The phytochemical constituents of a freeze-dried powder of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit (MFP) were
determined. The hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of the MFP as a dietary supplement were evaluated
in rats who were fed 4 weeks of either a high-fat or a normal diet supplemented with 5% or 10% MFP.
Administration of MFP to rats on a high-fat diet resulted in a significant decline in levels of serum and
liver triglyceride, total cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a decrease in the atherogenic
index, while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased. In addition,
the serum and liver content of thiobarbituric acid related substances, a lipid peroxidation product,
significantly decreased, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) of red blood cell and liver, as well blood
glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities significantly increased. No significant changes in lipid profile
in the serum and liver were observed in rats on a normal diet supplemented with MFP, but blood and
liver antioxidant status improved, as measured by SOD and GSH-Px activity, and lipid peroxidation
was reduced. These beneficial effects of MFP on hyperlipidaemia rats might be attributed to its dietary
fiber, fatty acids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamins and trace elements content.