Mulberry Fruit Extract Research Articles

In vitro anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of lactic acid bacteria-biotransformed mulberry (Morus alba Linnaeus) fruit extract against Salmonella Typhimurium

Biotransformation is an effective system to provide various beneficial effects in food processing and pharmaceutical fields. The present study evaluated the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-biotransformed mulberry fruit extract (MFE) against Salmonella Typhimurium. Biotransformed MFE more effectively reduced S. Typhimurium growth compared to non-biotransformed MFE and significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of S. Typhimurium (P < 0.05) from an early time point. The viability of S. Typhimurium biofilm cells was decreased in the presence of biotransformed MFE, as further evidenced by scanning electron microscopy analysis. In addition, biotransformed MFE significantly inhibited the secretion of interleukin-8 by S. Typhimurium in human intestinal epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), indicating that biotransformed MFE effectively attenuated the inflammatory response in vitro. Thus, these results suggest that LAB-biotransformed MFE efficiently exhibited anti-bacterial activity by reducing the growth and biofilm formation of S. Typhimurium as well as anti-inflammatory activity in the intestinal epithelial cells infected with the bacteria.

Encapsulated Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Changes in an Animal Model of Menopause with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the therapeutic strategy against metabolic syndrome and its complications is required due to the increasing prevalence and its impact. Due to the benefits of both mulberry fruit extract and encapsulation technology, we hypothesized that encapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could improve metabolic parameters and its complication risk in postmenopausal metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Then, they were orally given MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks and the parameters, such as percentage of body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, atherogenic index, fasting blood glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), oxidative stress status, histology, and protein expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and NF-κB in adipose tissues were determined. MME improved body weight gain, adiposity index, glucose intolerance, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, ACE, oxidative stress status, and protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Moreover, MME attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced PPAR-γ expression. Taken altogether, MME decreased metabolic syndrome and its complication via the increased PPAR-γ expression. Therefore, MME is the potential candidate for improving metabolic syndrome and its related complications. However, further research in clinical trial is still necessary.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic, Antioxidant and Other Phytochemical Properties of Thai Fruits, Vegetables and Some Local Food Plants

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase and prebiotic activities, total phenolics and flavonoids of 33 crude ethanolic extracts of Thai local fruits, vegetables and some local food plants were determined. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit peel and Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit extracts had highest antioxidant activity. Bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra) leaf extract had strongest α-amylase inhibitory activity (78.28 % inhibition), while mulberry (Morus alba) fruit extract had strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (59.63 % inhibition). Star cactus (Aloe vera) leaf pulp extract had strongest anti-acetylcholinesteraseVactivity (31.55 % inhibition). Indian gooseberry fruit and mangosteen fruit peel extracts had highest content of total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The extract with highest indigestible polysaccharide content was the extract of mangosteen fruit peels (188.62 mg/g extract), while those with relatively high indigestible polysaccharides were the extracts of pineapple fruits (Ananas comosus), lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera), black rice grains (Oryza sativa) and pisang mas banana fruits (Musa sapientum). Based on these properties, 5 plant extracts were selected to study for their prebiotic effect on growth and fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in yogurt at 42 °C. Addition of lotus seed extract resulted in highest proliferation of these bacteria with 2.24 logCFU/g increase of total lactic acid bacterial counts in yogurt after 24 h fermentation, while addition of black rice grain, pisang mas banana fruit and pineapple fruit extracts caused good growth of these bacteria with 2.12 - 2.19 logCFU/g increase of total counts.

Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor from Mulberry fruit extract on the Microtensile Bond Strength Stability: An in vitro Study

Objectives: The present in vitro study aimed to analyze the effect of two Mulberry fruit extracts on microtensile bond strength of an etch & rinse adhesive immediately and after thermocycling.Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surfaces of 30 sound human molars were bonded with an etch and rinse adhesive. Dentin surfaces were left untreated (control group) or were pretreated with either Morus alba water extract, Morus alba alcohol extract, Morus nigra water extract or Morus nigra alcohol extract. Nano-hybrid resin composite were incrementally built-up. The tooth/composite specimen was serially sectioned in order to produce beams of 0.9±0.1 mm in thickness. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups whether the teeth/composite specimens subjected to thermocycling or not. Each beam was individually fractured by a micro tensile testing machine. The data recorded in MPa, were tabulated and statistically analyzed.Results : Specimens treated with Morus alba and Morus nigra water extracts yielded significantly higher mean bond strengths than alcohol extracts in immediate micro-tensile bond values and after thermocycling. In addition ,Morus alba water extract revealed no statistically significant difference immediately and after thermocycling. Conclusion : Dentin pretreatment with Mulbery water extracts has no adverse effect on the immediate microtensile bond strength and it was able to maintain bond stability of adhesive to dentin.

Red mulberry fruit aqueous extract and silk proteins accelerate acute ethanol metabolism and promote the anti‑oxidant enzyme systems in rats.

Red mulberry (Morusalba) fruit is rich in anthocyanins, and mulberry leaves are used by silk worms to make silk protein. We determined that the water and ethanol extract of mulberry fruit and silk amino acids accelerated ethanol degradation and suppressed temporal cognitive dysfunction in acute alcohol administered rats. The mechanism was explored in rats with acute oral administration of silk protein and mulberry fruit extracts. Rats were given 0.3g of dextrin (control) and water extract (WMB) and ethanol extract of mulberry (EMB), silk protein hydrolysates (SKA), and a commercial product (positive‑control) based on body weight. After 30min, rats were administered 3g ethanol/kg body weight and serum ethanol and acetaldehyde levels were measured. After 3h movements were measured with a video tracking system and at 5h cognitive function was measured by Ymaze test. WMB contain much higher rutin, luteolin and quercetins than EMB. In SKA rats, serum alcohol concentrations slowly increased until 60min, but were markedly elevated until 120min. However, WMB rats exhibited rapidly increased serum alcohol levels until 60min and showed the lowest peak of serum alcohol levels, indicating the highest degradation of alcohol. The patterns of serum acetaldehyde levels were similar to those of serum ethanol levels but WMB was more effective for reducing serum acetaldehyde levels than serum ethanol levels. WMB was most effective for increasing mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. WMB and SKA decreased lipid peroxides by increasing activities of SOD and GSH‑Px in the liver and they also reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6. WMB and SKA exerted better anti‑oxidant effects than the positive‑control. WMB containing higher flavonoids reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines better than SKA. In conclusions, both WMB and SKA might reduce acute alcohol‑induced hangover and liver and brain damage by lowering serum alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

Development of Gel Dossage Form From Mulberry Fruit Extract as A Facial Treatment

Skin care is very important in cosmetics, especially facial treatments. Black mulberry is rich in phenols and is therefor usable in the treatment of acne. It also contains anthocyanin, a well-known antioxidant and a potential source of sun protection. This research aimed to develop a gel dossage from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extracts that would function as an antibacterial, antioxidant and sun blocking facial treatment. This research started with black mulberry fruit extracted through the maceration method by using ethanol (96%). Then, the antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by the disc-diffusion method, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using the 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) method with vitamin C as a comparison. Furthermore, the extracts were formulated into gel formulas with variations of HPMC, Na-CMC, carbopol 934 and extract concentrations. The products were then physically evaluated for organoleptics, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and dispersion as well as undergoing a hedonic test, an irritation test, an antioxidant activity test and determining the SPF value of the preparation. The results showed that the black mulberry fruit extract has antibacterial activity with MIC value of 0,025 g/mL against S. epidermidis and P. acnes, while MBC values were 0,025 g/mL and 0,05 g/mL, respectively. The black mulberry extract had antioxidant activity with IC50 value, i.e 146,73 μg/mL vitamin c i.e. 3,17 μg/mL. Formulation with best physical evaluation results showed ina formula containing a carbopol gel base of 934 0,015 g/mL with an extract cconcentration of 0,075 g/mL. This formula resulted in antioxidant activity with an IC50 value, i.e 1004,6 μg/mL, antibacterial activity with inhibition zone 6.83 ± 1.4 mm against and 6.76 ± 0.9 mm against S. epidermidis and P. acnes respectively and an SPF value of 1.9.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Mulberry is known to have pharmacological effects against cholesterol, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Many studies have revealed that mulberry leaf possesses hepatoprotective properties against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, mulberry fruit is less studied in this context. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of mulberry fruit against high fat diet- (HFD-) induced NAFLD. To evaluate the effects of mulberry fruit on NAFLD, two doses of mulberry fruit ethanol extracts [MB, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW (body weight)] were given to HFD-fed rats for 10 weeks. MB dramatically prevented liver damage as shown by biochemical analysis of the liver injury markers, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. MB treatment significantly inhibited the increased levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol but restored the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in HFD-fed rats. Notably, histological analysis of liver tissues demonstrated that MB substantially ameliorated lipid accumulation. Expression of cholesterol-regulating genes was also suppressed by MB treatment. For its underlying mechanisms, MB suppressed hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. MB potentially protects liver tissue against NAFLD by inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress, suggesting its possible use as a therapeutic agent for treatment of NAFLD.

PENAMBAHAN GULA DAPAT MENINGKATKAN STABILITAS WARNA EKSTRAK ANTOSIANIN BUAH MURBEI HITAM YANG TERPAPAR CAHAYA FLUORESENS

Anthocyanins are red to purple pigments and one of potent safe and natural food colorants which possess superior antioxidant activity. However, the stability of anthocyanins depends on various factors, including structure and concentrations, pH, temperatures, light, co-pigment, ascorbic acid, enzymes, metal ions, sugars, protein, sulfur dioxide. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of sugar addition on the stability of anthocyanin of black mulberry under different fluorescent light intensities and to determine the appropriate concentration of sugar that could increase black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) anthocyanin stability. Fluorescent lamp at 3370, 4210, and 8820 lux (18, 23, and 32 watt, respectively) were used to illuminate black mulberry fruit extract (10.09 g/L) following 20, 40, 60% (w/v) of sugar addition. Determination of anthocyanin color stability in extract of black mulberry fruit was perfomed using degradation kinetics modeling to obtain the appropriate order. The concentration rate (k) and half life (t 1/2 ) were then calculated based on subsequent order. The results showed that 20% sugar addition enhance the stability of black mulberry anthocyanin extract as compared to that of control (without sugar addition) as indicated by half life increment from 170.826 to 183.733 h. On the other hand, anthocyanin stability decreased to 166.618 and 146.235 h half life with further sugar addition to 40 and 60%, respectively. Therefore, 20% sugar addition to black mulberry extract could improve its anthocyanin stability.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Affords Protection against Ethyl Carbamate-Induced Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a food and environmental toxicant and is a cause of concern for human exposure. Several studies indicated that EC-induced toxicity was associated with oxidative stress. Mulberry fruits are reported to have a wide range of bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities. The present study was therefore aimed to investigate the protective property of mulberry fruit extract (MFE) on EC-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Chemical composition analysis showed that total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in MFE were 502.43 ± 5.10 and 219.12 ± 4.45 mg QE/100 g FW. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside were the major anthocyanins in MFE. In vitro antioxidant studies (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) jointly exhibited the potent antioxidant capacity of MFE. Further study indicated that MFE protected human liver HepG2 cells from EC-induced cytotoxicity by scavenging overproduced cellular ROS. EC treatment promoted intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion and caused mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, as well as mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation, whereas MFE pretreatment significantly inhibited GSH depletion and restored the mitochondrial membrane function. Overall, our study suggested that polyphenolic-rich MFE could afford a potent protection against EC-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Peel-off gel formulation from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extract as anti-acne mask

Background: Acne is a skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the polisebasea that often occurs in adolescence. Utilization of the black mulberry fruit with a high phenolic is one alternative for the treatment of acne. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this research are to develop and test a peel-off mask gel prepared from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extracts, which has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Materials and Methods: Black mulberry fruit was extracted with the maceration method by using ethanol (96%). Then, the antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by the disc-diffusion method, while the mean inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mean bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. Then, the extract was formulated into the base of the peel-off mask gel containing variations in concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (7%, 9%, and 10%) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (2% and 2.5%). The formulations prepared were evaluated for their physical properties, including organoleptic behavior, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drying time. Irritation tests were performed, and antibacterial activity of the formulation was also assessed. Results: The results showed that the black mulberry fruit extract has antibacterial activity with MIC value of 2.5% against S. epidermidis and P. acnes, while MBC values were 2.5% and 5%, respectively. Formulations with the best results of physical evaluation were obtained for the formula containing polyvinyl alcohol at 7% and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose at 2.5%. The antibacterial activity of the peel-off mask gel formulation from black mulberries (M. nigra) extract occurs with 3 × MIC and produce inhibition zone 6.11 ± 3.2 mm against S. epidermidis and 5.43 ± 0.6 mm against P. acnes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the peel-off mask gel prepared from black mulberry (M. nigra) fruit extract is effective as well as safe to be used as a topical preparation.

Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Microencapsulation of Mulberry Fruit Extract in Animal Model of Menopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopausal women with metabolic syndrome is required. Based on the advantages of polyphenolics on numerous changes observed in menopause with metabolic syndrome and the encapsulation method, we hypothesized that microencapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could protect brain damage and improve memory impairment in an animal model of menopause with metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg was given to female Wistar rats which were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks. Spatial memory together with neuron density, oxidative stress status, acetylcholinesterase, and phosphorylation of Erk in the hippocampus was assessed at the end of the study. It was found that MME decreased memory impairment, oxidative stress status, and AChE activity but increased neuron density and Erk phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Therefore, the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of MME might partly involve the enhanced cholinergic function and Erk phosphorylation but decreased oxidative stress status in hippocampus. Therefore, MME is the potential novel neuroprotectant and memory-enhancing agent for menopause with metabolic syndrome. However, further research especially clinical trial is still necessary.

Mulberry fruit ameliorates Parkinson's-disease-related pathology by reducing α-synuclein and ubiquitin levels in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid model

Mulberry fruit, which has been long used in traditional oriental medicine, was reported to ameliorate motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal degeneration via antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). More than 95% of PD patients exhibit nonmotor problems such as olfactory dysfunction and gastrointestinal constipation, which are generally considered to be early symptoms of PD. However, few studies have actually examined potential drugs to treat early PD symptoms. The present study examined the protective effects of mulberry fruit extract (ME) against neurotoxicity in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p) model of early PD. MPTP/p model was developed by systemic administration with MPTP (25 mg/kg) and probenecid (250 mg/kg) over 5 weeks. The behavioral studies showed that treatment of mice with ME significantly improved PD-related nonmotor symptoms as well as motor impairment, demonstrated by utilizing the olfactory, pole, rotarod and open field tests. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that ME exhibits the protective effects against dopaminergic neuronal damage induced by MPTP/p in the substantia nigra and striatum. Moreover, by using Western blot analysis, we found that treatment with ME inhibited the up-regulation of α-synuclein and ubiquitin, well known as composition of Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra and striatum of the MPTP/p mice. Taken together, these data suggest that ME may have therapeutic potential for preventing PD.

Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Activities, and Neuroprotective Properties of Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) Fruit Extracts from Different Ripening Stages.

The present work investigated the phenolic profiles (including nonanthocyanin and anthocyanin phenolics), antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective potential of mulberry fruit (MF) (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) grown in China at different ripening stages. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total monomeric anthocyanin content (TAC) were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The neuroprotective effects of MFs at different ripening stages were investigated using Aβ25-35 -treated PC12 cells as the cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. Of the 19 phenolic compounds characterized from the MF extracts, the contents of rutin and anthocyanins increased and that of chlorogenic acid decreased significantly with maturity. At the fully ripened stage, MF extracts showed the highest amounts of TPC (11.23 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight), TFC (15.1 mg rutin equivalents/g fresh weight), and TAC (1177 mg cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents/100 g fresh weight). Meanwhile, antioxidant activity of MF extracts at this stage was highest according to ABTS (an IC50 value of 4.11 μg/mL) and DPPH (an IC50 value of 10.08 μg/mL) assays. Cellular assays revealed increased cell viability in cells treated with the ripe MF extracts; compared with the control groups, the ripening fruits also increased the antioxidant enzyme levels in PC12 cells. Together, these results suggest that the antioxidant activities and neuroprotective properties of ripening MFs are related to the contents and types of phenolic compounds that are present in the fruits.

STZ으로 유도된 당뇨 마우스에서 오디열매추출물의 식후 고혈당 완화 효과

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an early defect of type 2 diabetes and one of primary anti-diabetic targets. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors regulate postprandial hyperglycemia by impeding the rate of carbohydrate (such as starch) digestion in the small intestine. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory actions of mulberry fruit extract (MFE) on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, and its alleviating effect on postprandial hyperglycemia activities in vitro and in vivo. Male four-week old ICR mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were treated with mulberry fruit extract. MFE showed strong inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.16 and 0.14 mg/ml, respectively, and was more effective than acarbose, which was used as a positive control. The increase in postprandial blood glucose levels was more significantly attenuated in the MFE-administered group mice than in the control group mice of both STZ-induced diabetic and normal mice. Moreover, the area under the glucose response curve significantly decreased following MFE administration in diabetic mice. These results indicate that MFE may be a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and helpful in suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. The mulberry fruit extracts may be considered as a potential candidate for the management of diabetes.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruit Extract Containing Anthocyanins Improves Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Diabetic C57BL/Ksj-db/db Mice.

The effect of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit extract (MFE) on hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in an animal model of type 2 diabetes was evaluated. C57BL/Ksj-diabetic db/db mice were divided into three groups: diabetic control, rosiglitazone, and MFE groups. Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and intraperitoneal glucose were measured, and an insulin tolerance test was performed after MFE supplementation in db/db mice. In addition, the protein levels of various targets of insulin signaling were measured by western blotting. The blood levels of glucose and HbA1c were significantly lower in the MFE-supplemented group than in the diabetic control group. Moreover, glucose and insulin tolerance tests showed that MFE treatment increased insulin sensitivity. The homeostatic index of insulin resistance significantly decreased in the MFE-supplemented group relative to the diabetic control group. MFE supplementation significantly stimulated the levels of phosphorylated (p)-AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and p-Akt substrate of 160 kDa (pAS160) and enhanced the level of plasma membrane-glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscles. Further, dietary MFE significantly increased pAMPK and decreased the levels of glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the liver. MFE may improve hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AMPK and AS160 in skeletal muscles and inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver.

A method for dyeing cotton fabric with anthocyanin dyes extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits

For the first time, the natural anthocyanin dyes (mainly consisting of cyanidine 3‐glycoside) extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits has been successfully used to dye cotton fabric, with a dyeing property performance good enough for potential commercial applications. In this study, succinic acid was firstly incorporated into cotton fabrics by esterification to the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, forming an anionic site for the dyes. The performance of the modified material was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and tensile strength. Results showed that the tensile strength of cotton fabrics was mostly retained after modification. The anthocyanin extracts from mulberry fruits were used to study the dyeability of the control and modified cotton fabrics. Red and deep purple (aubergine) are two main shades of cotton fabrics dyed with mulberry fruit extracts. Most importantly, aubergine shade is rare in cotton fabrics dyed with natural dyes. Modification with succinic acid clearly increased the colour strength of the dyed cotton fabric. The colour strength of dyed cotton fabric was improved from 2.7 to 5.3 in the case of dyeing without mordants, and from 3.2 to 6.9 in the case of dyeing with tin mordanting. Meanwhile, the colour fastness was improved by 0.5–2 grades with increasing succinic acid concentration in the finish solution. The colour fastness to perspiration, crocking, light, and washing of fabric dyed with simultaneous tin mordanting and modified with 30 g l−1 of succinic acid was found to be acceptable, with a grey scale grade of at least 3. As for home laundering, neutral soapy solution was more acceptable than alkaline soapy solution.

Mulberry fruit prevents LPS-induced NF-κB/pERK/MAPK signals in macrophages and suppresses acute colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis in mice.

Here, we investigated the impact of mulberry fruit (MBF) extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the therapeutic efficacy of MBF diet in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis and MUC2−/− mice with colorectal cancer. In vitro, LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was significantly inhibited by MBF extracts via suppressing the expression of proinflammatory molecules, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-β) and IL-6. Particularly, a dose-dependent inhibition on LPS-induced inflammatory responses was observed following treatment with MBF dichloromethane extract (MBF-DE), in which linoleic acid and ethyl linolenate were identified as two active compounds. Moreover, we elucidated that MBF-DE attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by blocking activation of both NF-κB/p65 and pERK/MAPK pathways. In vivo, DSS-induced acute colitis was significantly ameliorated in MBF-fed mice as gauged by weight loss, colon morphology and histological damage. In addition, MBF-fed MUC2−/− mice displayed significant decrease in intestinal tumor and inflammation incidence compared to control diet-fed group. Overall, our results demonstrated that MBF suppressed the development of intestinal inflammation and tumorgenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and supports the potential of MBF as a therapeutic functional food for testing in human clinical trials.

Combined Mulberry Leaf and Fruit Extract Improved Early Stage of Cutaneous Wound Healing in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is a pandemic that causes many health challenges, including difficulties in achieving proper wound healing without complications. The current study investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the early stages of cutaneous wound healing and the effect of combined mulberry leaf and fruit extract (MLFE) on cutaneous NLRP inflammasome involvement in delayed wound healing mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After obesity was induced by HFD for 10 weeks, the mice were supplemented with MLFE (at a dose of 500 mg/kg containing 333.3 mg/kg of mulberry leaf extract and 166.7 mg/kg of mulberry fruit extract) by gavage, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. MLFE supplementation ameliorated delayed wound closure in obese mice. While wound size was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose level during the early stage of wound healing, it was strongly correlated with body weight gain and body fat mass during the later stage of wound healing. Under obese conditions, the levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and its related markers (pro-caspase-1 and precursor/mature interleukin 1 beta) were increased at a basal level, but the NLRP3 inflammasome was suppressed during the inflammatory stage of cutaneous wound healing. However, MLFE supplementation stimulated cutaneous NLRP3 inflammasome in HFD-induced obese mice (day 3). Taken together, stimulating the NLRP3 inflammasome might be beneficial in the early inflammatory stage of cutaneous wound healing and MLFE could be a potential therapeutic intervention in delayed wound healing through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in obesity.

An IgE-Mediated Allergic Reaction Caused by Mulberry Fruit.

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is a widespread deciduous tree and its fruit is commonly eaten in Korea and eastern Asia. Some reports demonstrate that mulberry fruit is a food allergen in the Mediterranean area. However, there has been no report of systemic allergic reactions after ingesting mulberry fruit in Korea. An 18-year-old boy with a mulberry fruit allergy visited our allergy clinic. He had experienced generalized urticaria, chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and abdominal cramping after ingesting mulberry fruit. The patient had a positive skin reaction to mulberry fruit extract (mean wheal size, 5 mm). We performed an ELISA to detect specific IgE antibody (Ab) to mulberry fruit extract in the patient's serum compared to those of non-atopic healthy controls and birch-sensitized individuals. Specific IgE Ab to mulberry fruit extract was detected in the patient's serum, as compared to non-atopic healthy controls. Another subject, who was strongly sensitized to birch pollen, also had a positive serum-specific IgE Ab to mulberry fruit. We performed IgE immunoblot analysis using the patient's and the other subject's sera, who had serum-specific IgE to mulberry fruit, to identify the IgE-binding component. An identical IgE-binding component to mulberry extract was detected in the two subjects at around 17 kDa, and which might be PR 10 of Bet v 1. In conclusion, mulberry fruit could induce a systemic allergic reaction through an IgE-mediated mechanism, and cross-reactivity might occur between mulberry fruit and birch pollen.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis via Antioxidative Activity

Among the many environmental stresses, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ensuring oxidative stress are known to cause significant cellular damage. This has clinical implications in the onset of type 1 diabetes, which is triggered by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells and is associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective and antioxidative effects of mulberry extract (ME) in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. We found that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress and the associated apoptotic cell death. ME treatment significantly reduced the levels of H2O2-induced 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and lipid peroxidation and intracellular ROS accumulation. In addition, ME inhibited DNA condensation and/or fragmentation induced by H2O2. These results suggest that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.