Abstract

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF MORUS (MULBERRY) SPECIES

Abdullatif Azab*

Abstract

In our four previous review articles about the Morus (mulberry) plant genus, we presented the antidiabetic, brain-related, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties-activities of its trees. In this article, antioxidant and related activities of this genus will be reviewed. Literature data possess hundreds of research articles about this crucial activity since biological oxidation is one of the fundamental processes in living organisms. This includes many undesirable oxidations that are opposed by antioxidants. All parts of Morus genus trees and shrubs contain natural products with wide range of antioxidant activities. Most of these compounds are polyphenols. The article presents the antioxidant activities alphabetically ordered by species. As usual, Morus alba, Morus nigra and in a less frequency, Morus indica, are the most studied and published. Interesting natural products structures will be presented. Previously published review articles that present antioxidant activity will be listed. Also, nanoparticles (NPs) that were prepared using Morus materials and have antioxidant activity, will also be listed.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, Antioxidant, Morus, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus indica, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins, In vitro oxidation, In vivo oxidation.