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Cytotoxic prenylated flavonoids from Morus alba
Nguyen Tien Dat1, Phung Thi Xuan Binh, Le Thi Phuong Quynh
1Institute of Marine Biochemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18-Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Fitoterapia
|August 24, 2010
Summary
Researchers isolated eleven flavonoids from Morus alba leaves, including a new compound. Morusin demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, showing potential for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Morus alba (mulberry) leaves are a source of bioactive compounds.
- Flavonoids are known for diverse biological activities, including anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize phytochemicals from Morus alba leaves.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of isolated compounds on human cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical fractionation of methanol extract from Morus alba leaves.
- Structure elucidation of isolated compounds using spectroscopic methods.
- Cytotoxicity assays against HeLa, MCF-7, and Hep3B cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Eleven flavonoids were isolated, including a novel compound, 3'-geranyl-3-prenyl-2',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone.
- Morusin (compound 9) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with an IC(50) value of 0.64 μM.
- Other isolated flavonoids also showed varying degrees of cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Morus alba leaves contain a rich source of cytotoxic flavonoids.
- Morusin is a promising candidate for further investigation as an anticancer agent.
- Phytochemical analysis of Morus alba provides valuable insights into its medicinal properties.
