Abstract

Wei Li , Tao Li and Keji Tang

Flavonoids from mulberry leaves (FML) were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction method (MAE). Several correlation factors were studied to optimise conditions at laboratory scale. The research results indicated that the optimal extraction parameters are as follows: ethanol concentration is 60%, material/solvent ratio is 1:15, microwave irradiation power is 560 W and irradiation time is 5 min. FML were tested in mice weight-loaded swimming model. Both high-dose and middle- dose of FML could obviously prolong the swimming endurance time, and had active effects on the serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hepatic glycogen and blood lactic acid levels in mice. The above results suggest that appropriate dose of FML possessed an anti-fatigue activity in mice.