Evaluation of Mulberry (Morus rubra) Fruit Extract as a Natural Dye for Leukocytes & Thrombocytes: An Alternative to Conventional Stain

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of Morus rubra (red mulberry) fruit extracts as natural stains for peripheral blood smear (PBS) analysis, focusing on leukocyte and platelet visualization. Forty blood specimens were processed using ethanolic and aqueous extracts, with and without mordants, and compared to conventional Wright–Giemsa staining. Staining quality was assessed in terms of cytoplasmic coloration, nuclear clarity, platelet visibility, and reproducibility.

Results demonstrated that Morus rubra extracts, whether ethanolic or aqueous, produced weak cytoplasmic staining, poor nuclear differentiation, and insufficient platelet visualization. Even with the addition of mordants, the extracts failed to achieve staining quality comparable to Wright–Giemsa. The study concludes that Morus rubra extracts are not suitable alternatives for hematological applications in peripheral blood smear analysis. These findings highlight the chemical limitations of anthocyanins in effectively binding and staining blood cells, and suggest that conventional stains remain necessary for accurate laboratory diagnostics.