Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 04, 2026 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
Medical News: A natural plant compound may hold new promise for repairing damaged nerves in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to an exciting new study by researchers from the Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology at Korea University; the Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology at Korea University; and the Department of Plant Biotechnology at Korea University in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Natural plant compound Morusin boosts myelin-producing cells and improves nerve insulation in MS models
Why Myelin Matters
Myelin is a protective coating that wraps around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. It allows electrical signals to travel quickly and smoothly. In diseases like MS, this protective layer is damaged, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision problems, and difficulty walking. While many current MS treatments reduce inflammation, they do not repair lost myelin.
The Korean research team set out to find natural compounds that could stimulate the body’s own repair system. Their focus was on special cells called oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin. These cells develop from immature cells known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells.
Screening 100 Natural Compounds
The scientists tested 100 different flavonoids, which are plant-derived compounds often linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Using rat brain cells grown in the lab, they measured levels of myelin basic protein, or MBP, a key building block of myelin.
One compound stood out: Morusin, a natural flavonoid previously studied for other health effects. The phytochemical Morusin in found mainly in the Morus Species of plants (Mulberry) with the Morus alba L. (White Mulberry) having the highest concentrations.
When added to immature brain cells, Morusin significantly increased the number of cells that matured into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. The effect was dose-dependent, meaning the response increased at optimal concentrations between 1 and 2 micromolar. The results were comparable to those seen with a known myelin-promoting hormone used as a positive control.
Confirming Results in Human Cells
To ensure the findings were relevant to people and not just rodents, the team created a special human cell system that speeds up oligodendrocyte development. Normally, human cells can take more than two months to mature. By temporarily activating a gene called SOX10, the researchers reduced this time dramatically.
In this human model, Morusin again showed powerful effects. It increased the number of mature myelin-producing cells and boosted important myelin-related genes such as MBP, PLP1, MAG, and SIRT2. Genetic analysis revealed that more than 1,100 genes were altered after Morusin treatment, with many linked to “myelination” and “axon ensheathment,” which describes the wrapping of nerves with myelin.
Further testing suggested that Morusin works partly through the MEK–ERK signaling pathway, a molecular communication sy
stem inside cells known to influence cell growth and development.
Testing in a Mouse Model of MS
The researchers then moved to an animal model that mimics key features of MS. In mice with induced demyelinating disease, Morusin treatment led to modest but meaningful improvements in movement scores compared to untreated mice. Examination of spinal cord tissue showed more organized and compact myelin structures. Under the electron microscope, treated mice displayed thicker and healthier myelin sheaths.
Although the model cannot fully prove true long-term remyelination, the improvements in tissue structure and functional recovery were encouraging and comparable to those seen with Benztropine, a known pro-myelinating compound.
This
Medical News report highlights a potentially important breakthrough in the search for regenerative therapies for MS.
A Promising Step Toward Repair
The findings suggest that Morusin may activate the body’s own repair mechanisms by encouraging immature cells to become myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. The compound worked consistently across rat cells, human cells, three-dimensional human brain organoids, and a mouse model of demyelination. While further studies are needed to confirm safety, optimal dosing, and long-term effects in humans, Morusin represents a promising new direction in MS research. Instead of only slowing immune attacks, future treatments could actively rebuild damaged nerve insulation and restore function.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/5/2311
For the latest on herbs and phytochemicals, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
Share
Tweet
Share
