolomikta Rupr. et Maxim.) and pawpaw species (Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal), by using mathematical models. The areas where the minimum and cardinal temperatures of the growing season, its duration and annual rainfall are the most suitable for the growth and development of new species have been identified. The winter absolute minimum temperatures were recorded with a probability of 25%, which falls below the frost resistance limit of the species Actinidia deliciousa A. Chev. (-17°C), Lycium chinense Mill. (-23°C) and Lycium barbarum L. (-25°C), represented the limiting climatic factor of the spatial distribution of these species. Most of Romania's territory, except for mountainous areas, is suitable for growing mulberry, pawpaw (Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal), Actinidia kolomikta Rupr. et Maxim. and Actinidia arguta Siebold & Zucc species, which have frost hardiness limits of -28°C, -30°C, -39°C and -31°C respectively. Irrigation of all studied crops increased the whole country's average suitability score from 1.56 to 2.35 in the 0-4 range (0 unsuitable and 4 highly suitable) and expanded the areas of species' suitability. The heterogeneity and dynamics of climatic factors on the territory of Romania emphasize the importance of models for computing climate suitability as a decision tool in the establishment of goji berry, mulberry, kiwi, and pawpaw orchards.

Comparison of fatty acid profile and mineral content of black mulberry (Morus nigra), white mulberry (Morus alba) and red mulberry (Morus rubra) grown in Bahrain

Mulberries are a rich source of many nutrients and have various health-promoting benefits. Nevertheless, their growth conditions can influence their nutritional composition and thus their benefits. Thus, this study examines the fatty acid profile and mineral content of three mulberry varieties: black (Morus nigra L.), white (Morus alba L.), and red (Morus rubra L.) grown in Bahrain for the first time. Fatty acid analysis, using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), revealed that linoleic acid (C18:2n6) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were the primary fatty acids present in mulberry fruits, while minor fatty acids varied among the cultivars. Black mulberries exhibited a composition of 33.08 % saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and 66.92 % unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), while red mulberries had 34.48 % SFAs and 66.52 % UFAs, and white mulberry had 27.15 % SFAs and 72.85 % UFAs. The mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) revealed variations in the content of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) among the mulberry varieties. Black mulberries displayed the highest levels of Mg (706.67 mg/100 g), Fe (31.33 mg/100 g), Na (1406 mg/100 g), K (4161.33 mg/100 g), and Ca (1008.67 mg/100 g). Mulberries reported moderate levels of Mg (442.33 mg/100 g), Fe (45.6 mg/100 g), Na (635.68 mg/100 g), K (3278 mg/100 g), and Ca (583.1 mg/100 g). These findings indicate that black mulberries exhibit a superior mineral content across all parameters, whereas red mulberry has lower levels among the three varieties.

Enhancing Efficiency of Enzymatic-Assisted Extraction Method for Evaluating Bioactive Compound Analysis in Mulberry: An Optimization Approach

The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction parameters and subsequently, refining the process. Optimal conditions consisted of heating 0.15 g of mulberry at 40 °C, using 15 mL of 70% EtOH as a solvent at pH 4, 38.46 enzyme units per g of sample, and shaking at 200 rpm. The optimum extraction time study revealed that 5 min of extraction was sufficient to reach the maximum concentration of the bioactive compound. The repeatability and intermediate precision assessment exhibited a coefficient of variation below 5%. Among the diverse mulberry varieties scrutinized, Morus nigra showed the highest anthocyanin content (27.90 ± 2.14 mg/100 g), while Morus rubra showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (121.10 ± 19.56 mg/100 g). Moreover, the extracted compounds showcased significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Anthocyanins in Mulberry Leaves (Morus rubra L.) Ethanol Extract as the Inhibitor for the Growth of Candida albicans

Infections caused by Candida albicans are generally common in the vaginal mucosa or called Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Herbal medicine is proven to be an alternative to treat vaginal candidiasis. Mulberry leaves have many chemical compounds, one of which is anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have pharmacological benefits and biological activity that can protect against human pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to observe the effect of anthocyanin compounds extracted from mulberry leaves (Morus Rubra L) on the growth of Candida albicans. Identification of compounds on mulberry leaves used the TLC spectrophotodensitometry on silica gel 60 F254. TLC plates were washed with methanol and activated at 110 degrees C for 30 minutes. The plates were eluted in a chamber that had been saturated with the mobile phase of n-butanol:glacial acetic acid:water (4:1:2) and transferred using a CMAG TLC densitometer with a spectrum in the wavelength range of 200-700 nm. Design study is experimental study with a short Post-Test Only Control Group. This study was conducted at the Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory of PGRI Adi Buana University and the Laboratory of Professor Nidhom Foundation. The results showed that there was a content of anthocyanin compounds in mulberry leaves with antifungal function against Candida albicans.

Mulberry Leaves (Morus rubra)-Derived Blue-Emissive Carbon Dots Fed to Silkworms to Produce Augmented Silk Applicable for the Ratiometric Detection of Dopamine.

Silk fibers (SF) reeled from silkworms are constituted by natural proteins, and their characteristic structural features render them applicable as materials for textiles and packaging. Modification of SF with functional materials can facilitate their applications in additional areas. In this work, we report the preparation of functional SF embedded with carbon dots (CD) through the direct feeding of a CD-modified diet to silkworms. We obtained fluorescent and mechanically robust SF from silkworms (Bombyx mori) that were fed on CDs synthesized from the Morus rubra variant of mulberry leaves (MB-CDs). MB-CDs were introduced to silkworms from the third instar onwards by spraying them on the silkworm feed, the mulberry leaves. MB-CDs were synthesized hydrothermally without adding surface passivating agents and were observed to have a quantum yield of 22%. With sizes of ∼4nm, MB-CDs exhibited blue fluorescence, and they can be used as efficient fluorophores to detect Dopamine (DA) up to the limit of 4.39nM. The nanostructures and physical characteristics of SF weren't altered when the SF were infused with MB-CDs. Also, we demonstrate a novel DA sensing application based on fluorescence with the MB-CD incorporated SF. The MB-CD-embedded SF thus open up intriguing prospects for fluorescent micro-devices and fabrics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Karyomorphology, genome size, and variation of antioxidant in twelve berry species from Iran

Twelve berry species, including Rubus fruticosus cv. Qaemshahr, Rubus occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr, and Morus alba cv. Mashhad, Morus rubra cv. Karaj, Fragaria vesca subsp. vesca, Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum, Ribes uva-crispa; Lycium barbarum, Lycium infaustum, Lycium ruthenicum, and Vaccinium corymbosum were surveyed for karyomorphology analysis, monoploid genome size, and antioxidant activity. Results indicated that all species were diploid (2n = 2x = 14, 16, 24, and 28). Among these species, chromosome counts and karyomorphology parameters of three cultivars including: R. fruticosus cv. Qaemshahr (2n = 2x = 14), R. occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr (2n = 2x = 14), and M. alba cv. Mashhad (2n = 2x = 28) are reported here for the first time. The flow cytometric mean monoploid 2Cx DNA of berry species was 2.35 pg, varied from 0.68 (Rubus occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr) to 5.15 pg (Lycium ruthenicum). The average antioxidant capacity of berry species was obtained 32.8 μmol g-1. Their average total phenol and flavonoid contents were 4.98 mg g-1 (3.08-8.61 mg g-1), and 5.18 (2.47-10.63 mg g-1), respectively.

Green Synthesis of Lead Oxide Nanoparticles, Characterization and Adsorption Study for Removal of Malachite Green Dye

In this study lead oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using ecofriendly and non-toxic Morus rubra extract. The obtained lead oxide nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, BET and FTIR techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that synthesized PbO nanoparticles had crystallite structure of high purity. SEM survey shows that the obtained nanoparticles having in general uniform particle distribution and the particle sizes vary within the range of 22.4 to 29.2nm. As established by EDX to confirm the presence of lead and oxygen, the weight percentage of the latter was (71.5 % Pb and 28.5% O), respectively. FT-IR spectra exhibit a sharp peak at 439.38 and 595.46 cm−1 attributed to PbO vibration, confirming the formation of PbO nanoparticles. The effectiveness of PbO nanostructures for removing indigo carmine (MG) dye from an aqueous solution is demonstrated in this article. , the MG dye uptake and adsorption processes were investigated using a PbO sorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity and contact time were optimized which corresponding to 41.3 mg. g-1 and 60min respectively.

Comparison of Some Quality Parameters in Fresh and Dry Samples of Morus Rubra Fruits

In Turkey, three species of mulberries, white (M. Alba), black (M. Nigra), and red-purple (M. Rubra) are grown commonly. These widely can be consumed fresh as well as dry. However, its rapid post-harvest decay raises major concerns about the sustainability of the fruit for both food and economic purposes. In this regard, besides the fresh consumption of black mulberry fruit, it can consume as dried it also offers an alternative way. In this study, it was aimed to compare some quality parameters in fresh and dry samples of Morus rubra fruits grown in Tokat. It was applied different temperatures to Morus rubra fruits that at collected in two different maturity levels (semi-ripe and full-ripe). In the drying process, mulberry fruits were dried in a hot air dryer at 40, 50, 60, and 70°C. Total phenol, Total phenol, total monomeric anthocyanin, total antioxidant capacity, colour values (L, a, b) chroma, hue (ho), and browning indices values will be measured in fresh and dried products. In addition, different mathematical models will be tried by constantly noting the weight drops of the products at certain time intervals and determining which mathematical model will best predict the drying kinetics

Dut meyvesinin fitokimyasal profili ve farmakolojik özellikleri

The fruits of Morus species from the Mulberry family (Moraceae) are traditionally consumed widely due to their positive effects on health. The interest about its health effect are increasing due to its rich content of bioactive components (flavonol, anthocyanin, flavanonol, phenolic acids, alkaloids), minerals (potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium), vitamins (vitamin B1 and folic acid), oils (linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid) and melatonin. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the fruits have positive health effects such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiparkinsonian, anti-tumor/anti-cancer, antimicrobial and immune-enhancing effects due to the bioactive components. In addition, mulberry fruit are traditionally consumed for their diabetes, hypertension, liver, kidney damage, and eye improvement effects. However, there is only limited clinical studies about the pharmacological properties of mulberry fruits whereas more in vitro research are present. In this review, the phytochemical profile, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of Morus alba, Morus rubra, and Morus nigra fruits were investigated.

Estimation of Some Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Leaves from Different Mulberry Varieties Grown in Syria.

The study was conducted to compare the chemical composition and bioactive compounds of leaves from different mulberry species grown in Syria (Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus rubra, and Morus nigra sp). The leaves were collected in July 2022 and their proximate composition (moisture, ash, lipids, and protein), total polyphenol content (TPC), ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity, as measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were investigated. The results showed that the moisture, ash, and fat content ranged from 61.84 to 71.17%, 12.87 to 17.61%, and 3.82 to 9.68% dry weight (DW), respectively. The phenolic concentration of leaves from four different mulberry cultivars varied significantly, from 164.9 (Morus alba) to 461.5 gallic acid equivalents mg/100 g DW (M. nigra). The antioxidant activity of mulberry leaves ranged from 122 to 166.3 meq ascorbic acid/100 g DW and was arranged as follows: M. rubra > M. nigra sp > M. nigra > M. alba. According to the findings, mulberry leaves could be used to create new food supplements, functional foods, and medical applications.

Selection of Mulberry Genotypes from Northern Serbia for ‘Ornafruit’ Purposes

The genus Morus L., mulberry, is an interesting taxonomic group on account of its existing genetic variability, functional food potential and commercial importance. Mulberry trees are found in a wide range of areas in Serbia, accounting for a large phenotypic diversity in its genetic resources. Tree and fruit characteristics of more than 300 mulberry specimens were surveyed, and 15 genotypes of Morus alba, Morus nigra and Morus rubra species were selected for further analyses. These were located at various sites in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diversity of the collected material aiming to pre-select genotypes suitable for landscaping/ornamental and/or fruit production purposes. Genotypes BP 3/9, DT1, ZP3 and MR1 have semi-vigorous growth, dropping growth habits, different leaf shapes (ovate, oval, cordate) and leaf color (from light to dark green), corresponding to ornamental mulberries. In addition, the semi-vigorous genotype ZD1 with a spreading tree and interesting palmate-lobed leaves was distinguished as a unique genotype for landscaping purposes. The most vigorous annual shoot growth was detected in the ZP3 genotype (118.5 cm), followed by DT1 (108.2 cm), MR1 (101.8 cm) and ZP1 (100.5 cm) genotypes. Contrary, genotype DJ1 exhibited the lowest annual growth with only a 32.9 cm average length of the shoots. Due to the greater fruit mass (4.2–6.1 g), sweetness and acidity balance as well as chemical composition, genotypes BP 1/4, DJ1, MG, MR1, DT1 and ZP3 may be recommended for fresh consumption, while genotypes DJ1, DT1, MR1, ZD1, ZP1 and BP 3/9 could be appropriate for home processing. According to fruit chemical analyses, the most promising genotypes were MR1 and DT1 combining high soluble solids content (21.2% and 18.5%, respectively), total sugar content (17.41% and 15.20%, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (42.24 and 49.28 mg/%, respectively). Additionally, DT1 genotype was also characterized by the highest total phenolic content (221.08 mg 27 GAE/100 g fresh weight). The most ornamental genotypes from this study (BP 3/9, DT1, ZD1, ZP3 and MR1) combined with their pomological and chemical characterization can be recommended for edible gardening purposes due to both aesthetic appearance and nutritive value of the fruits.