Introduction

In a world where our eyes are constantly exposed to environmental pressures and electronic screens, promoting and caring for our eye health is essential. For the relentless visual demands we face, nature offers us a powerful remedy: Morus.

Morus has been traditionally celebrated for its positive therapeutic effects on the eyes. It is not just a fruit, but a guardian of clarity. Read on to discover the potential impact of Morus on vision health and how incorporating it into your diet can transform the way you see the world. 

Overview of Morus and vision health

The Morus plant, also known as mulberry, is a deciduous plant primarily native to Asia. It is also found in North and South America, as well as in certain regions of Africa. It belongs to the Moraceae family and is celebrated in traditional medicine across cultures for its various health benefits. Morus is also employed in the production of silk. 

The medicinal parts of the plant include the leaves, roots, fruits, branches, and the whole plant. Among its many advantages, recent research has highlighted the potential role of Morus in supporting eye health and protecting the eyes from age-related diseases and other vision-related issues. Morus has about 24 species, with the most common being Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus rubra (red mulberry), and Morus nigar (black mulberry).^1,2,3

Importance of vision health and eye protection

One of the most essential components of the body is the eye. Most people depend on their eyes to make sense of the world. Certain eye diseases can lead to vision loss. Therefore, it is imperative to identify and treat vision-threatening conditions early. The incorporation of medicinal remedies such as Morus is a good practice for protecting the eyes from oxidative damage.

Nutritional profile of Morus

The nutritional profile of Morus includes vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidant constituents.⁴

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A

Mulberry is known to be a rich source of vitamin A.³ Black mulberry contains about 25 mg/100 mL of vitamin A in its plant extract.⁴ Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays an important role in the function of the retina. It helps convert light (or photons) into an electrical signal in the retina, which is then sent to the brain, enabling us to see, a process called visual transduction.⁵

Vitamin C

Morus is a good source of vitamin C, with black mulberry containing about 17.41–28.33 mg/100 mL of fruit extract, white mulberry containing about 68.80–87.49 mg/100 mL of fruit extract, and red mulberry containing up to 69.80–87.49 mg/100 mL of plant extract.⁴ Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in the lens of the eye, and its concentration decreases with age.

It serves as a natural sunscreen, protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) oxidative stress. A cataract, sometimes referred to as lens clouding, may develop when the amount of vitamin C in the lens drops. Consuming vitamin C can help shield the eyes from cataracts and reduce the need for cataract surgery.⁶

Vitamin E

The vitamin E content of Morus in white mulberry is about 0.87 mg/100 mL of the plant extract.⁴ Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help protect the eyes against oxidative stress, which can lead to retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. Vitamin E, when combined with vitamins A and C, aids in maintaining the structure and function of the retina.⁷

Zinc

Zinc is one of the essential minerals found in Morus that contributes positively to eye health. The zinc constituent of black mulberry is about 0.10 - 0.31 mg/100 mL of the plant extract, while white and red mulberries contain 0.12 - 0.21 mg/100 mL and 0.14 mg/100 mL of the plant extract respectively.⁴

Zinc plays an integral role in maintaining the functions of the retina. The highest concentration of zinc is found in the retina and choroids, more so than in other parts of the body. This trace element is crucial for maintaining vision and it plays a role in preventing AMD.⁸

Antioxidants

Flavonoids

Morus contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that protect the ocular tissue from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.^2,3,4

Phenolic compounds

Morus also contains phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the eyes from oxidative damage.⁴

Other bioactive compounds

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are flavonoids contained in mulberry. They are pigments responsible for the natural colour of mulberry and are linked to a reduced risk of eye disease due to their antioxidant effects.⁴

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in minute quantities in Morus. The resveratrol constituent of Morus is about 32.45 mcg/g of Morus root. It protects the eyes from oxidative stress and damage by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).⁹

What are the mechanisms supporting the visual health benefits of Morus?

The health benefits of Morus in supporting vision are attributed to the mechanisms by which its constituents work.

Protection against oxidative stress

As mentioned earlier, Morus contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and vitamin E. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in the progression of many vision-related diseases.¹

Reduced risk of age-related eye diseases

The vitamins and bioactive compounds contained in Morus reduce the risk of age-related vision ailments such as cataracts and macular degeneration by protecting the lens and retina from oxidative stress.

What are the practical applications?

Introducing Morus into one's health regimen and diet is advantageous for promoting and maintaining healthy vision. Below are some ways in which Morus can be practically incorporated into a routine for maintaining healthy eyes.

Dietary incorporation

Fresh morus fruits

Eating Morus fruit is one of the simplest and most straightforward ways of benefiting from its nutrients. They can be consumed as snacks or added to jams, wine, cakes, pasta, probiotics, and jellies.^4,11

Morus extracts and supplements

The concentrated form of Morus is available as Morus extracts and supplements. They provide a high nutritional composition of the plant.¹⁰

Topical applications

Morus-based cosmetics

Morus extracts are incorporated into skincare products such as peel-off facial masks, whitening creams, and anti-acne creams.¹¹

Traditional uses and preparations

Herbal teas and infusions

In traditional medicine, mulberry fruits are formulated into herbal infusions and teas. These preparations make the beneficial nutrients of Morus readily available to support eye health and the overall physiological function of the body.¹¹

Traditional remedies for dry eye

Research shows that mulberry leaf extract can be used as a remedy for dry eyes by inhibiting cell death in the lacrimal gland and helping maintain its secretion.¹²

Safety and considerations

Although Morus is very beneficial to health, it is imperative to consider certain factors that ensure its therapeutic benefits without adverse effects.

Potential side effects

No serious side effects have been recorded with the use of Morus. Although rare, individuals may experience digestive problems such as diarrhoea and bloating when a larger amount of Morus is ingested.¹³

Interactions with other medications

Morus is known to exhibit a hypoglycaemic effect and may have an additive effect when used concomitantly with anti-diabetic medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.¹⁴

FAQs

What are some other health benefits of morus?

In addition to its protective effects on the eyes, Morus offers other health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects, dermatological benefits, anti-tumour properties, cardiovascular benefits, and anti-diabetic effects.

Who should not take Morus?

Individuals who are allergic to figs should avoid taking mulberry.

Summary

The Morus plant, also known as mulberry, is beneficial for protecting the eyes and maintaining good vision. Due to its potential for improving eye health, the genus Morus, which includes species such as Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus rubra (red mulberry), and Morus nigra (black mulberry), has become valuable in both traditional medicine and contemporary research. The plant is abundant in vital nutrients, including zinc and vitamins A, C, and E.

These nutrients work together to preserve eye health and guard against age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, Morus contains flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress—a major cause of eye-related conditions.

Practical uses of Morus include topical applications in cosmetics and traditional medicine, as well as nutritional incorporation through fresh fruits, extracts, and supplements. While generally safe, users should be cautious of potential digestive issues and interactions with diabetes medications due to Morus’s hypoglycemic effects.