Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit in hyperlipidaemia rats

The phytochemical constituents of a freeze-dried powder of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit (MFP) were determined. The hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of the MFP as a dietary supplement were evaluated in rats who were fed 4 weeks of either a high-fat or a normal diet supplemented with 5% or 10% MFP. Administration of MFP to rats on a high-fat diet resulted in a significant decline in levels of serum and liver triglyceride, total cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a decrease in the atherogenic index, while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased. In addition, the serum and liver content of thiobarbituric acid related substances, a lipid peroxidation product, significantly decreased, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) of red blood cell and liver, as well blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities significantly increased. No significant changes in lipid profile in the serum and liver were observed in rats on a normal diet supplemented with MFP, but blood and liver antioxidant status improved, as measured by SOD and GSH-Px activity, and lipid peroxidation was reduced. These beneficial effects of MFP on hyperlipidaemia rats might be attributed to its dietary fiber, fatty acids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamins and trace elements content.