Backgrounds: Due to limitation of the current therapy against autism, the novel regimen to improve autism is required. Based on crucial roles of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of autism and the benefit against autism of the medicinal plants possessing neuroprotective effect, the health benefit of Morus alba leaves for autism was focused. However, no supported evidence for this issue is available.

Objective: To determine the effect of Morus alba (M.alba)leaves extract on autism-like behaviors and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms in animal model of autism induced by valproic acid (VPA).

Materials and Methods: VPA rat model of autism were orally given M.alba leaves extract at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg.kg^-1 between PND14-PND40. Behaviors were assessed using hot plate, open-field, elevated plus-maze, Morris water maze and social behavior tests At the end of study, MDA level and the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px together with the alteration of neuron density in the involved brain area were also evaluated.

Results: All doses of the extract improved memory impairment and the elevated oxidative stress in hippocampus. The increased neuron density in hippocampus was also observed in VPA rats treated with low and medium dosesof the extract.

Conclusion: Morus alba leaves extractcan improve memory impairment in autism model. The memory enhancing effect of the extract may occur partly via the improvement of oxidative stress status and the increased neuron density in hippocampus. However, further researches are still necessary to understand the precise underlying mechanism.

Keywords: Autism, Morus alba, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration