EFFECTIVENESS OF MULBERRY (Morus alba) LEAVES EXTRACT IN HEALING MILD WOUNDS

DUSTIN NATHANIEL ESTILLER LABSAN

STEM GOLD

A Research title proposal

Bobon School For Philippine Craftsmen

Senior High school, Brgy. Magsaysay Bobon Northern Samar

2023
Background of the Study

In everyday life, people cannot prevent getting mild wounds, as they often result from common
activities such as cooking, gardening, or even minor accidents. While many mild wounds tend to
heal naturally over time, exploring the potential benefits of natural remedies like Mulberry
(Morus alba) leaf extract can provide individuals with readily available and cost-effective
options to aid in the healing process. Understanding the efficacy of Mulberry leaf extract in
wound healing could not only improve the management of minor injuries but also promote the
integration of traditional herbal knowledge into modern healthcare practices, offering a holistic
approach to maintaining skin health and well-being.

Wound healing is a complex biological process required to restore tissue integrity and function.
Various natural remedies have been explored for their potential wound-healing properties,
including the mulberry tree (Morus alba). Mulberry trees are known for their leaves, which
have traditionally been used in different cultures for their medicinal benefits.

Mulberry leaves contain compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids that have
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties have sparked interest in
studying whether mulberry leaf extract can promote wound healing, especially in the case of
mild wounds. Minor wounds, including cuts, scrapes, and minor burns, are common injuries
that can benefit from effective healing agents. Although there are a number of pharmaceutical
and natural treatments for wound care, the potential benefits of mulberry leaf extract in this
context remain largely unexplored in the scientific literature. .

This study aimed to fill this research gap by evaluating the effectiveness of mulberry (Morus
alba) leaf extract in promoting mild wound healing. The investigation will include in vitro and in
vivo experiments to evaluate the effects of the extract on key stages of the wound healing
process, such as inflammation, tissue regeneration and collagen formation.

Understanding the medicinal properties of mulberry leaf extract may have important
implications for traditional and modern medicine. If proven effective, it could provide a natural
and accessible treatment for those looking for alternative wound care options.

Accorfing to Kadam, R., Dhumal, N., Khyade, V.(2019) Nutrient contents in the leaves of
mulberry, Morus alba (L) made it to occupy the pace making place in the sericultural practices.
The mulberry, Morus alba (L.) is native to eastern and central China. It became naturalized in
Europe centuries ago. The tree was introduced into America for silkworm culture in early
colonial times and naturalized and hybridized with the native red mulberry. The red or
American mulberry is native to eastern United States from Massachusetts to Kansas and down
to the Gulf coast. The black mulberry is native to western Asia and has been grown for its fruits
in Europe since before Roman times. It is a flowering, fast growing, woody and perennial plant.
Taxonomically, it belongs to the family: Moraceae. Mulberry, Morus alba (L.) gained attention
since time immemorial. This is due to its pharmacological and economic value. Use of mulberry
leaves in sericulture has been reported in the ancient Chinese literature and therefore well
recognized. Therapeutic Significance of Mulberry, Morus alba (L.) have been depicted in the
ancient literature through Ayurveda. Some of the ayurvedic therapeutic preparations use fruits,
leaves, roots, bark or latex of mulberry, Morus alba (L.) to administer against various human
diseases.

In conclusion, this study aims to provide valuable information on the potential benefits of
mulberry (Morus alba) leaf extract in the healing of benign wounds and contribute to increased
knowledge on Natural remedies for wound care.
Objective of the study

1. To determine the effects of mulberry leaves as natural remedies for mild wounds.

A. Weight

B.

2. To identify the therapeutic properties of mulberry leaf tea.

3. To determine the insights of mulberry leaf extract to the growing body of knowledge on
natural remedies for wound care.

Significance of the study

Community. This study aims to help the community by advancing our understanding of the
effectiveness of Mulberry (Morus Alba) leaf extract in healing mild wounds. By shedding light
on the potential benefits of this natural remedy, we hope to empower individuals within the
community with a readily available and cost-effective option for managing common injuries.
This knowledge not only promotes self-care but also encourages the integration of traditional
herbal wisdom into everyday healthcare practices. Ultimately, the findings from this research
have the potential to enhance the overall well-being and resilience of the community members,
contributing to a holistic approach to health and healing.

Families. This study aspires to provide valuable assistance to families by introducing easily
accessible remedies for mild wounds through the exploration of Mulberry (Morus Alba) leaf
extract. In the daily lives of families, minor injuries are commonplace, especially with active
children and bustling households. By uncovering the potential healing properties of Mulberry
leaf extract, this research seeks to equip families with a safe, natural, and cost-effective option
to address these everyday mishaps. This not only eases the burden of managing minor wounds
but also promotes a sense of self-reliance in family members, allowing them to take proactive
steps in their health and well-being. In doing so, this study contributes to the overall health and
resilience of families, fostering a sense of empowerment and security within the home.

Medical professionals. This study holds the potential to be a valuable resource for medical
professionals by contributing to the exploration of the effectiveness of Mulberry (Morus alba)
leaf extract in wound healing. As healthcare providers, they are constantly seeking evidence-
based solutions to enhance patient care and treatment options. By delving into the properties
and applications of Mulberry leaf extract, this research offers medical professionals a new
avenue to consider when addressing mild wound cases. The findings may not only expand their
knowledge but also provide an additional tool in their therapeutic arsenal, potentially
benefiting patients who prefer or require natural remedies. Moreover, this study encourages
collaboration between traditional herbal knowledge and modern medical practices, fostering a
more comprehensive approach to healthcare that aligns with the evolving needs and
preferences of patients. In this way, it serves as a bridge between traditional wisdom and
contemporary medicine, enriching the expertise and care that medical professionals can offer
to their patients.

Scope and delimitation

The research will take place at the researcher's residence in Brgy. Magsaysay, Bobon, Northern
Samar. The study will involve the use of two albino mice as experimental subjects.

However, it's important to note that this experiment is not suitable for testing on human
subjects due to the researcher's limited experience with experimental procedures, and
furthermore, the study will not be conducted in a laboratory setting. This is the delimitation of
the study.
 Chapter II

In recent years, the exploration of natural remedies for wound healing has garnered significant
attention within the realm of medical research. Among the botanical candidates, Morus alba,
commonly known as Mulberry, has emerged as a subject of interest due to its traditional uses
and purported healing properties. This review delves into existing literature to comprehensively
examine the effects of Morus alba extract on wound recovery, particularly its role in mitigating
burn injuries in animal models and its potential application in promoting the healing of
cutaneous wounds in diabetes. By synthesizing findings from various studies, we aim to provide
a nuanced understanding of Morus alba's therapeutic potential, shedding light on its efficacy,
mechanisms of action, and potential implications for future wound care strategies.

According to Bhatia, N., et al.(2014) study, the research aimed to assess the effects of Morus
alba (MA) aqueous extract-based cream on the healing of burn wounds in rats. Fifty adult male
Wistar-albino rats were divided into five groups for experimentation.

The first group served as a sham control, undergoing back shaving without burn injury. The
second group, the burn injury control, did not receive any treatment. Burn wounds were
generated on the backs of rats in the third, fourth, and fifth groups. The third group's wounds
were covered with a cream base, the fourth group with standard silver sulfadiazine (SSD)
cream, and the fifth group with MA cream (20% MA aqueous extract-based cream). The study
observed the percentage of wound contraction over 11 days, followed by an assessment of
wound epithelialization until the 21st day post-injury. On the 21st day, the rats were sacrificed,
and skin tissue samples from the burn wounds were collected for histopathological
examinations.

The morphological and histo-pathological evaluations revealed enhanced burn healing in the
MA and SSD groups compared to the burn injury control group. Notably, the MA cream-treated
group exhibited a significantly better rate of burn wound healing compared to the SSD group. In
conclusion, the application of MA cream (20% MA aqueous extract-based cream) demonstrated
high effectiveness in promoting the healing of burn-related skin wounds in the rat model.
This study not only highlights the potential of Morus alba extract for burn wound healing but
also suggests its superiority over the commonly used silver sulfadiazine cream. The findings
contribute valuable insights into potential natural remedies for improving burn wound
recovery.

According to a study conducted by East, H. E., et al. (2017). Mulberry leaves, historically used in
Asia for various health purposes, including addressing glucose abnormalities, have been subject
to both animal and human studies to explore their potential benefits in managing type 2
diabetes mellitus (DM2). The primary objective of the study was to assess the glycemic effects
and safety of Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) in individuals diagnosed with DM2. Out of the initial
24 enrolled patients, 17 successfully completed the study. Notably, the study observed a
significant decrease in post-prandial self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels by 16.1% at
the three-month mark within the MLE group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). This
improvement in post-prandial SMBG remained significant when compared to the placebo
group, showing an 18.2% reduction (p < 0.05).

Although the reduction in A1C from 7.30% at baseline to 6.94% in the MLE group did not reach
statistical significance (p = 0.079), it indicated a positive trend in glycemic control. Importantly,
there was no significant difference in A1C levels between the MLE group and the placebo
group. However, a noteworthy finding was a 15% increase in serum creatinine within the MLE
group compared to both baseline and the placebo group (p < 0.05 for both). Other parameters,
including weight, fasting SMBG, blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and additional safety markers,
did not show significant differences.
While the study demonstrated promising improvements in post-prandial SMBG levels, it also
highlighted the importance of closely monitoring certain biomarkers, such as serum creatinine,
in individuals undergoing MLE supplementation for glycemic control. Further research may be
warranted to delve deeper into the observed increase in serum creatinine and to elucidate the
long-term effects of Mulberry leaf extract on glycemic control in individuals with type 2
diabetes.

According to Bai, H., et al. (2021) study, mulberry leaf tea, a popular beverage, is recognized
for its anti-diabetic properties. The traditional preparation of mulberry leaf tea often includes
honey as a common additive. This research utilized ultra-high performance liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to assess changes in the
composition of 11 components in mulberry leaves before and after processing with honey.

The study delved into the absorption and elimination characteristics of mulberry leaves,
comparing pre-processed and processed variations in diabetes in vivo models. Furthermore, it
explored the impact of these variations on resisting hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia
damage in in vitro models.

The findings revealed that honey, as an additive, not only enhanced the dissolution of
mulberry leaves but also increased the utilization of certain components in diabetes models.
In the in vitro model, mulberry leaves processed with honey exhibited a significant reduction
in the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. This suggests that the traditional processing
method involving honey as an additive could enhance the anti-diabetic effects of mulberry
tea.

Notably, this study marks the first research report addressing the quality and role of honey as
an additive in the processing of mulberry leaves. The insights gained from this research
provide a novel perspective on the synergistic effects of honey in enhancing the therapeutic
properties of mulberry leaf tea, particularly in the context of diabetes management. Further
exploration in this area could offer valuable insights into the optimization of traditional
processing methods for maximizing the health benefits of mulberry tea.

In summary, the reviewed studies highlight the therapeutic potential of Morus alba
(Mulberry) in diverse health contexts. Bhatia et al. (2014) demonstrated the efficacy of a
Morus alba extract-based cream in promoting burn wound healing in rat models, showcasing
its superiority over standard silver sulfadiazine cream. The study conducted by East et al.
(2017) explored the glycemic effects of Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) in individuals with type 2
diabetes, revealing promising reductions in post-prandial blood glucose levels. However,
caution is advised due to an observed increase in serum creatinine. Additionally, Bai et al.
(2021) investigated the effects of honey as an additive in mulberry leaf tea processing,
indicating enhanced dissolution and increased utilization of components, particularly
beneficial in diabetes management. These studies collectively contribute valuable insights
into the diverse therapeutic applications of Morus alba and its derivatives, suggesting
avenues for further exploration and potential integration into natural healing approaches.