Scientific evidences exist that extracts from different parts of Morus nigra (mulberry tree), mainly fruits, leaves and root bark, exhibit various beneficial effects such as antiviral, antihyperglycemic, antiatherogenic and hypotensive activity. Although it is known that the heartwood has a specific phytochemical composition the biological effects of this part of the plant are not yet clarified. This study examined the effect of 40% ethanol infusion from the heartwood of mulberry on two genes related to lipid metabolism: adipogenic transcriptional factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and fatty acid-binding protein gene (aP2) in adipocytes. Results obtained present that treatment with two concentrations of mulberry ethanol extract decreased expression of aP2 messenger RNA compared to controls.
Based on these results we concluded that heartwood mulberry extract has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and could be a potential source for search of active compounds for treatment of metabolic disorders related to adipose tissue metabolism.
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