Mulberry

Abstract

Mulberry plant belongs to the family Moracea from the genus Morus and can be cultivated in mountains, plains, and valleys, even in humid and rain-fed areas. Many various varieties of this plant are present around the world, but three prime varieties include, that is, native red mulberry (Morus rubra), East Asian white mulberry (Morus alba), and southwestern Asian black mulberry (Morus nigra). The presence of certain biologically active compounds in its fruit provides several pharmacological benefits to health. Polyphenols, flavonols, anthocyanin, flavonoids, anthocyanins, benzoic acid, and hydroxycinnamic acid are the major bioactive active compounds responsible for pharmacological benefits, that is, anticholesterol, antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antiobesity effects fruit of this plant can be consumed as whole fruit, as juice, and as spread but its preservation is difficult due to its high water content. Therefore, this chapter will aim to focus on different types of mulberry plants and the pharmacologic benefits of different mulberry fruits.