Quick Summary

White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a plant with various traditional and pharmacological uses. Clinical evidence supports potential benefits in glucose metabolism modulation, improving metabolic parameters related to type 2 diabetes, and adjunctive use in periodontal therapy. Multiple studies have evaluated white mulberry extracts and products containing its bioactive compound deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). Evidence suggests possible roles in managing metabolic risk factors associated with vascular dementia, improving glycemic control, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. Safety profiles appear generally favorable in clinical trials, though high-quality large-scale studies remain limited. Allergy to mulberry has been reported, including potential respiratory and food allergies.

What is it?

White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a deciduous tree native to China, widely cultivated for its leaves, fruits, and bark. It is traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a food source. The leaves contain bioactive compounds, notably deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which have been studied for their effects on metabolic health.

Traditional Uses

  • Management of blood sugar levels and diabetes-related conditions
  • Support for weight management and metabolic health
  • Adjunctive treatment in oral health, particularly periodontal therapy
  • General use in traditional medicine systems for various ailments

Active Compounds

The primary bioactive constituent studied is deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an alkaloid known to inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and absorption. White mulberry leaves and extracts also contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other phytochemicals contributing to their biological activities.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Metabolic health and glycemic control

    Moderate clinical evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials suggests that Morus alba extracts and DNJ-containing products may improve fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profiles (including LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP) in adults with metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes and conditions associated with vascular dementia risk. [PMID: 40943306, 40083380, 41007291, 41852470]
  • Adjunctive periodontal treatment

    Limited clinical evidence from systematic review of randomized clinical trials indicates that products containing Morus alba used alongside non-surgical periodontal therapy may improve clinical attachment level, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index, with effects comparable to chlorhexidine but fewer side effects. [PMID: 41744948]
  • Weight management and anti-obesity effects

    Preclinical, in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical evidence suggest potential anti-obesity effects including inhibition of digestive enzymes, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduced adiposity. Clinical evidence is promising but not yet conclusive. [PMID: 39544693]
  • Sleep improvement

    A small randomized controlled trial showed that combination products including mulberry leaf extract and tryptophan may improve sleep onset latency, sleep quality, and next-day mood in adults with sleep complaints. [PMID: 40072601]

Side Effects

  • Rare allergic reactions including respiratory allergy, airborne contact urticaria, anaphylaxis, oral allergy syndrome, and food-induced urticaria have been reported.
  • Mild and infrequent adverse events occurred in clinical trials, although specific types were not extensively detailed.
  • No significant hepatotoxicity or major safety concerns have been noted in clinical trials.

Drug Interactions

No direct clinical evidence of drug interactions specifically involving Morus alba was identified in the reviewed studies. However, cautious use is advised particularly in individuals taking antidiabetic medications due to the bioactive components that influence glucose metabolism, which may potentially alter drug effects.

Who Should Avoid It

  • Individuals with known allergy to mulberry or related plants should avoid Morus alba due to risk of allergic reactions.
  • Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended without medical supervision due to lack of safety data.

Evidence Limitations

  • Many clinical studies have small sample sizes and short durations.
  • Considerable heterogeneity exists among Morus alba preparations (type of extract, plant part used, dose, and formulation).
  • There is a limited number of large-scale, high-quality, long-term randomized controlled trials available.
  • Most evidence focuses on metabolic outcomes; direct evidence for neurovascular, anti-obesity, or other clinical endpoints is insufficient.
  • Safety data regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and drug interactions are very limited.
  • Some promising preclinical findings require confirmation in human studies.

References

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or herbal product.