Morus nigra
Morus nigra · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (16 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Morus nigra is a versatile botanical species valued for its extensive therapeutic potential across its leaves, fruits, roots, and stems. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and cyclocommunol, which drive its medicinal efficacy. Through various preparations such as barks and ethanolic extracts, it demonstrates significant antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities. These properties make it a promising natural resource for managing clinical conditions like Diabetes Mellitus and oral mucositis. Furthermore, its diverse chemical profile provides effective anthelmintic benefits, highlighting its importance in holistic pharmacology.
- Synonyms
- Morus Nigra Var. Laciniata · Morus Nigra Var. Dentata · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Moraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Morus nigra is a versatile fruit-bearing tree known globally by a diverse array of regional names. In Portuguese-speaking regions, it is affectionately referred to as Amoreira negra. English speakers commonly identify the plant as the Black Mulberry, while in Romania, it is known as Dud negru. Moving through Central Europe, the species is called Fekete eperfa in Hungarian. Finally, in Italy, this dark-fruited treasure is recognized by the name Gelso nero.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Morus nigra is a botanical subject characterized by a complex network of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature often identifies this species under alternative names such as Morus cretica and Morus laciniata. Furthermore, its morphological diversity is reflected in several recognized varieties, including Morus nigra var. dentata and Morus nigra var. laciniata. The classification also encompasses the distinct variety known as Morus nigra var. lobata. Understanding these various designations is essential for accurate identification within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Morus nigra is a remarkable species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It specifically falls under the order Rosales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. Moving into more specific groupings, it is a member of the Moraceae family. Finally, this plant is identified by its distinct genus, Morus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Morus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Morus nigra is a distinctive plant species primarily distributed throughout the vast regions of Africa. Its presence is particularly notable across Macaronesia, extending specifically to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Within the African continent, the species maintains a strong foothold across Northern Africa. This distribution encompasses several key countries, including Algeria, Libya, and Morocco. Consequently, these varied locations highlight the plant's significant ecological reach across the Mediterranean and Atlantic landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Morus nigra is a distinguished species characterized by its robust tree growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains a sturdy and stable structure throughout its lifespan. This tree typically reaches a minimum height of 5 meters, though it often grows much taller. While some specimens may start at around 9.33 meters, they are capable of reaching a maximum height of 15 meters. Such impressive dimensions make it a prominent feature in many landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Morus nigra is a versatile plant that possesses a wide spectrum of significant pharmacological properties. Research indicates that this species exhibits strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it valuable for various medicinal applications. Furthermore, its extracts have demonstrated potent antibacterial effects, particularly against pathogens responsible for dental caries. The plant also shows promising anticancer potential, specifically through the induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Finally, studies have highlighted its beneficial antidiabetic activities, underscoring its importance in traditional and modern therapeutic developments.
Compounds
Morus nigra, commonly known as the black mulberry, is a plant rich in diverse bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its wide range of medicinal properties. The fruit and leaves contain significant amounts of anthocyanins and flavonoids, which provide potent antioxidant and anticancer activities. Specific chemical constituents such as isoquercetin have been identified in its extracts, playing a role in managing metabolic functions like carbohydrate tolerance. Furthermore, the plant contains apigenin and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, compounds that contribute to its complex chemical profile. Together, these various relationships between Morus nigra and its phytochemicals support its potential use in treating conditions ranging from liver damage to diabetes.
Conditions
Morus nigra exhibits significant therapeutic potential by providing anti-inflammatory effects and treating various forms of diabetes, including diabetes mellitus. Research indicates that this plant can be used as an effective adjunct treatment for oral mucositis, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, the extract demonstrates a capacity to protect against genotoxicity by reducing % DNA damage in comet tail within liver and kidney tissues. These diverse pharmacological properties highlight the plant's medicinal utility in managing both metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
Preparations
Morus nigra is prepared as barks to isolate various bioactive compounds such as olcancolic acid and apigenin. The plant is also prepared as an ethanolic extract to evaluate its medicinal potential in reducing hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Furthermore, Morus nigra is prepared as an extract-based medium to support the growth and survival of ovine secondary ovarian follicles in vitro. It is also prepared as fruits for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles used in cancer cell studies. Finally, Morus nigra is prepared as infusions to assess its impact on drug metabolism mechanisms like CYP3A4 expression and P-glycoprotein activity.
Parts used
Morus nigra, commonly known as the black mulberry, is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components across its different structures. Research indicates that the leaves and fruit of the plant offer significant hepatoprotective and antihyperglycemic benefits due to their high phenolic content. Furthermore, the fruit serves as a rich source of chemical constituents that may help inhibit the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts. The root bark is also noteworthy, as it contains morusin, a compound that exhibits promising antinociceptive properties. Additionally, the stem can be utilized in node cultures to industrially produce valuable phenolic compounds and support phytoremediation efforts.