• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2006

This study investigated the effects of mulberry leaf extract on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing $100{\pm}10g$ were randomly assigned either to one of two normal diet groups, with (NE group) or without (N group) mulberry extract, or one of four high cholesterol groups containing 1% cholesterol and various levels of dietary mulberry leaf extract. The rats fed high cholesterol diets were subdivided into 4 groups according to level of mulberry extract; Mulberry extract free group (HC group), 0.8% mulberry leaf extract group (HCL group), 1.6% mulberry leaf extract (HCM group) and 3.2% mulberry leaf extract (HCH group). The rats were fed their respective diets ad libitum for 4 weeks. The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol of the HC group were higher than mulberry leaf extract supplemented groups. In contrast, the levels of serum HDL-cholesterol in groups supplemented with mulberry leaf extract were significantly lower than that of HC group. Hepatic total lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the high cholesterol groups compared to those of the normal group, but were lower in the HCL, HCM and HCH groups than in the HC group. HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly decreased in the HC and HCL groups compared to the normal and NE groups. However, the activities in the HCM and HCH group were similar to that of the normal group. The activity of acyl-CoA-cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) was increased in high cholesterol groups compared to the normal group. However, the activity was lower for all of the high cholesterol groups fed mulberry leaf extracts, and was lowest for the highest supplemented group (HCH), with no significantly difference from the normal group. In conclusion, the reduction in serum and hepatic lipid composition by mulberry leaf extract may be due to its modulation of HMG-CoA reductase and ACAT activities.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.139-143
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• 2003

Mathematical constants for multiplication with leaf length (I) or breadth (b) or l ${\times}$ b have been worked out for determining leaf area in promising mulberry genotypes viz., Chinese White, S-146, Chak Majra and Sujanpur Local of sub-tropical India. When pooled, the mathematical constants worked out were 8.1132, 10.1019 and 0.5992 for multiplication with leaf length, breadth and l ${\times}$ b, respectively, for genotypes bearing un-lobbed leaves and 6.9447, 8.2761 and 0.5009 for multiplication with leaf length, breadth and l ${\times}$ b, respectively for genotypes bearing lobbed leaves. Leaf area can be worked out by using any constant by multiplying either with leaf length or breadth or both (l ${\times}$ b). Estimated leaf areas worked out were found significantly and positively correlated with actual leaf area (r＝999$^{＊＊}$). The suggested present non-destructive method by using mathematical constants is very quick and alternative to electronic leaf area meter for spot leaf area determination in mulberry which is the only food source for mulberry silkworm in sericulture industry.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2004

Due to recent scientific innovations in mulberry cultivation, leaf yield has been increased manifold. However, with successive leaf harvest, a quantum drop in leaf yield and quality has been noted. This inturn has affected the silkworm rearing and farmers suffered by the frequent crop failures. This is mainly due to nutrient deficiencies in mulberry leaf. Moreover, no complete information is available about hunger signs of nutritional disorders, analytical diagnosis and critical levels of nutrients required. The present paper, thus, may serve as an important nutrient guide for identification of hunger signs, leaf nutrients status under deficiency and critical levels of the elements namely N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn requirements for higher leaf yield and quality. The leaf nutrient status provided may help chemist for correcting the soil status. Besides, an integration of mulberry intercropping with legumes and applications of neem and castor oil cakes, VA-mycorrhizal inoculation, biofertilizer and vermicompost are suggested as integrated nutrient management for sustainable sericulture industry. Based on the information described in this paper, a model needs to be framed for maintaining continuous supply of nutrients to obtain desired quantity and quality of mulberry leaf for successful silkworm cocoon crop and increasing overall silk productivity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.380-385
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• 2005

This study was designed to investigate the effects of mulberry leaf powder supplementation on lead (Pb) status and mineral (Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn) content in Pb-administered rats for 4 weeks. Thirty two male rats were divided into 4 groups: a control, Pb, Pb5M (500 ppm $Pb + 5\%$ mulberry leaf powder), and Pb10M (500 ppm $Pb + 10\%$ mulberry leaf powder). There were no significant differences in food intake and initial body weight among groups. Mulberry leaf powder treatments showed significant decreases in food efficiency ratio and body weight gain. But FER of $Pb5M\%$ and Pb10M were significantly increases than that of Pb group. The levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatinine were decreased by mulberry leaf powder treatment. Minerals content of liver and kidney were significantly decreased in the Pb groups than that of control group. Whereas, fecal minerals content were significantly increased in the Pb5M and Pb10M than those of control group. Pb content of serum, liver and kidney was significantly increased in the Pb group than those of control group. However, by mulberry leaf powder administration (Pb5M and Pb10M), Pb level of serum, liver and kidney were lowered than that of Pb group. And fecal Pb excretion was significantly increased in the Pb5M and Pb10M than that of Pb group. These results showed mulberry leaves were effective for lowing Pb accumulation in serum, organs, which may have potential to prevent Pb toxicity.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.252-255
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• 2001

This study was performed to investigate the influence of dietary mulberry leaf on the intestinal microflora in rats. Rats were fed each experimental diets containing 1%, 10% of mulberry leaf powder for 4 weeks. Total viable counts and the numbers of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, E. coli and Staphylococcus were determined by nonselective media and various selective media. A decrease in the intestinal population of Clostridium was shown in dietary mulberry leaf group. The E. coli and Staphylococcus populations decreased in dietary mulberry leaf group compared with control group. Methanol extract and fractions of mulberry leaf were subjected to an in vitro screening test for their growth-inhibitory activity. Methanol extract and Water fraction of Mulberry leaves showed weak growth-inhibition of Clostridium perfringens. These results indicate that the composition of gastrointestinal microflora was improved by treatment of mulberry leaves in SD rats and was very effective for growth inhibition of the intestinal harmful bacteria in intestine. Therefore, the mulberry leaves as a newly bio-material can be a useful material for physiologically functional food.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2003

Quantification of functional components, such as ［l -deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and flavonoids］ of four different cultivars (YK-209, Cheongil, Yongchon and Kaeryang) and parts (upper, middle and lower) of mulberry leaves harvested in different areas and periods was performed by HPLC to select the best Quality of mulberry leaf suitable for manufacture of functional foods. Among four mulberry cultivars, YK-209 mulberry leaf had the highest DNJ, GABA and flavonoids levels. YK-209 mulberry leaf harvested in "Yeongcheon" area had greater DNJ, GABA and flavonoid contents than those harvested in "Sangju" area. Four major flavonoids of mulberry leaf were rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol-3-Ο-rutinoside, astragalin, and their levels varied greatly with cultivars. YK-BO9 mulberry leaf had the highest flavonoids content among four cultivars. DNJ, GABA and flavonoid contents of young YK-209 mulberry leaf were relatively higher in the upper part than those in the middle and lower parts. Additionally, levels of DNJ, GABA and flavonoids were higher in mulberry leaves harvested in the eariler growing season (May) than in the late growing seasons (June and August) . Particularly, among four flavonoids, rutin content had the highest in the mulberry leaf harvested in May, while isoquercitrin content did the highest in the mulberry leaf harvested in June and August. These results suggest that YK-209 mulberry leaf having high amount of functional components, such as DNJ, GABA and flavonoids, may be useful as potential source of beverages and tablets.verages and tablets.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.69-73
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• 2003

Specific leaf weight (SLW), defined as the mass of tissue per unit leaf area has been found to be an important physiological parameter as it indicates the relative thickness of leaves. Greater SLW provides more photosynthetic potential per unit area of leaf and hence it is frequently been considered as correlated with photosynthesis in several plant species. Collections of 165 mulberry (Morus sp.) germplasm accessions, both Indian and exotic in origin were evaluated for their variability with respect to SLW. The mean specific leaf weight ranged from 35.3 to $72.3 g/m^{-2}$. The distribution of SLW was found to be normal. High heritability (97.08%) and a small difference between genotypic and phenotypic variance demonstrates the genetic control over SLW. Significant heterotic effect with respect to SLW was observed in crosses when parents with high and low SLW were chosen.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.411-419
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• 2016

In this study, we determined the effect of the mulberry leaf powder on blood lipid metabolism and liver function improvement of mice fed a high fat diet. The mulberry leaf showed a moisture content of $10.74{\pm}0.56%$, ash $9.67{\pm}0.56%$, crude protein $25.24{\pm}1.02%$, and crude fat $2.66{\pm}0.08%$. In the group with high fat diet supplemented with mulberry leaf powder, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower (p<0.05); also, serum phospholipid and aspartate amino transferase (AST) levels were significantly lower (p<0.05). Serum insulin and leptin levels were high in mice fed a high fat diet; however, addition of mulberry leaf powder 10% in the diet had no significant effect on blood insulin and leptin control. The results of the study suggested that various plant sterols in mulberry leaf improve lipid metabolism and liver function in ICR-mice.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2007

Twenty - four elite mulberry germplasm each of indigenous and exotics were studied for their leaf yield and compared with commercial check ($V_1$ and Kosen). Accession MI-0416 and ME-0169 out yielded the check accession in leaf yield/plant. The other few mulberry germplasm were also performed at par with the checks. For quality test and bioassay were conducted with the leaves of selected mulberry germplasm. Among the selected twelve mulberry accessions used for bioassay, MI-0376 and ME-033 performed better than check ($V_1$, Kosen). Other mulberry accessions i.e., MI-0310 and MI-0437 are on par with the check as far as the bioassay is concerned. MI-0376 and ME-0033 out yielded in rearing parameters and qualified for 11 and 10 rearing and related traits. Other mulberry accessions i.e., MI-0310 and MI-0437 were also qualified for eight rearing traits along with check ($V_1$). The mulberry accessions tested after selection from the preliminary characterization seems to be better and equally good in rearing and leaf yield compared to check ($V_1$, Kosen), which provides scope for selection and further evaluation. The selected mulberry accession may be included in crop improvement programme.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.272-278
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• 2009

This study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of fermented milks containing mulberry leaf extract. The mulberry leaf extracts were added to fermented milk at $0{\sim}2.0%$. The pH, acidity, numbers of viable cells, chemical composition and color values of fermented milk preparation were analyzed, and these samples were subjected to a taste test panel. As the ratio of mulberry leaf extract increased, the pH value of the fermented milk decreased proportionally and acidities increased significantly. The numbers of viable cells was highest in the fermented milk sample containing 0.5% mulberry leaf extract. In the chemical composition analyses, increases in the concentration of mulberry leaf extract led to a significant increase in crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash contents and a significant decrease in lactose content. Ca, Mg and K in the fermented milk were also significantly increased with the addition of mulberry leaf extract. As mulberry leaf extract amount increased, the lightness and redness values decreased, while the yellowness value increased. From the sensory evaluation of the fermented milk containing mulberry leaf extract, color, taste, texture and overall acceptability of the fermented milk sample containing 1% mulberry leaf extract was found to be much better than those of the other groups.