Short Lecture "Optimisation and biochemometric analysis of Morus alba root bark extracts against acute respiratory infections"

The increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) associated with viruses and bacteria emphasises the need for new effective therapeutics. Mulberry Diels-Alder adducts (MDAAs) from the white mulberry tree (Morus alba) demonstrated dual antiviral and antibacterial in vitro effects [1] [2]. The aims of this study were to (i) develop a protocol to enrich MDAAs in extracts, (ii) unravel whether there are further constituents with anti-infective potential contained in the extracts, and (iii) characterise a hit extract for in vivo studies. In contrast to leaves, fruits, and twigs, the root bark was identified as the most prolific source of MDAAs by using a validated UPLC-PDA method. Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) was found to be the best technique to enrich extracts with MDAAs. Extracts with a total content above 20% exerted a potent dual anti-influenza virus and antipneumococcal activity [3]. For a detailed biochemometric analysis of the most bioactive molecules within the 26 extracts obtained by PLE, a ¹H NMR-based heterocovariance analysis (HetCA) was used [4]. According to this procedure, MDAAs exclusively accounted for the in vitro anti-influenza viral effect. The anti-infective profile of the hit extract (MA60) investigated showed good tolerance by lung cells (A549, Calu-3) and pronounced in vitro activities against influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and inflammation [2] [3].

Funding FWF project P34028, NATVANTAGE Grant 2018

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Grienke Sci.Rep 2016; 6: 27156
• 2 Wasilewicz J.Nat.Prod. 2023; 86: 264-275
• 3 Langeder J.Nat.Prod. 2023; 86: 8-17
• 4 Grienke Sci.Rep. 2019; 9: 11113

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023