摘要
The white mulberry （Morus alba L.） had been forgotten in Europe or known only as a plant associated with breeding of mulberry silkworms （Bombyx mori L.）. The initial studies have shown great potential of this plant in energy, food and pharmaceutical industries. The leaves and fruits contain very valuable bioactive substances, which may be used in health care. Antioxidants of plant origin include flavonoids and vitamin C （ascorbic acid）, and these substances are present in high amounts in anatomical parts of white mulberry. It has also been reported on the medicinal properties of this plant and its use in preventing diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and cancer. The food industry increasingly uses the white mulberry in food to provide human organism with precious bioactive substances. Functional food, due to the presence in its composition of valuable components, is beneficial to human health. What is more, very fast growth of mulberry causes that biomass of the plant may be used as biofuel or energy plant. The aim of this paper is to present the possibility of using the white mulberry as a raw material for functional foods and as an energy plant.
