In vitro and in vivo analyses of Morus alba Polish var. wielkolistna zolwinska leaf ethanol–water extract—antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities in hyperlipideamic rats

We previously reported that mulberry leaf extracts possess in vitro antioxidant activity and show antihypergliceamic activity in diabetic rats. The aim of this study was to: quantify bioactive components of Morus alba (Polish variety: wielkolistna zolwinska) ethanol-water extract and to examine the effect of different doses of extract on plasma lipids and plasma antioxidant capacity in rats fed high-fat diet for six weeks. The composition of phenolic compounds and DNJ content by chromatography analyses in the ethanol-water extract from Morus alba L. leaves as well as the results of ABTS and DPPH assays were determined. The effect of the extract addition to the diet of hyperlipidaemic Wistar rats was also measured. In the in vivo study, conducted in rats fed high-fat (˜45% energy from fat) diet for six weeks, we found that Morus alba leaf extract supplement ingested with food (6 g kg −1) decreased total cholesterol (24.1%) and LDL-c fraction (21.0%). Morus alba ethanol-water extract showed a significant effect on lowering plasma total and LDL cholesterol and antioxidant activity measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma. The extract is a good source of natural antioxidants and could be potentially used as a dietary supplement in future human studies. Practical applications: Morus alba L. (Polish variety: wielkolistna zolwinska) leaf ethanol-water extract with high antioxidant activity and rich in chlorogenic acids and flavonols in in vitro analyses and shows an effect on lowering plasma total and LDL cholesterol and antioxidant activity in hyperlipideamic rats could be a dietary supplement in food for hypercholesterolemic individuals.