Mulberry 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ): an exemplary compound for therapeutics

Abstract

The Mulberry plant (Morus spp.) is known for several phytochemicals. One such phytochemical is 1-deoxyjirinomycin (DNJ), which is based, on an iminosugar. The presence of DNJ has been reported in various parts of the mulberry plants section, such as leaves, latex, and root bark. DNJ is a well-known anti-diabetic agent due to its alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. Apart from this, DNJ also exhibits anti-obesity, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective properties. In this review, we have highlighted the presence of DNJ in different vegetative parts of mulberry, the pharmacological action of DNJ, and the mechanism of DNJ in regulating diabetes through a more comprehensive range of biochemical targets is also discussed.