Mulberry Leaf: Uses, Benefits, And The Impact On Blood Sugar

📝 Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Shelton

🔍 Last updated June 3, 2024

📚 18 citations

📖 7 minute read 

About the Author: 

Dr. Patricia Shelton, MD, has been a medical communicator and educator since 2014. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, both from the University of Washington in Seattle.

--

92% of the United States population is deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral. ¹ A nutritional deficiency can affect your body's ability to carry out necessary functions, which can be detrimental to your overall well-being if ignored. ²

Mulberry leaves are known to contain a variety of polyphenol antioxidants, as well as nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and potassium. ³ ⁴ ⁵ This herbal remedy has been used extensively in both traditional medicine and wellness supplements for many years.

Jump To:

• A Brief History of Mulberry
• How Is Mulberry Leaf Used?
• Potential Health Benefits of Mulberry Leaf
• References

Keep reading to learn more about how you can safely incorporate mulberry leaf extract into your daily routine.

See Related: The Positive Effects Of Monolaurin On Your Health

A Brief History of Mulberry

The mulberry tree, scientifically known as Morus, is a plant that is native to China. There are a few different varieties of mulberry, which are all similar to each other. For more than 5,000 years, the leaf of the mulberry tree has been a valuable resource in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The fruit of the mulberry plant can be found in several different colors and can be eaten raw, dried, or made into wine or jam. The leaves are also regularly used to brew herbal teas and tonics. ⁶ ⁷

In the 19th century, the mulberry plant was brought to the United States to be used as a host plant for silkworm farming. Now, the white mulberry plant is considered an invasive species in the U.S.

The mulberry tree is grown around the world in many different countries, including Canada, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan. This nutritious botanical grows best in warm climates and dry soils. ⁸

How Are Mulberry Leaves Used?

There are several species of mulberry (Morus):

• Black mulberry (Morus nigra)
• Red mulberry (Morus ruba)
• White mulberry (Morus alba) ⁹

Mulberry leaves have various medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications.

Some people consume mulberry leaves raw. However, this is generally not recommended as the leaves and other parts of the plant contain latex, a milky white sap. When ingested or touched, this sap can be mildly toxic and cause irritation of the digestive tract or skin. Some young leaves can be eaten after they're thoroughly cooked to remove the toxic substance. ¹⁰

Mulberry leaf tea is a popular beverage in many Asian countries. Its extract can also be used to make tinctures and herbal tonics.

Mulberry Leaf Extract Supplements

Bonus: What Does It Mean To Have A 'Clean Label'?

A popular way to consume mulberry leaf is through standardized extracts offered in dietary supplements. The leaves of the Morus plant offer a range of impressive potential health benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Mulberry leaf supplements offer an easy way to get access to the benefits of mulberry leaf without some of the associated risks or costs of dealing with the raw leaf. ‡

Mulberry isn't the only natural botanical that is known to support overall health. Other ingredients like L-lysine, ginseng, elderberry, or astragalus are also often used to make supplements that support immune health and digestive function. ‡

Natural Cure Labs' Level Off is formulated with various plant extracts backed by scientific research that can help support healthy glucose levels in healthy individuals associated with consuming carbs and sugar. With white mulberry leaf extract (containing standardized 1-Deoxynojirimycin [DNJ]), along with citrus bioflavonoids and cinnamon extract, Level Off offers a clean label way to access these intriguing ingredients. ‡

Potential Health Benefits of Mulberry Leaf

Research suggests that mulberry leaves may have certain benefits.

Mulberry Leaf Extract for Blood Sugar Health

Studies show that mulberry leaf extract may be able to support healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. ¹¹

Mulberry leaf extract also contains compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) that may help regulate healthy blood sugar. DNJ seems to prevent the absorption of carbohydrates in your gut and can help manage insulin levels that are already in a healthy range. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and the levels of insulin or its actions are altered in people with diabetes. ³ ¹² ¹³ 

It’s important to note that mulberry leaf extract is not a substitute for diabetes medications, as it doesn’t have a strong enough effect to normalize insulin levels that have been altered by diabetes.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Some studies suggest that mulberry leaves have other potential benefits.

• Can promote heart health. Mulberry leaves may be able to support healthy blood pressure levels and inflammation levels. ¹¹ ¹⁴ ¹⁵
• Can affect skin tone. Some in-vitro (test-tube) research shows that mulberry leaves can help even skin tone. ¹⁶
• Can support weight management. Rodent studies note that mulberry leaf extract can help support weight management via fat burning. ¹⁷

If you are considering taking mulberry extract, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking any medications or have a health condition. Though mulberry leaf is considered safe, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking mulberry leaf due to insufficient safety research. ¹⁸

Keep Reading: Lauric Acid: Potential Health Benefits, Sources, Uses, And More

--

References

1. the biostation. 92% of the U.S. Population has Vitamin Deficiency. Are You One of Them? Retrieved from https://thebiostation.com/bioblog/do-you-have-vitamin-deficiency on May 23, 2024.
2. Kiani, A. K., Dhuli, K., Donato, K., Aquilanti, B., Velluti, V., Matera, G., Iaconelli, A., Connelly, S. T., Bellinato, F., Gisondi, P., & Bertelli, M. (2022). Main nutritional deficiencies. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, 63(2 Suppl 3), E93–E101. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2752
3. Lown, M., Fuller, R., Lightowler, H., Fraser, A., Gallagher, A., Stuart, B., Byrne, C., & Lewith, G. (2017). Mulberry-extract improves glucose tolerance and decreases insulin concentrations in normoglycaemic adults: Results of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. PloS one, 12(2), e0172239. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172239
4. Chan, E. W., Lye, P. Y., & Wong, S. K. (2016). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials of Morus alba. Chinese journal of natural medicines, 14(1), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1009.2016.00017
5. Srivastava, S., Kapoor, R., Thathola, A., & Srivastava, R. P. (2006). Nutritional quality of leaves of some genotypes of mulberry (Morus alba). International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 57(5-6), 305–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637480600801837
6. Huang, H. P., Ou, T. T., & Wang, C. J. (2013). Mulberry (桑葚子 sang shèn zǐ) and its bioactive compounds, the chemoprevention effects and molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 3(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.4103/2225-4110.106535
7. Liu, C. H., Liu, F., & Xiong, L. (2023). Medicinal parts of mulberry (leaf, twig, root bark, and fruit) and compounds thereof are excellent traditional Chinese medicines and foods for diabetes mellitus. Journal of Functional Foods, Vol. 106, July 2023, 105619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105619
8. University of Redlands. White Mulberry. Retrieved from https://sites.redlands.edu/trees/species-accounts/whitemulberry/ on May 23, 2024.
9. Thaipitakwong, T., Numhom, S., & Aramwit, P. (2018). Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy. Pharmaceutical biology, 56(1), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2018.1424210
10. Gai, Y. P., Zhao, Y. N., Zhao, H. N., Yuan, C. Z., Yuan, S. S., Li, S., Zhu, B. S., & Ji, X. L. (2017). The Latex Protein MLX56 from Mulberry (Morus multicaulis) Protects Plants against Insect Pests and Pathogens. Frontiers in plant science, 8, 1475. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.01475
11. Chan, E. W., Lye, P. Y., & Wong, S. K. (2016). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials of Morus alba. Chinese journal of natural medicines, 14(1), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1009.2016.00017
12. Jiang, Y. G., Wang, C. Y., Jin, C., Jia, J. Q., Guo, X., Zhang, G. Z., & Gui, Z. Z. (2014). Improved 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) production in mulberry leaves fermented by microorganism. Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology], 45(2), 721–729. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1517-83822014000200048
13. Riche, D. M., Riche, K. D., East, H. E., Barrett, E. K., & May, W. L. (2017). Impact of mulberry leaf extract on type 2 diabetes (Mul-DM): A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Complementary therapies in medicine, 32, 105–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.04.006
14. Aramwit, P., Petcharat, K., & Supasyndh, O. (2011). Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 25(3), 365–369. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3270
15. Kojima, Y., Kimura, T., Nakagawa, K., Asai, A., Hasumi, K., Oikawa, S., & Miyazawa, T. (2010). Effects of mulberry leaf extract rich in 1-deoxynojirimycin on blood lipid profiles in humans. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 47(2), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.10-53
16. de Freitas, M. M., Fontes, P. R., Souza, P. M., William Fagg, C., Neves Silva Guerra, E., de Medeiros Nóbrega, Y. K., Silveira, D., Fonseca-Bazzo, Y., Simeoni, L. A., Homem-de-Mello, M., & Oliveira Magalhães, P. (2016). Extracts of Morus nigra L. Leaves Standardized in Chlorogenic Acid, Rutin and Isoquercitrin: Tyrosinase Inhibition and Cytotoxicity. PloS one, 11(9), e0163130. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0163130
17. Sheng, Y., , Liu, J., , Zheng, S., , Liang, F., , Luo, Y., , Huang, K., , Xu, W., , & He, X., (2019). Mulberry leaves ameliorate obesity through enhancing brown adipose tissue activity and modulating gut microbiota. Food & function, 10(8), 4771–4781. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9fo00883g
18. Li, Y., Zhang, X., Liang, C., Hu, J., & Yu, Z. (2018). Safety evaluation of mulberry leaf extract: Acute, subacute toxicity and genotoxicity studies. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 95, 220–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.03.007

‡ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

--

Natural Cure Labs provides dietary supplements made from naturally derived ingredients. Our research-backed products contain premium botanicals and antioxidants that encourage healthy living and holistic wellness. Each high-quality product comes with a Clean Label that certifies our commitment to quality, transparency, and research. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.