Anti-diabetic Benefits from Morus alba Fruits

Abstract

The aim of this review was to highlight the therapeutic potential of Morus alba fruits in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examining studies sourced from databases including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Key search terms such as Morus alba, mulberry, hypoglycemic, antioxidant and antidiabetic guided the literature search. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving the administration of Morus alba fruit extracts on HepG2 cells and the related bioassays; studies that included antidiabetic enzymatic assays; studies that included fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and insulin resistance; and also studies involving comparison of Morus alba and other Morus sp. in terms of their antioxidant contents and properties. Overall, Morus alba fruit extracts exhibit promising effects at the phytochemical level, specifically enhancing glucose uptake. Significant components found in Morus alba fruits, such as anthocyanins, demonstrate hypoglycemic properties and contribute to mitigating diabetic nephropathy. The pharmacological profile of Morus alba is multifaceted, encompassing attributes like improved glucose absorption, enhanced insulin secretion, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as activities against hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. In conclusion, Morus alba fruits exhibit various pharmacological effects in managing T2DM, encompassing improvements in glucose absorption, insulin secretion, antioxidative properties, and activities against high blood sugar and high lipid levels, as well as potential benefits in obesity control. Despite these positive outcomes, the current existed research falls short in exploring the full potential and synergistic effects of Morus alba fruit components. This gap limits the exploration of more potent therapeutic strategies utilizing the comprehensive properties of the plant's fruits.