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Mulberry Extract

Also known as: Morus alba, White mulberry, Mulberry leaf extract (MLE), Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs), Mulberry fruit extract (MFE)

Overview

Mulberry extract is derived from the leaves or fruit of the Morus alba tree, commonly known as white mulberry. The leaves are rich in bioactive compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), flavonoids, and polysaccharides, while the fruit provides antioxidants and other phytochemicals. Primarily, mulberry extract is used to regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and potentially protect against diabetic complications, including diabetic kidney disease. Its key characteristics include alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (DNJ) that slow carbohydrate digestion, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, and polysaccharides with potential renal protective effects. Research maturity is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses focusing on glycemic control and diabetic complications. High-quality meta-analyses of RCTs and preclinical systematic reviews support its glycemic benefits and emerging evidence on renal protection. It is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts, often standardized for DNJ content.

Benefits

Mulberry extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly in glycemic control. Studies show significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately -0.47 mmol/L and HbA1c by about -2.92 mmol/mol. Additionally, it can decrease fasting plasma insulin by -0.58 μIU/mL. These effects are more pronounced with supplementation durations of 8 weeks or longer and in individuals with baseline FBG greater than 6.1 mmol/L. Secondary benefits include improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors such as lipid profiles and blood pressure, although the evidence is less robust. Preclinical studies also suggest renal protective effects in diabetic kidney disease models, including reductions in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein, and microalbuminuria, indicating a potential to delay kidney damage progression. Adults with impaired glucose regulation or type 2 diabetes experience the most significant benefits.

How it works

Mulberry extract primarily works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes through its key component, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). This inhibition delays carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of mulberry extract help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Polysaccharides present in the extract modulate insulin receptor signaling and inhibit renal fibrosis pathways. The extract acts primarily on the digestive system to regulate glucose absorption, influences pancreatic insulin secretion and sensitivity, and modulates renal function and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. DNJ and flavonoids are absorbed and exert systemic effects, while polysaccharides may act both locally and systemically.

Side effects

Mulberry extract is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or flatulence due to delayed carbohydrate digestion. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of users, include rare allergic reactions. No significant rare adverse events have been documented in high-quality studies. Drug interactions may occur with antidiabetic medications, potentially leading to additive hypoglycemic effects, so caution is advised. It is contraindicated for individuals with known allergies to mulberry or related plants. Limited data are available for pregnant or lactating women, so use with caution is recommended. Overall, mulberry extract is considered safe when used as directed, but monitoring for potential gastrointestinal discomfort and hypoglycemic effects is prudent, especially in combination with other glucose-lowering agents.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of mulberry leaf extract for glycemic control ranges from 100 mg to 500 mg daily, standardized for DNJ content. Optimal dosage ranges are around 250-500 mg/day of mulberry leaf extract standardized to active components, taken for at least 8 weeks. There is no established maximum safe dose, but higher doses have been used in trials without serious adverse effects. It is often taken before or with carbohydrate-rich meals to reduce postprandial glucose spikes. Leaf extracts standardized for DNJ are preferred for glycemic control, while fruit extracts also show benefits for postprandial glucose. Co-administration with carbohydrates may enhance efficacy. No specific cofactors are required, but general nutritional support is recommended.

FAQs

Is mulberry extract safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports safety for at least 8 weeks. Longer-term safety data are limited, but no major concerns have been reported. Monitor for any adverse effects and consult with a healthcare provider.

Can mulberry extract replace diabetes medications?

It may complement but should not replace prescribed antidiabetic drugs without medical supervision. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

When should mulberry extract be taken?

Ideally, take it before or with meals containing carbohydrates for optimal glycemic benefit. This timing helps to reduce postprandial glucose spikes effectively.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Glycemic improvements typically appear after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Individual responses may vary, so monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

Does mulberry extract cause hypoglycemia?

It lowers blood glucose modestly. The risk of hypoglycemia is low but possible when combined with other glucose-lowering agents. Monitor blood glucose levels, especially if taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 12 RCTs with 615 participants and found statistically significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (-0.47 mmol/L), HbA1c (-2.92 mmol/mol), and fasting insulin (-0.58 μIU/mL) with mulberry supplementation. The effects were more pronounced with supplementation durations of 8 weeks or longer and in individuals with elevated baseline glucose, suggesting its efficacy in glycemic control.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39357843/ – This preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis included 8 animal studies with 270 subjects and demonstrated significant reductions in renal damage markers (serum creatinine, BUN, urinary protein) with mulberry extract. The suggested mechanisms include inhibition of fibrosis and inflammation, indicating a potential renal protective effect in diabetic kidney disease, though clinical confirmation is needed.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.13822 – This systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed RCTs assessing the effects of mulberry consumption on lipid profiles and blood pressure, finding favorable trends but less robust evidence compared to glycemic outcomes. It highlights the potential broader metabolic benefits of mulberry extract, suggesting it may improve cardiometabolic risk factors beyond glycemic control.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/188241-a-systematic-review-of-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-mulberry-formulations-for-chemotherapy--andor-radiotherapy-induced-oral-mucositis – This systematic review focuses on the efficacy and safety of mulberry formulations for chemotherapy- and/or radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. While the primary focus is not glycemic control, it provides insights into the safety profile of mulberry, suggesting it is generally well-tolerated, which supports its use as a dietary supplement.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2177 – This study investigates the potential health benefits of mulberry, focusing on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactive compounds present in mulberry and their mechanisms of action, supporting its use in managing various health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.