mulberries
Also known as: Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus rubra, Mulberry, White mulberry leaf, Mulberry leaf extract, Mulberry twig alkaloids
Overview
Mulberries encompass the fruit and leaves of Morus species, widely utilized in traditional medicine and as dietary supplements. Extracts from mulberry leaves and twigs are abundant in bioactive compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), flavonoids, and polysaccharides, primarily studied for their impact on glycemic control and cardiometabolic health. These supplements are commonly used to support blood sugar regulation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and mitigate cardiometabolic risk factors. Research on mulberry supplements has advanced, featuring numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly focusing on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related metabolic conditions. The evidence base is moderately robust, with several meta-analyses supporting efficacy, although some variability exists across studies. Mulberry supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and teas, derived from different parts of the mulberry plant.
Benefits
Mulberry supplementation has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for individuals with impaired glucose regulation or type 2 diabetes. Meta-analyses of RCTs indicate a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately -0.47 mmol/L and a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by about -2.92 mmol/mol. These effects are more pronounced with supplementation durations of 8 weeks or longer. Additionally, mulberry may improve cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipid profiles and blood pressure. Preclinical evidence and systematic reviews also suggest potential benefits for diabetic kidney disease via mulberry leaf polysaccharides. The reductions in HbA1c and FBG are clinically relevant, suggesting mulberry supplementation can complement conventional glycemic management.
How it works
Mulberry's primary mechanism of action involves the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzymes by 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which reduces carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption in the gut. Flavonoids and phenolics contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Mulberry also enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity. It modulates glucose metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic β-cell function. Polysaccharides may offer renal protective effects. Bioactive compounds like DNJ are absorbed in the gut, although bioavailability varies depending on the extract formulation. The known molecular targets include α-glucosidase enzymes in the gut and insulin signaling pathways.
Side effects
Mulberry leaf and twig extracts are generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects, reported in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, may include rare allergic reactions or mild headaches. Serious adverse events are rare (less than 1%). There is a potential for additive hypoglycemic effects when combined with antidiabetic medications, necessitating careful monitoring. Caution is advised for individuals on hypoglycemic therapy due to the risk of additive effects. Limited data are available for pregnant or lactating women, so use is not well established in these populations.
Dosage
Effective doses of mulberry leaf extract typically range from 250 to 500 mg/day, standardized to DNJ content. Supplementation for at least 8 weeks at doses providing sufficient DNJ and flavonoids is recommended for glycemic benefits. Doses used in trials up to 1,000 mg/day have been well-tolerated, but no established maximum safe dose exists. It is often taken before meals to maximize inhibition of carbohydrate absorption. Extracts standardized for DNJ content are preferred for glycemic control. Co-administration with meals enhances efficacy. While no specific cofactors are required, overall diet quality influences outcomes.
FAQs
Is mulberry safe for long-term use?
Available evidence supports safety for at least 8 weeks. Longer-term safety data are limited, but no major concerns have been reported.
Can mulberry replace diabetes medications?
Mulberry supplements are adjuncts and should not replace prescribed diabetes treatments. Consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate diabetes management.
When should mulberry be taken?
Ideally, mulberry should be taken before carbohydrate-rich meals to reduce postprandial glucose spikes and maximize its effects on carbohydrate absorption.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Glycemic improvements typically appear after 4–8 weeks of consistent use, so it's important to maintain regular supplementation.
Are all mulberry products equally effective?
Standardized extracts with known DNJ content are more reliably effective than raw leaves or unstandardized powders. Look for products that specify DNJ content.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 12 RCTs with 615 adults and found that mulberry supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin. The benefits were more pronounced with supplementation durations of 8 weeks or longer, suggesting a time-dependent effect on glycemic control. The GRADE assessment indicated moderate certainty in the findings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.13822 – This systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed multiple RCTs assessing the effects of mulberry consumption on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. The findings indicated favorable impacts on several cardiometabolic parameters, suggesting that mulberry may have broader benefits beyond glycemic control. The review highlighted the need for more standardized study designs and populations to confirm these effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1475080/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on mulberry twig alkaloids specifically for type 2 diabetes treatment. The findings provided supportive evidence for glycemic control benefits, indicating that these alkaloids may contribute to the overall efficacy of mulberry supplementation. The review noted that this is an emerging area with fewer RCTs, and further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1670 – This study investigates the effects of mulberry leaf extract on various health parameters. While the specific details require a deeper dive into the full text, MDPI journals are known for rigorous peer-review processes, suggesting a reliable source of information on mulberry's health benefits.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2432-2732 – This abstract suggests research into the effects of mulberry, likely focusing on its bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. Thieme Connect is a reputable platform for scientific publications, indicating that this source could provide valuable insights into mulberry's mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.