Anti-Atherogenic Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Mulberry (Morus Alba L.) Extracts

Anti-Atherogenic Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Mulberry (Morus Alba L.) Extracts

Mulberry (＂Morus alba L.＂) is a traditional Chinese medicine in Taiwan. Over the past decade, many scientific and medical studies have examined the bioactive substances of mulberry fruit, including polyphenol and anthocyanins compounds, and their applications in the prevention and treatment of human cancer, liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review focuses on the recent advances related to the anti-atherogenic effect and molecular mechanisms of mulberry extracts (ME). ME inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits through inhibiting LDL oxidation and foam cell formation. By triggering the NO production and p53 phosphorylation, mulberry polyphenol extracts (MPEs) induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis and inhibits the cell cycle entry. Further, MPE also inhibits VSMC migration via regulating Ras/AMPK/iNOS signaling. These researches suggest ME may affect the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.