The Cytoprotective Effects of Morus Alba Leaves in Cultured Fetus Fibroblast Cells against Hyperglycemia

Background : Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Medicinal plants have useful source of hypoglycemic compounds and play important role in preventing the progress of this disease. Morus alba leaves is natural therapeutic agent shown hypoglycemic effects. In this study, the protective effects of alcoholic extract Morus alba leaves on fetus fibroblast cells under hyperglycemic condition were assessed.
Materials and Methods : In this experimental study the cells were treated with six different concentrations of extracts. The nontoxic concentration of plant extract was measured with MTT assay in fetus fibroblast cells. Then, the fetus fibroblast cells were incubated with high dose of glucose and plant extract at concentrations of 1000 ppm. DNA synthesis, as marker of cell proliferation was determined.
Results : There were significant changes in cell proliferation in treated group with plant extract. Morus alba leaves could cause cell attachment and proliferation. The attachment of cells to culture plates has been shown to be affected by plant extract.
Conclusion : The data obtained from this study approved that Morus alba leaves has cytoprotective effects against hyperglycemia.