WHITE MULBERRY

The white mulberry tree (Morus alba) is native to China and has been found to have many health
benefits. In addition to preventing heart disease, cholesterol and diabetes, it can also help to
whiten the skin. White mulberry extract is a natural inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosinase. This
enzyme triggers the production of melanin (brown pigment) in the skin.

According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, clinical trials have established that white
mulberry and paper mulberry are both effective skin-whitening agents and are suitable for
dermatological use. The study found that a 0.4% concentration of mulberry extract reduced
tyrosinase activity by 50%.

DESCRIPTION: Mulberry root extract comes from the white Mulberry tree that is native to
China, but cultivated in Europe, Japan, Australia and North America. The extract has been used
for centuries in Chinese Medicine. Newer discoveries make it very useful in skin care. Contains
20% extract dissolved in water and glycerin, preserved with phenoxyethanol. Colorless to light
yellow liquid, characteristic odor. pH ~5, water-soluble. Morus alba, known as white mulberry,
is a short-lived, fast-growing, small to medium-sized mulberry tree, which grows to 1020 m
tall. The species is native to northern China, and is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere
(United States, Mexico, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Argentina, etc.). It is known as shahatut in Hindi
and Urdu ,Tuta in Sanskrit, Tuti in Marathi, Dut in Turkish and Toot in Persian in
Azerbaijani and in Armenian.

INCI Name: Glycerin, water, Morus alba root (Mulberry) extract

Properties: Has been found to lighten age spots and uneven skin tone. Has been found to be very
nutritious for the hair and hair roots. Has antioxidant and cleansing properties. Can be combined
with other skin lighteners such as skinwhite BLE, licorice extract, kojic acid, skinwhite msh, and
alpha-arbutin.

Use: Add to formulas to the water phase. Typical use level: 3 - 5%. For external use only.

Chemistry
Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibers, minerals, and vitamins have been isolated from white
mulberryOn a dry-weight basis, white mulberry leaves contain 15% to 30% protein, 2% to 8%
fat, 10% to 14% crude fiber, 28% to 44% dietary fiber, and 11% to 17% ash content. The
proteins in mulberry leaves are used with wheat flour to make bread in India. The leaves also
contain ascorbic acid, beta-carotenes, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. Sialic
acid-binding lectins, MLL 1 and MLL 2, were purified from the leaves of white mulberry and
may be involved in defense against pathogens. The leaves also contain several antioxidative
flavonoids including quercetin. Many antioxidant phenolic compounds and moracins have been
identified, with highest concentrations reported in the leaves and roots. Chalcone derivatives
isolated from the leaves have moderate cytotoxic activity.

Linoleic (57%), followed by palmitic acid (22%), are the dominate fatty acids in white mulberry
fruits. The fruit also contains 1.1% total fat. The moisture content of the fruit is 72%, pH 5.6,
total soluble solids 20%, and 22.4 mg per 100 mL of ascorbic acid. A total of 10 mineral
elements were identified in white mulberry fruits, with potassium having the highest
concentration. Several alkaloids and amino acids have been isolated. The fruit is also rich in
anthocyanins, which may be used for commercial production as a natural red food colorant.

Stilbenes, flavonoids, benzofuran derivatives, and coumarins have been isolated from the bark.
Mulberroside A, a stilbene derivative, has antitussive and antiasthmatic activity. Kuwanon C and
G have antibacterial activity, while kuwanons G and H have hypotensive activity. Flavonoids
from the root bark have antiviral activity and a flavanone glycoside exhibited anticancer activity.

USES AND PHARMACOLOGY

The medical literature includes references for white mulberry use in atherosclerosis, cancer,
diabetes, infection, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Skintone
In vitro data
Because tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis, tyrosinase inhibitors may
improve the appearance of skin by preventing the overproduction of melanin. Betulinic acid from
white mulberry extracts was shown to have anti-inflammatory and antityrosinase activity. A
white mulberry leaf methanol extract containing mulberroside F inhibited tyrosinase activity and
exhibited superoxide scavenging activity. Vitamin A, C, E and K residing in this natural
ingredient can cleanse dead cells, fade dark spots, retain moisture and enhance collagen
production. Its a natural inhibitor of tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers production of melanin.
According to Journal of Drugs in Dermatology both white mulberry and paper mulberry can
effectively contribute for skin whitening. Vitamins in this ingredient improve elasticity of the
skin and make it firm. Antioxidant activity restrains free radicals and prevents premature aging
wrinkles. Steeping mulberry leaves in coconut oil or olive oil can hydrate your skin. Taking bath
with mulberry leaves will make your skin soft and radiant

CLINICAL DATA

In a randomized clinical trial, an over-the-counter cosmetic product containing white mulberry

improved the appearance of facial wrinkles by helping to restore fibrillin-1.

GOUT

Morin from white mulberry, at a concentration of 80 mg/kg, exhibited a hypouricemic action and
inhibited xanthine oxidase in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats. The nhibitory activity on
urate uptake in rat renal brush border membrane vesicles was more potent than that of the
prescription agent probenecid. Morin exhibited similar activity on urate transport in the human
kidney.

ORIGIN

Originated in Islamabad, Pakistan. Extremely large ruby-red fruit 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches long and
3/8 inch in diameter. Flesh firmer than most other named cultivars. Sweet with a fine balance of
flavors. Quality excellent. Tree spreading with large heart-shaped leaves. Recommended for the
deep South and mild winter areas such as southern California, but usually performs satisfactorily
in cooler areas.