Title: Phytochemical Characteristics of Morus alba L. from Vietnam and Their Potential Relevance to Oxidative Stress-Related Retinal Disorders
Authors: Tinh Do Thi Nghia , Nhat Vu Minh
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-48
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Morus alba L., a member of the Moraceae family and commonly referred to as white mulberry, is extensively employed in traditional Asian medicinal practices. Despite its significant utilization in cultural medicine, the chemical makeup of this plant is subject to considerable geographical variation. The present investigation sought to ascertain the botanical attributes and chemical profile of white mulberry leaves procured from the Phu Yen district of Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam, and to isolate bioactive compounds associated with its therapeutic effects. Diagnostic characteristics of the stems, leaves, and powdered material were established through morphological and anatomical analyses. Furthermore, qualitative chemical screening was undertaken utilizing established precipitation and colorimetric methods. Methanol extraction of the leaf material was succeeded by liquid-liquid partitioning, yielding n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions. Compound isolation was accomplished via a combination of normal and reverse phase column chromatography; structural elucidation was undertaken using ESI-MS and one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H, 13C, DEPT). Phytochemical analysis indicated a predominance of flavonoids and tannins, alongside saponins and carotenoids, whereas alkaloids were not observed. Astragalin and kaempferitrin, two flavonoid glycosides, were successfully isolated from the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts. The identification of these compounds substantiates their potential therapeutic application in retinal diseases, thereby providing scientific support for their validation and utilization in pharmacological research.