Influence of Morus alba Leaves Extract on Human Erythrocytes

Morus alba L. (MA) is a member of the Moraceae family, known as "white mulberry". Due to the high levels of bioactive compounds, mulberry plants can be considered a good source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds. Our study aims to analyze the effect of MA extract leaves on erythrocytes, focusing on its action on metabolism and membrane integrity. The choice of erythrocytes as a study model is based on their metabolic simplicity and their easy availability. Cell viability, following exposure of the cells to the extract, was evaluated by hemolysis, methemoglobin, caspase 3 activity and flow cytofluorimetric analysis; in addition, the effect of the pretreatment with the MA was detected after incubation of erythrocytes with different stressors. The impact on cell metabolism was evaluated by measuring anion flux kinetics, ATP levels and phosphatase activity. The results obtained show a peculiar (double) effect of the extract, which, on the one hand, probably by exploiting its component with antioxidant properties, protects the cell membrane by accumulating on the bilayer. On the other hand, the alteration of anion exchange could lead to the triggering of apoptosis and consequent cell death. The hypotheses, although excluded by our data, all point toward a beneficial and protective action of the extract on the health and vitality of RBCs.