Abstract

Morus of the family Moraceae is a small plant genus having 19 species worldwide. Among the Morus species, M. alba (MA), M. indica, M. nigra, and M. rubra are economically important. Of these species, the medicinal values of the whole plant, leaf, fruit, twig, and root of MA are the most well-known. Most noteworthy are the anti-diabetic properties of MA. In this review, 23 clinical studies on anti-diabetic properties (5 in Japan) and 9 clinical studies on other pharmacological properties (4 in Thailand) of Morus species are described. The latter includes hypolipidemic, cognitive enhancement, coronary heart disease attenuation, anti-obesity, and climacteric improvement. Further studies on the molecular mechanisms of mulberry compounds, and their safety, distribution, absorption, metabolism, and excretion are needed.

Key words: Morus alba, M. indica, M. nigra, mulberry, anti-diabetic, 1‐deoxynojirimycin