Flavonoids in mulberry fruit Identification of nonanthocyanin phenolics in some mulberry fruit species (Morus alba L., Morus rubra L. and Morus nigra L.)

Mulberry fruits were shown to possess good antioxidant properties. Flavonoids were extracted from three mulberry species (Morus alba L., Morus rubra L., and Morus nigra L.) and characterized using mass spectrometry. The methanol extract was subjected to 1D and 2D NMR analysis in DMSO-d(6) using TMS as an internal standard. Mass spectrometry in combination with NMR spectra of crude mixture (methanol extract) was shown as a reliable tool for the characterization of flavonoids with already published NMR spectra in DMSO-d(6). However, in case of compounds not very well established, it does not show relevance, so separation of the crude mixture into individual components and their 1D and 2D NMR characterization is necessary. However, the results of this article would be useful in mulberry drink quality control and mulberry functional food research.