Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofold and White) Chitwood) are among the most damaging pests affecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production globally, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional control using synthetic nematicides is increasingly constrained due to environmental, health, and regulatory concerns, highlighting the need for safe and sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the nematicidal potential of Morus alba L. (mulberry) leaf extracts and their effects on tomato growth parameters under controlled experimental conditions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, phenols, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids, indicating strong bioactivity. Treatments consisted of varying extract application rates (5–25 g/plant) applied either before or after nematode inoculation. Results showed that application of mulberry extracts significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced nematode population densities and improved plant growth compared to untreated controls. The 15 g treatment applied before nematode inoculation produced the most pronounced suppression of nematode juveniles and eggs, coupled with enhanced root and stem growth. These effects are attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the extract, which may interfere with nematode metabolism and reproduction while promoting plant vigour. The findings suggest that M. alba extracts possess promising nematicidal potential and can be developed as eco-friendly biocontrol agents for sustainable tomato production.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a key driver of obesity pathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-obesity mechanism of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) by investigating its effects on the intestinal barrier, including the mechanical, immune, and microbial barriers. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model was employed and treated with MLE. We systematically assessed obesity phenotypes, glucolipid metabolic parameters, systemic and intestinal inflammation, intestinal tight junction proteins and mucus secretion, and gut microbiota composition. The results showed that MLE significantly reduced body weight by over 5%, and ameliorated dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and glucose intolerance. Concurrently, MLE activated PPARα/CPT-1 fatty acid β-oxidation and PI3K/AKT signaling while suppressing SREBP-1c lipogenesis. Mechanistically, MLE enhanced intestinal mechanical barriers, as evidenced by the upregulation of tight junction proteins, increased mucus secretion, and reduced serum levels of intestinal permeability markers (diamine oxidase and endotoxin). Furthermore, MLE suppressed systemic and intestinal inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Furthermore, MLE improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio by 61.39%, enriching beneficial Alloprevotella and Muribaculaceae_norank, and depleting Faecalibaculum and Lachnoclostridium. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between MLE-modulated microbiota and improved metabolic and barrier parameters. Collectively, MLE alleviated obesity by synergistically modulating glucolipid metabolism, gut microbiota, intestinal mechanical barrier and inflammation.

Abstract Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) is a proprietary extract derived from the leaves of Morus alba, contains high concentrations of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which inhibits intestinal glucose uptake and improves glucose tolerance. The present study investigated the impact of MLE and DNJ on the inhibition of alpha glucosidase and enhanced glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner in C2C12 cells. This effect was accompanied by changes in the expression of key glucose transporter proteins, such as glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), the phosphorylation states of insulin receptor substrate (p-IRS, ) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), which regulate glucose metabolism. These findings highlight the distinct metabolic effects of MLE and DNJ on glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells, indicating their potential as natural compounds for modulating glucose metabolism. Further investigation of the molecular pathways involved and in vivo studies are required to validate and expand to fully understand their potential therapeutic applications.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a global threat to public health. While dietary fiber and plant extracts have been individually shown to exert hypoglycemic effects, the potential synergistic impact of their combined intervention on T2DM has yet to be fully elucidated. T2DM model control (MC) mice were established by administering mice with high-fat diets and streptozotocin. Resistant dextrin and mulberry leaf extract (MR) significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared with MC. Notably, MR lowered the FBG and HbA1c levels better than resistant dextrin or mulberry leaf extract alone. MR significantly upregulated hepatic mRNA expression involved in glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake while downregulating the genes related to gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Meanwhile, MR markedly improved gut microbiota diversity and selectively enriched bacterial taxa associated with SCFAs, such as acetic and propionic acids. Collectively, MR enhances glycemic control by modulating hepatic glucose metabolism, enriching SCFA-producing bacterial taxa, increasing SCFA levels, and alleviating insulin resistance.

High-fat Diet-associated Digestive Cancers: Mechanisms, Natural Product-based Therapies, and Drug Development.

Dual delivery of mulberry leaf extract and ciprofloxacin via mannitol/xylitol-coated zein nanoparticles for overcoming antibiotic resistance

Optimization of mixed emulsifiers for stabilizing mulberry leaf extract – Red palm oil emulsions with enhanced antioxidant potential

ABSTRACT White mulberry leaf extract (WME) is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress properties. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which WME and its primary compound mitigate kidney damage in obstructive nephropathy remain unclear. This study investigates the efficacy of WME and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress in animal models of obstructive nephropathy. Male Balb/c mice (n = 25) were randomly distributed into five groups: (1) the sham operation (SO) group, (2) the unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) group, and UUO-induced mice treated with (3) enalapril (ENA), (4) WME, and (5) CGA. After the experiment, kidney organs were isolated for gene and protein analyses. Pro-inflammatory genes, including TLR-4, ICAM-1, and MCP-1, were measured using qPCR. The protein expression of TNF-α and NRF2 was examined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of TLR-4, ICAM1, and MCP-1 was downregulated in the WME and CGA groups (p < 0.0001) compared with the UUO group. TNF-α expression was markedly lower in the WME and CGA groups (p < 0.05) than in the UUO group. Furthermore, increased NRF2 protein expression demonstrated improved oxidative stress in the WME and CGA groups (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that WME and CGA mitigate kidney damage in obstructive nephropathy.

Mathematical modeling of the impact of encapsulating agents and drying techniques on the moisture adsorption and thermodynamic properties of mulberry leaf extract powder

Objectives: Aqueous mulberry leaf extract (MLE) contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and L-leucine (LL). This study investigated the effects of MLE, DNJ, and LL on lipid accumulation caused by palmitic acid (PA) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and regulation of lipogenesis. Methods: PA was applied to HepG2 cells to generate a fatty liver in vitro model. Then, the cells were treated with MLE, DNJ, or LL for 24 h. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in HepG2 cells. Results: Staining with Oil Red O (ORO) indicated that MLE, DNJ, and LL significantly decreased excessive lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Cytokine ELISA assay indicated that MLE, DNJ, and LL significantly decreased excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in HepG2 cells. In addition, MLE, DNJ, and LL decreased the protein expression levels of PPAR-γ and FAS, suggesting a potential suppression of lipogenesis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that MLE, DNJ, and LL reduce lipid accumulation, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and the protein expressions of FAS and PPAR-γ in PA-induced fatty liver cells.

The potential of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extract against pro-aggregant tau-mediated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Integrating 16S rDNA sequencing analysis and targeted tryptophan metabolomics to reveal potential mechanism of mulberry leaf extract in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus mice.

Objective: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase can attenuate postprandial glycemic response (PPGR). This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of mulberry leaf and corn silk on these enzymes in vitro and their impact on postprandial glucose (PG) levels in prediabetic individuals using milk-based matrices. Research Design and Methods: In vitro, enzyme inhibition was assessed using the DNS method (α-amylase) and pNPG method (α-glucosidase). A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 11 prediabetic individuals with four interventions: pure milk; lactose-hydrolyzed milk; lactose-hydrolyzed milk with mulberry leaf, corn silk, and resistant dextrin; and GOS milk with mulberry leaf and corn silk. PPGR was assessed by area under the glucose curve, 1 and 2 h PG, maximum PG, and 2 h glucose excursion. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for comparisons. Results: Mulberry leaf and corn silk extracts inhibited both enzymes dose-dependently, with synergistic effects. No significant differences in PPGR indices were observed across interventions in the overall prediabetic individuals. However, in the overweight subgroup, the combination of GOS milk supplemented with mulberry leaf and corn silk significantly reduced 1 h PG (median difference [P25, P75]: −0.84 mmol/L [−1.05, −0.49]), maximum PG (−0.54 mmol/L [−0.75, −0.25]), and glucose excursion (−0.62 mmol/L [−0.75, −0.24]) compared to pure milk. Conclusions: Mulberry leaf and corn silk extracts inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro and may attenuate postprandial glucose excursions in overweight prediabetic individuals when delivered in a GOS milk matrix.

Various natural and anthropogenic factors, including inadequate water treatment, urbanisation, industrialisation, and the intensification of agricultural output, can result in the presence of heavy metals in water, the atmosphere, and sediments. Heavy metal pollution poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Zinc ions (Zn2+), though essential in trace amounts, becomes hazardous at elevated concentrations. This study reports the green synthesis of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) using mulberry leaf (Morus alba) extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were tested for Zn2+ removal efficiency under varying conditions of initial concentration (0.5–3.0 mg/L), pH (4–9), contact time (15–90 min), and adsorbent dosage (0.4–1.4 g). Optimal conditions were observed at 1.0 mg/L Zn2+, pH 9, 75 minutes contact time, and 1.0 g adsorbent dosage, achieving a removal efficiency of 98%. Adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.86), indicating monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface, while kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.95), suggesting chemisorption. These findings highlight the potential of mulberry leaf-derived Fe₃O₄-NPs as an eco-friendly, cost-effective adsorbent for heavy metal remediation, supporting sustainable water treatment strategies.

Salinity stress disrupts redox homeostasis in plants, leading to notable changes in the levels of bioactive compounds. These compounds are recognized for their significant role in inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, which is relevant in glycemic control. Detailed insights into how salinity stress modulates α-glucosidase inhibition in mulberry leaves remain scarce. This study aims to investigate the effects of salinity stress on α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in mulberry leaf extracts, and to identify accessions exhibiting the most potent inhibitory properties. In vitro assays were employed to conduct qualitative phytochemical analyses and to quantify total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and α-glucosidase enzyme activity. The results demonstrate that high salinity stress enhances the inhibitory activity of mulberry leaf extracts against the α-glucosidase enzyme. Notably, the MB2-3 sample exhibited the most favorable IC50 value (0.59 µg/mL), coupled with a substantial phenolic content (141.9 mg GAE/g extract) and the highest content of flavonoid observed among all tested samples (619.56 mg QE/g extract). Collectively, these findings highlight the capacity of salinity stress to augment both the inhibitory potential of mulberry extracts against α-glucosidase and the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with sample MB2-3 displaying auspicious attributes.

ABSTRACTMulberry leaf, an edible medicinal plant, is traditionally recognized for its diverse biological functions, including antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a prevalent foodborne mycotoxin, causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver injury. However, the role of functional components of mulberry leaf in AFB1‐induced liver injury is still elusive. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of mulberry complex extract (MCE) and mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) in a murine model of AFB1‐induced liver injury. Twenty‐four male mice were randomly divided into four groups, exposed to AFB1 (0.75 mg/kg), and treated with MCE (500 mg/kg) or MLP (300 mg/kg) for four weeks. Both treatments significantly improved liver function and reduced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, they markedly inhibited NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD‐mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis. These benefits were associated with activation of the Nrf2 pathway, upregulation of antioxidant genes and phase II detoxification enzymes, restoration of intestinal barrier integrity, and modulation of gut microbiota to enhance short‐chain fatty acid production. Notably, MCE and MLP interventions increased Nrf2 gene expression by 2.8‐ and 2.3‐fold, respectively. This study provides new evidence supporting the hepatoprotective effects of mulberry leaf extracts against AFB1‐induced toxicity. The findings highlight the potential of MCE and MLP as promising natural therapeutic agents for preventing or mitigating mycotoxin‐related liver damage through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and gut‐liver axis interactions.Practical ApplicationsBased on this research, mulberry leaf extracts could be developed into dietary supplements or functional food ingredients to help protect the liver in people regularly exposed to aflatoxin‐contaminated foods. Additionally, they show promise as natural additives in animal feed to reduce liver damage and improve the health of livestock consuming contaminated feedstuffs, potentially leading to safer animal products.

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Mulberry leaves (Morus alba Linn.) are a plant whose potential has been widely studied because it contains phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids and phenols which have various health benefits. This plant belongs to the Moraceae family and has the characteristics of a woody trunk, branches and brown bark with a height of between 5 and 10 meters, has oval or heart-shaped leaves with tapered tips, and has oval-shaped fruit that is black when ripe. This research aims to analyze chemical compounds in mulberry leaf extract (Morus alba L.) using spectrophotometric methods. Phytochemical screening showed positive results for flavonoids (Shinoda and NaOH test), alkaloids (Wagner and Dragendorff test), tannins (Braymer's solution and base) test, and steroids (Salkowski test). UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis at a wavelength of 200-800 nm shows maximum absorption at 786 nm for the 10-2 dilution sample. Analysis of total flavonoid content using standard quercetin showed concentrations of 50.06 mg/g and 52.87 mg/g for the 1000 ppm and 500 ppm samples, respectively. The extract yield was 29.086%, with a water content of 4.415% and an ash content of 0.1%. These findings indicate that mulberry leaf extract contains various bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological properties, especially flavonoids which can be useful for medicinal applications.

Milk with Mulberry Leaf Extract, Vegetable Oil, and Inulin Reduce Early Glucose and Insulin Response in Healthy Adults in China: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Research on the anti-aging activity of different mulberry leaf Products: Based on mulberry leaf powder and mulberry leaf extract