Broussonetia papyrifera
What's the taxonomical classification of Broussonetia papyrifera?
Broussonetia papyrifera belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the evolutionary lineage of the order Rosales. This plant is situated within the family Moraceae and is specifically identified by the genus Broussonetia and the species papyrifera.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Broussonetia |
| Species | papyrifera |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Broussonetiia papyrifera has deciduous, heart-shaped leaves that range from 10 to 30 centimeters in length and exhibit highly irregular, deeply lobed margins. The leaf texture is typically rough on the upper surface while the underside feels soft due to fine hairs. Its woody stems develop a pale, whitish bark that can be peeled away in thin strips. The plant produces small, greenish, globose flower heads that cluster at the ends of branches. These inflorescences eventually develop into fleshy, aggregate fruits that turn dark red or purple when ripe.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically spanning across China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It has since expanded its range through human cultivation and accidental introduction into various subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. In many parts of the Americas, including the southeastern United States, it is considered an invasive species due to its ability to thrive in disturbed areas. It also maintains a presence in parts of Africa and Oceania where the climate remains sufficiently warm. Its widespread distribution is largely attributed to its historical use in papermaking and its efficient seed dispersal mechanisms.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as paper mulberry, is cultivated by planting cuttings or seeds in well-drained, moist soil under full sun or partial shade.
It thrives in temperate to subtropical climates where it can rapidly expand through a vigorous root system. Growers often manage the plant to prevent it from becoming invasive due to its ability to spread through underground rhizomes. The species is primarily farmed for its fast-growing, fibrous bark which is essential for traditional papermaking processes.
Regular pruning is frequently necessary to encourage healthy growth and to manage the overall size of the shrub.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Broussonetiia papyrifera provides medicinal value through its bark, fruit, leaf, root, and seeds. The bark is frequently utilized to treat skin inflammations and various topical ailments. Leaves are often prepared as decoctions to help reduce fever or manage digestive issues. The fruit can be consumed for its nutritional benefits and traditional therapeutic properties. Additionally, the root and seeds are employed in specific herbal remedies to address different internal imbalances.
According to a study published by "Applications in plant sciences", Broussonetiia papyrifera is used as a medicinal plant. This species is native to Asia and serves as a source of fiber for making paper. It was dispersed into the Pacific region to serve as a fiber source for making nonwoven textiles known as barkcloth. A set of 36 microsatellites was isolated and initially assayed on 10 accessions to assess polymorphism. Researchers found that 20 markers were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per marker ranging from four to 35 in 70 accessions genotype from three Asian populations. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.04 to 0.85 and from 0.19 to 0.94, respectively.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
- leaf
- root
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Broussonetia papyrifera, is historically valued in East Asian cultures for its versatile fiber which is used to produce high-quality paper known as mulberry paper. In traditional Chinese and Japanese practices, the inner bark is harvested and processed through a series of soaking and boiling steps to create durable writing surfaces. Beyond papermaking, different parts of the plant have been utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as skin inflammation and digestive issues. The leaves are also frequently consumed as a nutritious vegetable in various regional culinary traditions. This multi-purpose utility has ensured the plant's significance in both material culture and traditional wellness throughout history.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Based on the list provided, there are no traditional systems mentioned that relate to the topic.
What are the pharmacological activities of Broussonetia papyrifera?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-proliferative, and anticancer effects. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also shows the ability to mitigate pain and suppress inflammatory responses in various experimental models. Furthermore, its anti-proliferative properties contribute to its potential as a therapeutic agent against malignant cell growth. These diverse medicinal qualities make Broussonetia papyrifera a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
According to a study published by "Natural product communications", Broussonetia papyrifera has been used in medicinal research for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma, the ethanolic extracts of Broussonetia papyrifera significantly decreased CD3, CD4, serum IgE, and IL-4 levels. The treatment also significantly decreased activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, as well as eosinophil levels in the BALF to near normal levels. Histo-pathological analysis showed that the level of inflammation and mucous secretions reduced in the treated groups. Furthermore, serum enzymatic analysis showed the non-toxic nature of the Broussonetia papyrifera extracts. These results indicate that Broussonetia papyrifera extracts may be very effective against asthma and inflammation related diseases.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- analgesic
- anti-proliferative
- anticancer effect
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several distinct medicinal compounds including Papyriflavonol A, bropapyriferol (1), broussaurone A, broussochalcone A, and broussoflavan A. These phytochemicals are primarily isolated from the roots and leaves of Broussonetiia papyrifera for their biological potential. Researchers study these specific molecules to understand their various pharmacological activities in human health. The chemical structures of these substances contribute to the overall therapeutic profile of the species. Understanding these compounds helps in the development of new natural medicine derivatives.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", a new prenylated flavonol named papyriflavonol A was isolated from the root barks of Broussonetia papyrifera. The structure of this compound was elucidated through spectroscopic analysis. The specific chemical structure of papyriflavonol A is identified as 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6,5'-di-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-flavonol (1).
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Papyriflavonol A
- bropapyriferol (1)
- broussoaurone A
- broussochalcone A
- broussoflavan A
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing Alzheimer's disease, cancer, inflammation related diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and asthma. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to determine how they might inhibit tumor growth and reduce cellular damage. Its potent antioxidant properties are particularly relevant in treating various inflammation related diseases. Furthermore, the plant shows significant promise in protecting the brain against the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It is also investigated for its potential to alleviate respiratory symptoms associated with asthma.
According to a study published by "Food chemistry", ethanol extracts of Broussonetia papyrifera display significant inhibition against cholinesterases, which are enzymes strongly linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The active prenylated flavonols (2-4) inhibited two related human cholinesterases in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitors showed IC50 values ranging between 0.8 and 3.1μM against human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) and between 0.5 and 24.7μM against butylcholinesterase (BChE). In contrast, the parent compound 1, quercetin, was inactive with an IC50 > 500μM towards the target enzymes. The flavonols (2-4) exhibited mixed inhibition kinetics as well as slow and time-dependent reversible inhibition toward hAChE.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diarrhea
- inflammation related diseases
- neurodegenerative diseases
- asthma
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including an 80% alcohol extract, fermented Broussonetiia papyrifera leaves, and a concentrated powder. The alcohol extract is often utilized to isolate specific bioactive compounds for concentrated therapeutic use. Fermentation of the leaves can alter their chemical profile, potentially enhancing certain medicinal properties through microbial action. Additionally, the dried plant material is frequently processed into a fine powder for easier consumption in various formulations. These different preparation methods allow for diverse applications in traditional and modern herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Fish & shellfish immunoaly", Broussonetia papyrifera leaf has long been used as a medicinal herb, though microbial fermentation is necessary because the large molecular size of its active compounds limits absorption. In vivo trials confirmed that fermented Broussonetia papyrifera leaf is non-toxic to shrimp hemocytes and significantly enhances respiratory burst, phenoloxidase, and phagocytic activity at concentrations between 50 and 1000 μg/mL (p < 0.05). A 56-day feeding trial used five dietary treatments including FB0.5 (0.5 g/kg), FB1 (1 g/kg), FB5 (5 g/kg), and FB10 (10 g/kg). The FB5 group, which received 5 g of fermented Broussonetia papyrifera leaf per kilogram of feed, exhibited improved growth performance, enhanced intestinal structure, and reduced mortality after infection. Additionally, a 28-day immune trial showed that supplementation significantly modulated immune responses and upregulated gene expressions, particularly on Days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05).
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80% alcohol extract
- fermented Broussonetia papyrifera leaves
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea if consumed in improper quantities or improperly prepared forms. While various parts of the species are used in traditional medicine, incorrect dosages may lead to unpredictable digestive reactions. Some individuals may experience stomach cramping or nausea alongside these bowel changes. It is essential to exercise caution because the chemical composition can vary significantly between different plant parts. Consult a medical professional before using this species for any therapeutic purpose.
According to a study published by "BioMed research international", Broussonetiia papyrifera leaf extract contains alkaloids and flavonoids that influence the health of 30 healthy, 28-day-old piglets over 42 days. When supplemented at 300 g/t, the diarrhea rate was 62.9% lower than in the control group. This specific dosage also resulted in higher blood urine nitrogen concentration and higher glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels. Furthermore, group II showed higher immune globulins, including IgG, IgA, and IgM. These effects demonstrate that Broussonetiia papyrifera can increase antioxidant capacity and enhance immune functions in weaned piglets.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- diarrhea
What herbs are paired with Broussonetia papyrifera?
This plant pairs most effectively with medicinal herbs such as licorice root, ginger, and dandelion to enhance its therapeutic properties.
In traditional herbal preparations, licorice is frequently added to balance the plant's natural qualities and improve its overall efficacy. Ginger is often included to provide warming effects and aid in the digestion of the botanical mixture. Dandelion is sometimes utilized alongside these components to support detoxification and liver health.
These specific combinations are designed to create a synergistic effect during the brewing or extraction process.