Mulberry Leaf Research Articles

The Effect of Mulberry Leaf Maturity on Silkworm Rearing Outcomes in Azerbaijan's Ecological Conditions

The Effect of Mulberry Leaf Maturity on Silkworm Rearing Outcomes in Azerbaijan's Ecological Conditions

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from Mulberry Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology: Purification and Component Identification of Extract

In this study, an ultrasonic-assisted procedure for the extraction of mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) was investigated using response surface methodology with a 29-run Box–Behnken design. Four factors were investigated, and it was found that the factors influencing the process, in order of significance, were the extraction temperature > liquid-to-material ratio > ultrasonic power. Considering practical conditions, the parameters were adjusted to a liquid-to-material ratio of 16:1 mL/g, extraction time of 58 min, extraction temperature of 65 °C, and ultrasonic power of 500 W. Under these conditions, the yield of MLPs was 14.47%, which is close to the predicted value, indicating that the extraction process optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) is feasible. The separation and purification effects of macroporous resin and activated carbon on MLPs were investigated, with the D152 resin being considered the most suitable choice. The optimal separation conditions were found to be a sample concentration of 0.5 g/mL and an optimal flow rate of 1 mL/min. Thin-layer chromatography and infrared spectroscopy revealed that polysaccharides extracted from mulberry leaves are primarily composed of rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose. In conclusion, this study successfully optimized the ultrasonic-assisted extraction process of MLPs through response surface methodology, determined the optimal parameter combination, and verified its efficiency and stability. Under the optimal conditions obtained for ultrasonic-assisted extraction, the yield of MLPs is significantly higher than that reported in the previous literature. The decolorization process of crude mulberry leaf polysaccharide extract was also investigated, and the purified MLPs have clear monosaccharide composition and structural characteristics, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for their application in functional food or drug development.

Response of mulberry silkworm (<i>Bombyx mori</i> L.) (Race: AC<sub>1</sub> × AJ<sub>1</sub>) to mulberry leaf fortified with Bambara groundnut (<i>Vigna subterranean</i> (L) Verdc.) flour

Mulberry silkworm is a monophagous insect that derives all its nutritional needs from mulberry leaves. Thus, nutrition plays an important role in the growth and development of silkworm which ultimately impacts the economic traits. The present study evaluated the effect of less utilized specie in Vigna genera (Vigna subterranea) on rearing performance and cocoon traits of mulberry silkworm (Race: AC1 × AJ1). Aqueous solution of V. subterranean seed powder supplemented leaves at 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% were fed to the fifth instar larvae while the control was treated with just water. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in four replicates. The result showed that V. subterranean supplemented leaves led to better larval growth and consequently reflected in improved cocoon traits as there is a significant length increase in the treated group than the control (2.50±0.2). The cocoon (1.29±0.05) and pupal (1.01±0.04) weight observed for 10% treatment was significantly higher than what was obtained in the other treatments and the control group (1.13±0.07; 0.87±0.06). Thus, it can be inferred that Vigna subterranean at 10% concentration can be used in mulberry leaf supplementation in sericulture.

Postprandial glycemic effect of mulberry leaf extract: a randomized crossover pilot study in Asians

Purpose Managing postprandial hyperglycemia is a strategy to address the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study aims to assess the effect of a natural food supplement containing mulberry leaf extract (MLE) in the form of 1-deoxynojirimycin when consumed with parathas (a type of South Asian flatbread) with different fiber content on postprandial glycemia. Design/methodology/approach In this randomized crossover pilot study, 16 healthy adults consumed four test meals: paratha (P); high-fiber paratha (PF); paratha with supplement (P-S); and high-fiber paratha with supplement (PF-S). The paratha (P) and high-fiber paratha (PF) contained 0 g and 7.8 g of fiber, respectively. Capillary blood glucose was collected over a 2-h period. Findings Analysis of variance analyses showed that there was no difference in glycemic response (mean glucose peaks, time to peak, incremental glucose peaks and iAUC0-120min) when the participants consumed both types of parathas on their own. However, consuming the supplement significantly reduced the glycemic response (mean glucose peaks, time to peak, incremental glucose peaks and iAUC0-120min) to both types of parathas. The use of a food supplement containing MLE lowered postprandial glycemia regardless of the fiber content of parathas. Practical implications This food supplement may be a useful nutritional strategy to reduce the glycemic response from eating carbohydrate-rich food such as the paratha flatbread. Originality/value This study showed that the use of a food supplement containing MLE lowered postprandial glycemia regardless of the fiber content of the food.

The Targeted Metabolomic Signatures of Phytohormones in Leaves of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Are Crucial for Regrowth and Specifically Modulated by the Differential Stubble Lengths.

Vegetative propagation of mulberry (Morus alba L.) via sapling methods, due to the ability to exponentially multiply lateral buds on stem cuttings to enhance rapid shoot formation, is crucial for sericulture industries. The sprouting of mulberry using stubbles is an emerging method for rapid and mass production of mulberry leaves, but the growth mechanisms associated with its use remain obscure. This study is the first to report how the differential stubble lengths from mulberry plants alter and modulate phytohormones and the associated mechanisms. This study seeks to evaluate the growth mechanisms by elucidating the phytohormone signature modulation in response to differential stubble lengths of 0 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and a control via targeted metabolomics analysis in mulberry leaves. The results consistently show that the use of differential stubble lengths of mulberry promoted growth, the number of buds, aboveground biomass, and branch and leaf weights by improving the net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 relative to the control. The differential stubble lengths not only caused contrasting responses in the contents of plant hormones, including salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), and gibberellin (GA), but also modulated higher elemental contents relative to the control. The results further reveal significant and positive correlations between the phytohormones and all growth, biomass, and photosynthetic parameters, highlighting the role of phytohormones in the sprouting and rejuvenation of mulberry stubbles. Meanwhile, the targeted metabolomics analysis identified a total of 11 differentially accumulated phytohormones in response to the differential stubble lengths, which were significantly implicated and enriched in three major pathways, including the biosynthesis of plant hormones (ko01070), metabolic pathways (ko01100), and the plant hormone signal transduction pathway (ko04575). The use of stubbles for rapid leaf production in mulberry plants is of great importance to improve early sprouting and cutting survival, as well as shortening growth and rooting time, and is highly recommended for the sericulture industries.

Unraveling molecular mechanisms of 1-deoxynojirimycin and polyphenol biosynthesis in mulberry leaves in response to ultrasound elicitation: An integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics approach.

Unraveling molecular mechanisms of 1-deoxynojirimycin and polyphenol biosynthesis in mulberry leaves in response to ultrasound elicitation: An integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics approach.

Combined Mulberry Leaf Polysaccharide-Caged Liposomes for Effective Oral Drug Delivery in Rat Model

Combined Mulberry Leaf Polysaccharide-Caged Liposomes for Effective Oral Drug Delivery in Rat Model

Effects of Frost Mulberry Leaf Superfine Powder on the Hypoglycemic and Gut Microbiota of High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice

Frost mulberry leaves possess significant medicinal and nutritional values and feature extensive resource availability and convenient acquisition. The study investigated the physicochemical structure and functional properties of frost mulberry leaf superfine powder (FMLSP) and the effects of FMLSP on the hypoglycemic activity and gut microbiota of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. The results indicated that the total flavonoid content of FMLSP reached 91.30 mg/g, with significant inhibitory effects on both α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Animal experimental data showed that FMLSP could significantly reduce insulin content, improve insulin resistance, and protect liver and pancreatic tissues in T2DM mice. Meanwhile, FMLSP showed significant effects on lipid metabolism, especially the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content in T2DM mice was significantly reduced by 76.22%. In addition, FMLSP has excellent antioxidant effects, which greatly alleviated the oxidative stress phenomenon in T2DM mice, especially the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced by 72.17%. FMLSP also restored the diversity and structure of the gut microbiota, significantly increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Alloprevotella, and Lactobacillus in T2DM mice and significantly decreasing the abundance of abundance of harmful bacteria such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Enterorhabdus. These results indicate that FMLSP may serve as a potential dietary intervention for the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Effects of Different Drying Processes on Bioactive Components, Volatile Compounds, and In Vitro Inhibition of Starch Digestion in Mulberry Leaf Extracts.

The significant demand for medicinal plants with special efficacy has prompted us to adopt appropriate processing methods to enhance the nutritional quality and flavor of raw materials. This study evaluated the impacts of freeze-drying (FD), hot-air drying (HAD), and spray drying (SD) on the bioactive compounds, flavor characteristics, and inhibition of starch digestion in mulberry leaf ethanol extract (MLE). Results indicated that FDMLE exhibited the highest total alkaloids content (TAC: 0.14 ± 0.02 mg/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 19.32 ± 0.58 mg/g), along with significant inhibitory effects on starch hydrolysis at 180 min (starch hydrolysis rate <50%). The microstructure of HADMLE was closest to that of the mulberry leaf powder (ML), but SD better preserved the color of ML (ΔE = 1.55 ± 0.04). Combined with the electronic nose and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) found HAD processing facilitated the conversion of flavor precursors in ML into Ethyl formate, rose oxide, and (Z)-3-hexenol (M). SDMLE contained higher levels of pentanal, (E)-2-hexenal (D), (E)-2-pentanone, 3-Methyl-2-butenal (D), ethyl butyrate, and 1-penten-3-one (D). FDMLE exhibited the highest diversity of novel volatile compounds (VOCs), with 18 newly identified species. In conclusion, FD is a potential method to effectively reduce the degradation of quality and efficacy of MLE during the drying process.

Mulberry Leaves-Derived Carbon Dots for Photodynamic Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Wounds via Metabolic Perturbation.

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose a significant global public health challenge, particularly in refractory infections associated with biofilms. The urgent development of innovative, safe, and therapeutically adaptive strategies to combat these resistant biofilms is essential. We present a novel, precise, and controllable photodynamic antibacterial carbon dot (B-M-CD) inspired by the natural antibacterial properties of the mulberry leaf and the bacterial targeting function of boric acid. This photocatalytic antibacterial agent exhibits good biocompatibility and utilizes its inherent antibacterial activities, along with photoactivated oxidase-mimicking activity, to generate reactive oxygen species for the eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By leveraging the reversible covalent binding between boronic acid groups and cis-diol groups on bacterial surfaces, we further enhance the targeted antibacterial activity. B-M-CDs effectively penetrate extracellular polymeric substances and demonstrate a precise photodynamic antibacterial effect, allowing for localized delivery aimed at biofilm inhibition and destruction. Metabolomic analyses reveal that B-M-CDs disrupt amino acid metabolism, protein synthesis, electron transport chain, and energy metabolism in MRSA. In vivo experiments confirm that this photocatalyst effectively treats MRSA-induced wounds with an efficacy comparable to that of vancomycin while also exhibiting high biocompatibility. This study represents the first development of a precise, photoactivated, controllable, and targeted carbon-based antibacterial nanozyme derived from the traditional Chinese herb, mulberry leaf, providing a novel strategy for designing intelligent antibacterial nanoagents and underscoring their potential as candidate therapeutics for conditions analogous to MRSA infections.

Mulberry leaf extract combined with tryptophan improves sleep and post wake mood in adults with sleep complaints- A randomized cross-over study.

In the current study we evaluated a blend of ingredients containing mulberry leaf extract (to lower postprandial glucose of the evening meal), tryptophan (facilitator of the sleep initiation) to benefit sleep initiation and quality in adults with self-reported difficulties with sleep initiation. Forty-three adults aged between 25 and 50 years enrolled in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, controlled trial. Participants received standardized meals with a glycemic load of 55 ± 10% and were assigned to receive treatment comprising a combination of mulberry leaf extract (750 mg), whey protein containing 120 mg tryptophan, zinc (1.35 mg), magnesium (12.6 mg), vitamin B3 (1.93 mg) and B6 (0.135 mg) and control (4g wheat protein hydrolysate). Each intervention phase lasted 14 days separated by a washout period of 28 days. The primary outcomes were actigraphy-measured sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency. Secondary outcomes included continuous glycemic responses, mood, and cognition. A linear mixed model intention-to-treat analysis conducted on 42 participants found that the treatment reduced sleep onset latency (actigraphy: -3.82 mins, p=0.026; self-report: -3.09 mins, p=0.048). Treatment significantly reduced evening meal's postprandial glucose response (incremental area under the curve, mmol/L*min) at 1 hour by 21% (p<0.001), incremental maximum concentration by 16% (p=<0.001) and nocturnal glucose variation over the 14-day period. Participants on treatment reported improved sleep quality (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, -0.17, p=0.041) and feeling more relaxed (Brief Mood Introspection Scale, -0.4, p=0.003) the next morning compared to when taking the control. Additionally, the treatment improved the vigor dimension on the Profile of Mood Scale (0.8, p=0.038). No effects were observed on the cognitive performance. Lowering postprandial glucose significantly mediated the treatment effect of lowering sleep onset latency and lower nocturnal glucose variation was also associated with improved sleep quality and next-day positive mood. The evening meal supplement benefited sleep initiation and quality, and also improved post wake mood in adults. Registration number of Clinical Trial - ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05372900.

Pediococcus pentosaceus JS35 improved flavor, metabolic profile of fermentation supernatant of mulberry leaf powder and increased its antioxidant capacity.

Pediococcus pentosaceus JS35 was used to improve flavor, metabolic profile and antioxidant activity of mulberry leaf powder. Gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) analysis revealed that fermentation increased the contents of floral and fruity flavor compounds such as dihydrolinalool and 2-phenylethanol, while decreased the grassy, pungent odor compounds. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis showed that Pediococcus pentosaceus JS35 altered the metabolic profile of mulberry leaf, especially increased the content of flavonoids metabolites such as kaempferol, quercetin and daidzein. Compared with the unfermented sample, the fermented supernatant had higher antioxidant capacity in vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, the fermented supernatant supplementation significantly prolonged the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. In conclusion, fermentation by Pediococcus pentosaceus JS35 improved the flavor and active compounds of mulberry leaf, and the fermented product had effective antioxidant capacity. This study will provide ideas for the application of Pediococcus pentosaceus JS35 and the processing of mulberry leaf into functional foods or food ingredient.

Drying methods affect nutritional value, amino acids, bioactive compounds, and in vitro function of extract in mulberry leaves.

Drying methods affect nutritional value, amino acids, bioactive compounds, and in vitro function of extract in mulberry leaves.

TGase-induced crosslinking of mulberry leaf protein particles as stabilizer of high-internal-phase Pickering emulsions: characterization and stability.

Mulberry leaf protein (MLP) is a high-quality protein with significant nutritional value and functional properties. Enzymatic modification of proteins can enhance their functional properties by using proteases to covalently crosslink or hydrolyze proteins. This study investigates the potential of transglutaminase (TGase)-induced crosslinked MLP as an emulsifier in the formation of high-internal-phase Pickering emulsions. Crosslinked MLP samples were prepared with TGase concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 U g-1. High-internal-phase Pickering emulsions (80% v/v) were formed at pH 8, with a crosslinking temperature of 50 °C, a TGase concentration of 20 U g-1 and an optimal crosslinking time of 60 min. As the enzyme concentration increased, the content of exposed sulfhydryl groups progressively increased, while the total free sulfhydryl content remained relatively stable. After varying crosslinking durations, both total free and exposed sulfhydryl group contents initially increased before declining. Additionally, the content of free amino groups in MLP gradually decreased with higher enzyme dosages and longer crosslinking times. The surface hydrophobicity of crosslinked MLP increased initially, followed by a decrease, reflecting changes in the spatial structure of MLP. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the formation of polymer masses after TGase-catalyzed crosslinking. Under optimal crosslinking conditions, the high-internal-phase Pickering emulsion prepared with TGase-induced crosslinked MLP exhibited a relatively uniform droplet distribution. TGase-induced crosslinking enhances both the emulsifying activity and stability of MLP emulsions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective Effects of Supercritical CO2-Extracted Mulberry Leaf Extract against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice

Protective Effects of Supercritical CO2-Extracted Mulberry Leaf Extract against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice

Synergistic effect of corn straw and mulberry leaves fermantation in vitro and effects on growth performance and antioxidant capacity of sheep.

This study was to determine the synergistic effect of corn straw and mulberry leaves in sheep diet. Corn straw and mulberry leaves were mixed as culture substrate for six groups: 100:0 (T0), 80:20 (T20), 60:40 (T40), 40: 60 (T60), 20:80 (T80) and 0:100 (T100). The in vitro culture indicated that mulberry leaves exhibited a positive correlation with theoretical gas production (GP), cumulative GP, microbial crude protein concentration, and organic matter digestibility. At 72 h, total volatile fatty acids and acetic acid were significantly higher in the T60, T80, and T100 groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, at 6 h, 12 h, and 72 h, the ammonia nitrogen of T60, T80, and T100 groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The combination of T20, T60, and T80 were selected for sheep feeding, and T60 got an highest increase in the average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). In addition, the thickness of the rib and back was notably increased in the T80 (P < 0.05). The water holding capacity of the longissiums dorsi muscle was higher and drip loss lower by feeding combination feed, especially in T20 and T60 groups (P < 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen decreased with the increase of mulberry leaf content (P < 0.05). Additionally, the T60 and T80 groups demonstrated higher DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability (P < 0.05). Furthermore the combination resulted in a notable enhancement of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the sheep liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of corn straw and mulberry leaves had a positive synergistic effect in improving feed intake, muscle thickness, muscle water retention and liver antioxidant capacity of sheep, which provides a practical way for utilizing agricultural waste.

Влияние на сроковете за добиване на черничево брашно в състава на изкуствена храна върху развитието и продуктивността на копринената пеперуда Bombyx mori L.

The aim of this study was to detect the effect of mulberry leaf powder, obtained during the summer and autumn seasons, and included in the silkworm artificial diet on the silkworm development and productivity. The experimental work was carried out at the Scientific Center on Sericulture - Vratsa at the Agricultural Academy during the period 2022-2025. Three options for larval growing with artificial diet, respectively, containing mulberry leaf powder produced in the months of October, September and July (control) were tested. It was found that growing the larvae with artificial diet containing mulberry leaf powder, harvested in the month of October, leads to a decrease in vitality from hatching to the beginning of the 4th instar and to a significant extension of the larval period, and a decrease in the weight of the cocoon and silk shell. Growing the larvae on artificial diet containing mulberry leaf powder, harvested in the month of September, had no significant effect on their vitality and duration of the larval period, but led to a slight decrease in the weight of the cocoon and silk shell. It is recommended that the composition of the artificial diet should not include mulberry leaf powder harvested in the months of September and October alone, but in combination with mulberry leaf powder harvested in the month of July.

Enhancing Bioactivity and Bioaccessibility of Mulberry Leaf Tea: The Influence of Pretreatment and Kombucha Fermentation

Enhancing Bioactivity and Bioaccessibility of Mulberry Leaf Tea: The Influence of Pretreatment and Kombucha Fermentation

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Bonga sheep fed on noug seed cake, mulberry and Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of the Bonga sheep supplemented with noug seed cake (NSC; Guizotia abyssinica) with dried mulberry leaf meal (DMLM; Morus indica) and higher protein Vernonia amygdalina leaf (DVLM) meal mixtures maintained on Desho (Penisetum glaucifolium) grass hay ad libitum. The five experimental diets were 100% NSC (T1), 75% DMLM+25% DVLM (T2), 100% DMLM (T3), 50% DVLM+25% NSC (T4) and 100% DVLM (T5). Thirty lambs at the age of eight months with an initial body weight (BW) 15.63±1.4 kg were assigned in randomised complete block design with six replications to each experimental diet. The intake of crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent lignin were significantly (P&lt;0.0001) different for animals fed T2, and dry matter intake (DMI), total dry matter intake (TDMI), total dry matter intake as % of body weight (TDMI %BW) and total dry matter intake of metabolic body weight was relatively higher for T3 (P&lt;0.0001). There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on slaughter body weight among treatments which was higher for sheep fed T2 and T3, at 25.7 kg each. There was no effect (P&gt;0.05) on other carcass traits, edible or non-edible offal components. Total DMI was strongly and positively correlated with carcass traits and crude protein intake was positively correlated with body weight. Total replacement with DMLM and the mix of 75% DMLM + 25% NSC with Desho grass hay can be used to give better growth performance and carcass yield of lambs.

Prolonging mulberry leaf longevity with silver-doped copper oxide nanoparticles: a postharvest approach

Mulberry is crucial in silkworm rearing as it provides the primary food source for silkworms, directly impacting the quality and quantity of silk production. This, in turn, supports the global silk industry, which significantly contributes to the economies of many countries through the production of textiles and garments. Postharvest mulberry leaf preservation is required to ensure a continuous and reliable food supply for silkworms, especially during the rainy season when fresh dry leaves are not readily available. Proper preservation techniques will ensure the leaves' nutritional quality, which is essential for the health and productivity of silkworms, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and profitability of silk production. Due to their potent antimicrobial properties, silver-doped copper oxide nanoparticles (Ag-CuO NPs) are explored as preservatives. When used for preservation, Ag-CuO NPs effectively retained primary metabolites, chlorophyll, proteins, and carbohydrates, preserving the leaves' texture and nutritional value. Additionally, the synergistic action of enzymatic antioxidants and carotenoids with Ag-CuO NPs mitigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage, delayed senescence, and maintained cellular integrity. Postharvest leaves treated with Ag-CuO NPs supported optimal silkworm larval growth, resulting in higher growth indices, cocoon weights, and silk yields, comparable to fresh leaves. This nanoparticle-based approach extends leaf viability up to seven days, offering a sustainable and non-toxic preservation method with reduced environmental impact, enhancing the efficiency of sericulture practices.