1H NMR-Based Biochemometric Analysis of Morus alba Extracts toward a Multipotent Herbal Anti-Infective

J Nat Prod. 2023 Jan 27;86(1):8-17. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00481. Epub 2022 Dec 21.

Abstract

Mulberry Diels-Alder-type adducts (MDAAs) derived from the white mulberry tree were discovered recently as dual inhibitors of influenza viruses and pneumococci. For the development of a natural product based remedy for respiratory infections, the aim was to (i) identify the most prolific natural source of MDAAs, (ii) develop a protocol to maximize the content of MDAAs in Morus alba extracts, (iii) unravel constituents with the highest anti-infective potential within multicomponent mixtures, and (iv) select and characterize a hit extract as a candidate for further studies. Validated quantitative UPLC-PDA analysis of seven MDAAs (1-7) revealed the root bark as the best starting material and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) as the optimum technique for extraction. Extracts enriched in MDAAs of a total content above 20% exerted a potent dual anti-influenza virus and antipneumococcal activity. For a detailed analysis of the most bioactive chemical features and molecules within the extracts, 1H NMR-based heterocovariance analysis (HetCA) was used. According to the multivariate statistical analysis procedure conducted, MDAAs exclusively accounted for the in vitro anti-influenza viral effect. The anti-infective profile of one hit extract (MA60) investigated showed a good tolerance by lung cells (A549, Calu-3) and pronounced in vitro activities against influenza viruses, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Morus* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Plant Extracts

Supplementary concepts

  • Morus alba