Mulberry (M. rubra)—Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits

Mulberry, Ramulus Mori or Sangzhi, is a native of China. India is the second largest cultivar of mulberry in terms of acreage. The fruit is relinquished for its delicious taste, pleasing colour, low-calorie content and high nutrient value and has been in use as folk medicine for thousands of years for treating sore throat, anemia, and tonsillitis. Hydroxystilbenes, resveratrol and oxyresveratrol, the major bioactive compounds with potent neuro-protectant and cardioprotective effect, are found in mulberry. In addition, oxyresveratrol is known to inhibit tyrosinase and hamper biosynthesis of melanin, a pigment responsible for hyper pigmentation of skin in patients.