Morus alba L.

• Scientific Name: Morus alba L.
• Family: Moraceae
• Common Name:  Mulberry, Morus, Mulberry Tree
• Malayalam Name: മലബാർ ചെറി (Malabar Cheri), ചീരി (Cheeri)
• Tamil Name: kambli chedi,musukette,mussuketi முல்பேரி (Mulberry)
Synonyms:
• Morus alba has been referred to by the following synonyms:
o Morus indica L.
o Morus morus L.
o Morus latifolia L.
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Description:
Morus alba, commonly known as the white mulberry, is a deciduous tree native to China but now widely cultivated in various parts of the world, especially in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is a medium-sized tree that typically grows between 10 to 15 meters tall. The tree has large, lobed or unlobed leaves that are bright green and rough-textured. The fruit of the mulberry tree is an aggregate of small, edible fruits that are white, pink, or purple when ripe, and it resembles a small blackberry. White mulberry trees are primarily grown for their leaves, which are the food source for silkworms, and for their fruit, which has various culinary and medicinal uses.
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Medicinal Uses:
1. Antioxidant Properties:
o The leaves and fruits of Morus alba are rich in antioxidants, which help in neutralizing free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation:
o Morus alba has been traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels. The leaves are known to contain compounds that may help regulate glucose metabolism, making it useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
3. Cardiovascular Health:
o The fruit and leaves are believed to promote heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood circulation, and supporting overall cardiovascular function.
4. Antibacterial and Antifungal:
o The leaves of Morus alba have shown antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them useful in treating infections and promoting skin health.
5. Liver Health:
o Mulberry leaves are traditionally used to support liver function and detoxification. They are sometimes consumed in the form of tea or decoction to cleanse the liver.
6. Anti-inflammatory:
o Mulberry has anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in treating conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other inflammatory conditions.
7. Weight Loss and Metabolism:
o Some studies suggest that Morus alba may help with weight management by increasing fat metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
8. Respiratory Health:
o The leaves of the plant are sometimes used in traditional medicine to relieve coughs, asthma, and respiratory infections.
9. Skin Care:
o Mulberry is often used in cosmetics for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation, and the leaves may also be applied to wounds for their healing properties.