White Mulberry Powder
Also known as: White Mulberry, Mulberry leaf powder, Mulberry extract, Morus alba
Overview
White Mulberry powder is derived from the leaves or extracts of *Morus alba*, a deciduous tree native to Asia. It contains bioactive compounds such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), flavonoids, and polysaccharides. It is primarily used for metabolic health applications, including blood glucose regulation, lipid profile improvement, weight management, and liver protection. Research on White Mulberry is moderately mature, with numerous preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. However, many clinical studies have small sample sizes and short durations, and the quality of evidence varies.
Benefits
White Mulberry extract shows consistent evidence for reducing postprandial blood glucose levels, primarily due to 1-DNJ. Some RCTs and meta-analyses indicate modest reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c, especially in borderline diabetic or obese individuals (e.g., FPG reduction ~3.9 mg/dL, HbA1c reduction ~0.11%) after 12 weeks of supplementation. Several RCTs report significant reductions in LDL cholesterol (up to ~22% reduction), total cholesterol, and triglycerides, along with increases in HDL cholesterol (up to ~19.7%) in patients with dyslipidemia or type 2 diabetes after 8–16 weeks. White Mulberry supplementation has also been associated with greater reductions in body weight compared to controls, with correlations observed between weight loss and improvements in triglycerides and blood pressure. Preclinical and some clinical evidence suggest hepatoprotective effects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms, including modulation of miRNAs and activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways. Limited animal studies suggest potential cognitive and neuroprotective benefits, but human clinical trials are lacking.
How it works
The primary bioactive compound, 1-DNJ, acts as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which delays carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut, thereby reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Flavonoids and polysaccharides contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. White Mulberry extracts modulate lipid metabolism through pathways involving PPARα and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation via Nrf2 activation. The bioavailability of 1-DNJ and other compounds varies, with most clinical trials utilizing standardized extracts or powders to ensure consistent dosing and efficacy.
Side effects
White Mulberry powder is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare and mild, primarily involving possible gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea. While no significant drug interactions have been extensively documented, caution is advised when combining White Mulberry with antidiabetic medications due to potential additive hypoglycemic effects, which could lead to excessively low blood sugar. Data on contraindications and use in special populations are limited; therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare provider before using this supplement. Long-term safety data beyond 16 weeks of supplementation are also currently lacking.
Dosage
Effective doses in clinical trials typically range from 1 to 3 grams of White Mulberry leaf powder or an equivalent extract daily. This dosage is often divided into multiple administrations, ideally taken before meals to maximize its effect on carbohydrate digestion. For glycemic control, studies have effectively used doses providing approximately 1.3 mg of 1-DNJ three times daily. The duration of supplementation in research studies has ranged from 4 to 16 weeks; however, longer-term safety and efficacy data are not yet available. Absorption and efficacy may be enhanced when the supplement is consumed immediately before meals to optimize its inhibitory action on carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.
FAQs
Is White Mulberry effective for diabetes?
Evidence supports modest improvements in postprandial glucose and some long-term glycemic markers, particularly in prediabetic or type 2 diabetic individuals, but it is not a substitute for prescribed medication.
Can it help with weight loss?
Some studies show weight reduction correlated with metabolic improvements, but it should not be considered a primary weight loss agent. It may support weight management as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
Are there side effects?
Generally well tolerated with minimal and rare side effects reported, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse events are uncommon.
When is the best time to take it?
It is typically recommended to take White Mulberry powder immediately before meals to maximize its ability to inhibit carbohydrate absorption and reduce postprandial glucose spikes.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12300977/ – This randomized controlled trial and review investigated White Mulberry's effects on metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients. It found significant reductions in LDL-C (approximately 22%), increases in HDL, and improvements in weight, insulin, and oxidative stress markers over 16 weeks. The study suggests White Mulberry can positively impact lipid profiles and glycemic control, though some metabolic parameters remained unaffected.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/white-mulberry.html – This summary, referencing multiple RCTs and a meta-analysis, discusses the mixed lipid effects of White Mulberry. While some individual RCTs showed significant improvements in triglycerides and HDL, the meta-analysis indicated equivocal overall lipid results, partly due to heterogeneity and the use of combination products. It highlights the need for more studies focusing solely on White Mulberry.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1395688/full – This review and meta-analysis confirmed White Mulberry's ability to reduce postprandial glucose. It also noted modest improvements in fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c in some studies, particularly in healthy or borderline diabetic subjects. The authors emphasized the limitations of current research, including small sample sizes and short durations, calling for larger, longer-term randomized controlled trials.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251314698 – This systematic review explored the hepatoprotective effects of White Mulberry, drawing from both preclinical and limited clinical data. It suggests that White Mulberry exerts its liver-protective actions through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, including the modulation of miRNAs and activation of signaling pathways like Nrf2. While providing good mechanistic insight, the clinical evidence for these effects remains preliminary.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8033976/ – This systematic review focused on animal studies investigating the neuroprotective and cognitive benefits of White Mulberry. It identified evidence suggesting positive effects in various animal models. However, the review explicitly states that these findings are based solely on preclinical evidence, and there are currently no human clinical trials to confirm these potential central nervous system benefits.