Mulberry (Morus spp.): A versatile tree with inherent bioactive compounds of promising pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus sp.) is one of the economically important trees grown in Asian countries. It is cultivated to provide leaves for feeding the caterpillars of the silk producing insect (Bombyx mori L.). It also adds value by producing edible fruits, wood, and a number of pharmaceutically essential chemicals. Morus has a diverse range of phytochemicals in its leaves, fruit, roots, and wood, which give it a diverse range of biological functions (Antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, crypto protective and neuroprotective activities etc.). Mulberry plants have attracted the interest of the pharmaceutical industry due to their lucrative health benefits. The primary objective of this review is to reveal the pharmacological mechanism and active principles found in mulberry plants, thus exposes the mulberry plant's wide range of life-saving pharmacological properties.