Mulberry leaf extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits and in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

This study used high-cholesterol-fed New Zealand white rabbits and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to investigate the impact of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on the development of atherosclerosis. The results show that the major components of MLE are polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and the major contituents of mulberry leaf polyphenol extract (MLPE) are polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition to improvement of liver function, the atheroma burden and levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are also significantly reduced after MLE treatment. MLE and MLPE improved endothelial function, inhibited proliferation and migration of aortic VSMCs, and reduced atheromas in the vascular wall. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that, in addition to exerting hypolipidemic effects, MLE and MLPE can effectively inhibit proliferation and migration of aortic VSMCs, improve vascular endothelial function, and reduce atheroma burden, thereby preventing atherosclerosis.