Botanical Overview
Morus serrata is a species in the Moraceae family. The fig family (Moraceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with milky sap and alternate leaves. The flowers are small and clustered inside a fleshy receptacle (the fig). Many species produce latex containing proteolytic enzymes and have traditional uses for skin conditions and parasitic infections. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
Morus serrata, known as Himalayan mulberry, is a species of mulberry native to the Himalaya and the mountains of southwestern China, at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres.
Family Context
The Moraceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Sang-Pai-Pi — 77 documented uses
- Streblus asper — 35 documented uses
- Fig — 30 documented uses
- Paper Mulberry — 22 documented uses
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulinic-acid.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.