Pytochemical profile and cytotoxic potential of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf infusion

Abstract

Background: Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves are widely consumed as herbal infusions and have been traditionally associated with various health benefits. However, systematic evaluation of the phytochemical composition and cytotoxic potential of the leaf infusion remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the anticancer potential of mulberry leaf infusion using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method.

Method: Dried mulberry leaves were extracted by infusion using water as the solvent. Dried mulberry leaves were extracted by infusion using water as the solvent. Toxicity evaluation was conducted using Artemia salina Leach larvae. Each concentration (10 - 640 µg/mL) was tested in triplicate (n= 3), with twenty larvae used per replicate. Mortality was recorded after 24 and 48 h, and the median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated using probit analysis and a paired t-test analysis was performed to evaluate the significance (p < 0.05).

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins, while terpenoids were absent. The IC₅₀ values obtained for the infusion were 169.34 ± 10.79 µg/mL after 24 h and 146.66 ± 17.49 µg/mL after 48 h of exposure. No significant difference was observed between incubation periods (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Mulberry leaf infusion demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity in the BSLT assay, supporting its potential as a natural anticancer candidate.