Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Mulberry or Shahtoot are consumed and enjoyed in India. They are relished for their sweet and tangy taste. Mulberry fruits come in different colours, including black, red, and white. They possess a unique sweet-tart flavour. These berries are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. They are a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, as well as antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and resveratrol. Mulberries have also been recognised for their medicinal properties in traditional systems of medicine like Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and other herbal practices. Mulberry extracts and preparations have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits. The presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides contributes to these therapeutic properties. Furthermore, mulberry is also used in jams, jellies, pies, and beverages. Mulberry leaves have also gained attention as a potential ingredient in herbal teas and dietary supplements due to their purported health benefits.
Health benefits of mulberry
May have a hypolipidemic effect
Studies have shown the effectiveness of mulberry fruit in decreasing serum and liver triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Mulberry fruits’ dietary fibre inhibits hepatic lipogenesis and enhances LDL receptor activity. Studies demonstrated that mulberry fruit extract lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, reducing severe atherosclerosis. Human trials also revealed significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels after consuming mulberry fruits. These findings suggest that mulberry fruits could be a beneficial alternative treatment for hypercholesterolemia and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis due to their hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties.
May have anti-obesity properties
Multiple studies have demonstrated the relationship between obesity and dyslipidemia. In the context of high-fat diet-induced obesity, the administration of a combination of mulberry leaf extract and mulberry fruit extract at low and high doses has shown promising results. The combination treatment led to significant reductions in body weight gain, fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. The higher dose of the combination extract exhibited improved glucose control and decreased levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. This suggests that the combination extract possesses anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation caused by obesity.
May have anti-tumor properties
In a study conducted subjects were fed with anthocyanin-rich mulberry fruit extract for 7 weeks. The results revealed that the growth of atypical glandular cells (AGS) tumour xenografts was effectively inhibited by the mulberry fruit extract. These findings suggest that the anthocyanins present in mulberry fruits have the potential to be utilised for the prevention of gastric carcinoma formation, highlighting their possible role in mitigating the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers.
May protect your liver
The effect of mulberry fruit marc anthocyanins on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride was investigated. The results showed that subjects given mulberry fruit had reduced levels of liver enzymes and markers of liver fibrosis. This suggests that mulberry fruit anthocyanins may protect against liver fibrosis. Another study found that mulberry fruit extracts can regulate fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, potentially helping to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
May protect against brain tumour
Studies have found that cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) extracted from mulberry fruits protected cells against damage caused by hydrogen peroxide and provided neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemic damage. This suggests that mulberry fruits may have properties that protect against oxidative stress and ischemic damage in the brain.
Conclusion
Mulberry is a remarkable fruit with a rich history and a wide range of uses. Whether consumed fresh, dried, or processed into various products, mulberries offer a delightful taste and an array of potential health benefits, making them a fascinating and valuable fruit in the realm of nutrition, traditional medicine, and culinary arts.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
