Natural alkaloid DNJ in mulberry and its application: An overview

Abstract

The mulberry is mainly cultivated for its foliage which is the sole food for the silkworm Bombyx mori L. The polyhydroxylated piperidine alkaloid 1-DNJ is attracting attention due to its important biological function and it is the main active component in mulberry plant. However, the natural alkaloid DNJ content in mulberry attains importance because of its utility in various fields. Naturally it exists as a secondary metabolite product in plants, insects and in some microbial strains. But, the content of DNJ in plants and insects is relatively low. The present review summarizes the various sources of DNJ with special emphasis on mulberry, extraction, purification methods of DNJ and attempt is made to compile the available information regarding biosynthesis, candidate genes involved and factors influencing in its biosynthesis. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) has its wide application as an anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-obesity substance.