Medicinal Values of Mulberry –An Overview

Mulberry is a fast growing woody perennial plant belonging to the family Moraceae. These plants gained attention since time immemorial due to its pharmacological and economic value. Use of mulberry leaves in sericulture has been reported in the ancient Chinese literature. Medicinal properties of this plant have been depicted in the ancient literature of Ayurveda. Some of the ayurvedic preparations use fruits, leaves, roots, bark or latex to administer against various diseases. Extensive research done during the past few decades thrown light on the active principles present in mulberry. This review illustrates the major pharmacological properties of this plant along with major applications of phytochemicals purified from it.