Nutraceutical and Medicinal Potential of the Morus Species in Metabolic Dysfunctions

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2019-01, Vol.20 (2), p.301
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Elisana Lima, Marcelino, Gabriela, Silva, Gabriela Torres, Figueiredo, Priscila Silva, Garcez, Walmir Silva, Corsino, Joaquim, Guimarães, Rita de Cássia Avellaneda, Freitas, Karine de Cássia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; c-Jun protein; Cancer; Chemical composition; Diabetes; diabetes mellitus; Dietary minerals; Disease prevention; Enzymes; Fatty acids; Flavonoids; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Glucose; Herbal medicine; Insulin; Insulin resistance; Kinases; Lipids; Liver; Long-term effects; medicinal plants; Metabolic disorders; Metabolism; Metabolites; Moraceae; NF-κB protein; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear safety; Obesity; Organic chemistry; Phosphorylation; Phytochemicals; Protein C; Protein kinase C; Proteins; Review; Toxicity; Transcription factors
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020301

Many populations use medicinal plants as a therapeutic treatment, due to their lower cost and greater access. Among the plant species used for medicinal purposes are those of the genus . The most known species are , , and This review aims to collect data from the literature, predominantly from cell and animal studies, which presents a possible nutraceutical and medicinal potential of the species for use in metabolic dysfunctions. The fruits and leaves of mulberry are used for therapeutic purposes. For scientific confirmation of these effects, they were studied for laxative properties, antibacterial activity, anti-atherogenic activity, and hepatoprotective function. Furthermore, the genus is recognized for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus, through its hypoglycemic action. It may also provide health benefits through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects. It has been found that the species have phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that act as important antioxidants and promote beneficial effects on human health. These phytochemical compounds differ among species. Blackberry ( ) are rich in flavonoids, while the white mulberry ( ) has low concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins. In addition, another important factor is to ensure a complete exemption of toxic risks in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown no toxic effects by the administration of extracts of species. Thus, the mulberry tree presents nutraceutical potential. It is therefore a promising alternative for medicinal products based on medicinal plants.