Mulberry extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit is used effectively in Chinese medicines against fever, to protect the liver and to lower blood pressure. Here, we report a water extract, MWE (Mulberry water extract), which is designed to exhibit anti-hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic effects in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. New Zealand white rabbits were fed with a normal diet, high cholesterol (1.3%), lard oil (3%) diet (HCD) with or without 0.5 or 1% MWE for 10 weeks. The levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were lower in the serum of rabbits fed HCD plus MWE than in the serum of rabbits fed HCD. Feeding MWE (0.5 or 1% in the diet) to rabbits significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta by 42-63%. Histopathological examination showed that MWE reduced aortic atherosclerotic lesion in the blood vessel of rabbits. From previous data and present results, we suspect that MWE not only inhibits LDL-oxidation but also has a direct effect on the anti-hyperlipidemia in animals. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.