Skip to main content

White Mulberry

Scientific Name(s): Morus alba L.
Common Name(s): Common mulberry, Mulberry, Pawi bush, Silkworm mulberry, White mulberry

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 22, 2024.

Clinical Overview

Use

White mulberry plant components have traditionally been used for various conditions. Clinical studies have investigated potential cardiovascular, antidiabetic, and dermatologic effects. However, clinical trial data are lacking to recommend white mulberry for any indication.

Dosing

Results from a small study evaluating effects on mild dyslipidemia suggest a dosage of approximately 1 g of white mulberry leaf powder tablets 3 times a day before meals. In a small study summarized in a review, encapsulated mulberry leaf powder at a dosage of 1 g 3 times a day (after meals) for 30 days was used to evaluate hypolipidemic effects of M. alba in patients with type 2 diabetes. White mulberry is available in numerous dose forms and marketed as a product for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and supporting cardiovascular health.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of white mulberry.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

The pollen extract may cause airborne contact urticaria. Patients with nasobronchial allergies may be sensitive to the pollen extract. In one clinical study, some patients experienced mild diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, and bloating.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

Botany

The genus Morus is widely distributed throughout the world and cultivated in many regions of Asia for silk production. Mulberry is the primary food source for silkworms. White mulberry is a medium-sized, monoecious, deciduous tree growing to 30 m in height and 1.8 m in width in both temperate and tropical areas. The leaves are ovately shaped and may be lobed or unlobed. White mulberry fruit is white to pinkish in color, in contrast to red or black fruits in most other Morus species.(Awasthi 2004, Kumar 2008)

History

Medicinal use of the leaves, root bark, branches, and fruits of white mulberry is documented in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Use in Chinese medicine dates back to AD 659. Mulberry juice is an official product of the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The root bark has cathartic and anthelmintic properties and is bitter in taste. The root juice is believed to agglutinate the blood and also to kill worms in the digestive system. The stem bark has purgative and vermifuge properties. The leaves have diaphoretic and emollient properties, and the leaf juice has been used to prevent throat infections and inflammation. The fruit juice has a cooling and laxative property and is used to treat fevers, colds, diarrhea, malaria, amoebiasis, constipation, and intestinal worms (eg, tapeworm).(Kumar 2008, Yamatake 1976)

The fruits may be eaten fresh and are used in juice, preserves, and stews(Lentini 2007); they may also be fermented into a sweet and sour wine. White mulberry leaves are used in animal feed for sheep, goats, and cattle.(Kandylis 2009) Mulberries are used in syrup preparations as well as to flavor and color medicines.

Chemistry

Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins have been isolated from white mulberry.(Butt 2008)

On a dry-weight basis, white mulberry leaves contain 15% to 30% protein, 2% to 8% fat, 10% to 14% crude fiber, 28% to 44% dietary fiber, and 11% to 17% ash content.(Butt 2008) The proteins in mulberry leaves are used with wheat flour to make bread in India. The leaves also contain ascorbic acid, beta carotenes, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium.(Butt 2008) Sialic acid–binding lectins, MLL 1 and MLL 2, have been purified from the leaves of white mulberry and may be involved in defense against pathogens.(Ratanapo 1998) The leaves also contain several antioxidative flavonoids including quercetin.(Kim 1999b) Many antioxidant phenolic compounds and moracins have been identified, with the highest concentrations reported in the leaves and roots.(Chon 2009, Yang 2010b) Chalcone derivatives isolated from the leaves have moderate cytotoxic activity.(Yang 2010c)

Linoleic (57%) and palmitic (22%) acids are the dominant fatty acids in white mulberry fruits. The fruit also contains 1.1% total fat. Moisture content of the fruit is 72%; total soluble solids content of M. alba is 20.4%, acidity is 0.25%, pH is 5.6, and ascorbic acid is 22.4 mg per 100 g. A total of 10 mineral elements were identified in white mulberry fruits, with potassium having the highest concentration.(Ercisli 2007) Several alkaloids and amino acids have been isolated.(Kusano 2002) The fruit is also rich in anthocyanins, which may be used for commercial production as a natural red food colorant.(Liu 2004)

Stilbenes, flavonoids, benzofuran derivatives, and coumarins have been isolated from the bark. Mulberroside A, a stilbene derivative, has antitussive and antiasthmatic activity.(Piao 2009) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been documented for mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol.(Butt 2008, Chung 2003) Kuwanon C and G have antibacterial activity,(Butt 2008, Park 2003) while kuwanons G and H have hypotensive activity.(Nomura 2009) Flavonoids from the root bark have antiviral activity,(Du 2003) and a flavanone glycoside(Zhang 2009b) has exhibited anticancer activity.

Uses and Pharmacology

Allergic reactions

In vitro data

Pretreatment with a white mulberry root bark extract inhibited induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells.(Chai 2005)

Antibacterial activity

In vitro data

Antibacterial activity is associated with kuwanon C, mulberrofuran G, and albanol B from mulberry leaves, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 5 to 30 mg/mL.(Butt 2008, Kumar 2008) Chloroform mulberry extracts have antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, and acetic acid extracts have activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Chemical constituents (eg, morusin, kuwanon C, sanggenon B and D) from the bark have activity against S. aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, B. subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and mold species. Kuwanon G from a leaf methanol extract had an MIC (8 mg/mL) against the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans; the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus sobrinus; Streptococcus sanguis; and Porpyromonas gingivalis, which causes periodontitis.(Park 2003) At a concentration of 20 mcg/mL, kuwanon G completely inactivated S. mutans in 1 minute. Similar studies of other isolated leaf compounds showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans.(Islam 2008)

Anti-inflammatory activity

Animal and in vitro data

Reduction in carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats via anti-inflammatory activity of mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol from the root bark has been documented.(Chung 2003) A white mulberry leaf methanol extract and its fractions inhibited the inflammatory mediators nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and cytokines in a mouse macrophage cell line.(Choi 2005) In a study in immobilized rats, antioxidants in white mulberry leaf extracts protected rat organ tissues (eg, liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, spleen) against inflammation and peroxidation induced by stress; the antioxidants were more effective than pure rutin, with adrenal glands appearing to be the primary target organs of the antioxidants.(Lee 2007)

Antioxidant activity

In vitro data

The numerous flavonoids(Kim 1999b) from mulberry leaves and the phenols(Chon 2009) from the roots, branches, and fruits all have free radical–scavenging properties. Mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol show inhibitory activity against induced lipid peroxidation in rat microsomes and free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.(Butt 2008) The DPPH scavenging activity is associated with caffeoylquinic acids in immature white mulberry fruits and with anthocyanins in mature white mulberry fruits.(Oki 2006) In a study examining the cardioprotective effect of plant extracts, a white mulberry water extract increased the concentration that inhibits 50% (IC50) of doxorubicin (P<0.05 vs control) in a dose-dependent manner.(Wattanapitayakul 2005)

Antiviral data

In vitro data

Leachianone G from the root bark showed potent antiviral activity (IC50, 1.6 mcg/mL) against herpes simplex type 1 virus.(Du 2003) Kuwanon H has been reported to exhibit activity against HIV, and other Morus species flavonoids have inhibited respiratory syncytial virus and adenoviruses.(Thabti 2020) Antiviral activity of extracts from the stem bark of M. alba var. alba, M. alba var. rosea, and Morus rubra ranged from 34% to 45% against human coronavirus 229E, while inhibitory effects of the leaf extract ranged from 67% to 100%. However, no significant inhibition was found against 4 nonenveloped human viruses (ie, poliovirus 1, parechovirus 1 and 3, echovirus 11). Kuwanon G at a concentration of 10 mcg/mL reduced the coronavirus 229E cytopathic effect to 2%.(Thabti 2020)

Anxiety

Animal data

In various animal models of anxiety, white mulberry leaf extracts showed anxiolytic and muscle relaxant activities based on exploratory behavior.(Yadav 2008a)

Cancer

In vitro data

Anti-cancer activity via induction of apoptosis and inhibition of migration and invasion has been demonstrated with M. alba in various human cancer cell lines, including colorectal, lung, leukocytes.(Chen 2006, Park 2021, Skupień 2008) The anthocyanins cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside from white mulberry inhibited the migration and invasion of highly metastatic A549 human lung carcinoma cells.(Chen 2006) Anticancer activity may be associated with decreased expression of matrix matalloprotinase-2 and urokinase-plasminogen activator and enhanced expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix matalloprotinase-2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor. A prenylated flavanone isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of white mulberry root exerted cytotoxic activity against rat hepatoma cells, with an IC50 of 52.8 mg/mL.(Butt 2008) A white mulberry root bark extract exhibited cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting microtubule assembly on K-562, B380 human leukemia cells and B16 mouse melanoma cells.(Nam 2002) In another in vitro study, white mulberry leaf extracts inhibited the growth of HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia and multidrug-resistant HL60 cells (HL60/VINC and HL60/DOX).(Skupień 2008) The anthocyanins from the fruit controlled tumor metastasis and motility of a melanoma murine cancer cell line by inhibiting tumor cell migration and metastasis, as well as tissue invasion of tumor cells; by inhibiting signaling pathways; and by decreasing DNA binding to nuclear factor kappa-B and AP-1.(Huang 2008) Albanol A from the root bark of white mulberry induced apoptosis in HL60 cells. Albanol A showed potent DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity (IC50, 22.8 mcM) similar to that of the control etoposide (IC50, 34.5 mcM), which may trigger apoptosis of HL60 cells.(Kikuchi 2010)

Cardiovascular disease

Several mechanisms of action may be involved with the effects of white mulberry leaf tablet therapy on lipid profiles, including the following: regulation of hepatic gene expression involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism; reduction of plasma glucose levels by 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) (isolated from the leaves), resulting in decreased fatty acid influx to the liver from adipose tissue and decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels; and anti-atherosclerotic effects of leaf flavonoids.(Chan 2016)

Animal and in vitro data

White mulberry leaf extracts suppressed gene expression of proinflammatory stimuli in vascular endothelial cells.(Shibata 2007) A leaf ethyl acetate extract exhibited dual vasoactive effects on rat aorta.(Xia 2008) Relaxation of the aorta was caused by inhibition of voltage- and receptor-dependent calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells and contraction of the aorta through activation of ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The leaf extracts may also inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, protein expression and phosphorylation, and signaling pathways in rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.(Chan 2009)

Dietary consumption of white mulberry leaf (containing quercetin) reduced atherosclerotic lesion development in LDL receptor–deficient mice by increasing LDL resistance to oxidative modification.(Enkhmaa 2005) Supplementation of white mulberry methanol root bark extract (500 mg/kg/day for 15 days) in cholesterol-fed rats resulted in decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as improved HDL cholesterol.(El-Beshbishy 2006) White mulberry fruit extracts also improved the lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats(Yang 2010a) and in hamsters fed a high-cholesterol diet.(Liu 2009) The hypolipidemic activity is associated with enhanced hepatic LDL receptor expression, which improves clearance of LDL and decreases lipid biosynthesis. Liver lipid accumulation was suppressed in rats administered either DNJ or white mulberry extract enriched in DNJ.(Tsuduki 2009) Similar results were observed with mulberry leaf extract in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rat model in which triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly decreased compared with controls. Hepatic tissue morphology of the mulberry group was similar to that of the positive control, fenofibrate.(Hu 2020)

Clinical data

Twenty-three patients meeting National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III criteria guidelines for dyslipidemia received three 280 mg white mulberry leaf tablets (each containing 254.8 mg of mulberry leaf powder) 3 times a day before meals for 12 weeks. Lipid profiles and liver function tests were performed every 4 weeks. At 4 and 8 weeks, triglycerides were reduced by 10.2% and 12.5%, respectively, compared with baseline. At conclusion of the study, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL had decreased by 4.9%, 14.1%, and 5.6%, respectively, and HDL increased by 19.7% when compared with baseline. Results suggest consumption of 1 g of white mulberry leaf tablets (1.3 mg of DNJ) 3 times a day before meals may be effective for mild dyslipidemia.(Aramwit 2011)

In a small study summarized in a review, mulberry leaf powder 3 g/day for 30 days significantly improved serum cholesterol, LDL, very low–density lipoprotein, and HDL in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas these lipid parameters were not significantly changed in patients who received glibenclamide (glyburide) 5 mg/day.(Chan 2016)

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluating effects of mulberry leaves (at any dose and formulation) on blood glucose and lipids, 2 of the 4 studies (n=158) that reported on lipids used mulberry in a combination product. Therefore, reported effects from the meta-analysis regarding LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides cannot be solely attributed to mulberry. Individual studies reporting on these outcomes showed equivocal results or no difference between treatment groups. No difference was found between groups in the relative risk of adverse events. Participants included both healthy individuals and those with dyslipidemia.(Phimarn 2017)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

In rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, a dose of 600 mg/kg/day of 70% white mulberry alcohol bark extract over 10 consecutive days reduced serum glucose by 41% and increased serum insulin by 44%.(Singab 2005) The bark extract may reduce lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in pancreatic beta cells. The glycoprotein moran 20K from a white mulberry aqueous methanolic root bark extract lowered blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The amino acid composition of moran 20K is similar to that of insulin, as it contains more than 20% serine and cysteine.(Kim 1999a) In vivo, hypoglycemic activity was documented for moracin M, steppogenin-4′-O-beta-D-glucosiade, and mullberroside A, which are common types of benzofurans, flavanones, and stilbene glycosides in white mulberry root bark.(Zhang 2009a)

In another study of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, white mulberry aqueous leaf extract decreased nitric oxide synthase expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting a role in reducing the desire for food under diabetic conditions.(Jang 2002) DNJ from mulberry leaves has also competitively inhibited human and rat small intestinal disaccharidase activity of sucrase, maltase, and isomaltase.(Oku 2006) A white mulberry ethanol leaf extract reduced glucose levels in diabetic rats by increasing glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 translocation in adipose tissue.(Naowaboot 2008) A similar study documented improved postprandial hyperglycemia with white mulberry leaf administration in rats, possibly by inhibiting glucose transport and alpha-glucosidase at the gut brush border.(Park 2009) Antioxidant activity of white mulberry leaf may restore free radical–induced vascular dysfunction in diabetic rats.(Naowaboot 2009) In rat skeleton muscle, a white mulberry leaf extract stimulated 5-adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK), a major signaling pathway in exercise-stimulated, insulin-independent glucose transport in skeletal muscle.(Ma 2009) Dietary supplementation of purified quercetin from white mulberry leaves in obese mice led to improved plasma glucose levels and reduced oxidative stress in the liver.(Katsube 2010)

Clinical data

In a study in healthy volunteers, a single oral dose of DNJ-enriched powder 0.8 g or 1.2 g suppressed the elevation of postprandial blood glucose and the secretion of insulin.(Kimura 2007) A similar study documented a ratio of 1:10 white mulberry leaf extract to sucrose in suppressing postprandial blood glucose and insulin.(Nakamura 2009) A review of 2 small trials (N=20 in each) reported significant improvements in acute blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of single doses of mulberry leaf extract 1 g or 3.3 g compared with controls.(Chan 2016) In obese patients with impaired glucose metabolism enrolled in a randomized controlled study (N=85), administration of 4.6 g of mulberry leaf powder (12 mg of DNJ) 3 times daily for 12 weeks in combination with nutritional counselling resulted in no significant difference in blood glucose compared with nutritional counselling alone. Mulberry supplementation did result in improvements from baseline for fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance; however, no between-group statistics were provided.(Thaipitakwong 2020)

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials using mulberry leaves (at any dose and formulation) for managing blood glucose and lipids identified 13 studies (N=436) that met inclusion criteria. Pooled data from 7 studies (n=228) revealed significantly lower postprandial glucose levels for mulberry compared with controls at 30, 60, and 90 minutes (P<0.00001, P<0.0001, and P<0.001, respectively) but not at 120 minutes. Heterogeneity was high for all 4 time periods. Unfortunately, 3 of the 13 studies used multiherbal products and no subgroup analysis was conducted to exclude these studies; therefore, reported effects from the meta-analysis regarding fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, or insulin resistance cannot be solely attributed to mulberry. Individual studies reporting on these outcomes found equivocal results or no difference between treatment groups. No difference was found between groups in the relative risk of adverse events. Participants included healthy individuals and those with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes.(Phimarn 2017)

Gout

Animal and in vitro data

In a study of rats with oxonate-induced hyperuricemia, morin from white mulberry (concentration of 80 mg/kg) exhibited a hypouricemic action and inhibited xanthine oxidase.(Yu 2006) The inhibitory activity on urate uptake in rat renal brush border membrane vesicles was more potent than that of the prescription agent probenecid. Morin exhibited similar activity on urate transport in human kidney cells.(Yu 2007)

Neurodegenerative diseases

Animal and in vitro data

In order to provide a pharmacological basis for neuroprotective actions of enhanced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation in mulberry leaves against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo, a process was developed to enhance the accumulation of GABA in mulberry leaves via various anaerobic treatments; results suggest that anaerobic treatment of mulberry leaves enhances neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia.(Kang 2006) in vivo and in vitro Parkinson disease models suggest protective effects of an ethanol extract of mulberry fruit against neurotoxicity.(Kim 2010) White mulberry leaf extracts have antidopaminergic activity mediated through dopamine D2 receptors, as documented by reduced haloperidol- and metoclopramide-induced catalepsy in mice, blocking of amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior (such as schizophrenia), and increased sensitivity to barbiturates.(Nade 2010, Yadav 2008b) Metabolites of M. alba root bark, also known as Diels-Alder type adducts, have demonstrated not only modulation of dopaminergic receptors but also mild to moderate inhibition of both monoamine oxidase types A and B enzymes in vitro.(Paudel 2019)

Obesity

Animal data

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is involved in feeding and energy metabolism. In a study in diet-induced obese mice, white mulberry leaf extract exhibited an MCH1 receptor antagonistic effect, resulting in decreases in body weight and adiposity, food intake, and hepatic lipid accumulation.(Oh 2009)

Osteoarthritis

Animal and in vitro data

In an osteoarthritis mouse model, administration of the flavonoid morusin, derived from the root bark of M. alba, reversed severe cartilage erosion and destruction. In vitro experiments pointed to attenuation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 expression, protection against interleukin 1-beta–induced collagen degradation, and suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B signaling.(Jia 2020)

Skin tone

In vitro data

Because tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis, tyrosinase inhibitors may improve the appearance of skin by preventing the overproduction of melanin.(Butt 2008) Betulinic acid from white mulberry extracts showed anti-inflammatory and antityrosinase activities in vitro.(Nattapong 2008, Smit 2009) A white mulberry leaf methanol extract containing mulberroside F inhibited tyrosinase activity and exhibited superoxide scavenging activity.(Lee 2002)

Clinical data

In a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (N=50), administration of topical mulberry 75% extract (in coconut oil base) to hyperpigmented facial lesions appeared to be a safe and effective treatment in lightening melasma (P<0.05). The extract or placebo (coconut oil) was applied twice daily for 8 weeks, 30 minutes prior to applying SPF 30 sunscreen.(Alvin 2011)

In a randomized clinical trial, an over-the-counter cosmetic product containing white mulberry improved the appearance of facial wrinkles by restoring fibrillin-1.(Watson 2009)

Sleep

Animal data

M. alba leaf extract significantly reduced mean onset of sleep time and mean sleeping time in rats compared to controls (P<0.001) but was less effective than diazepam.(Rayam 2022)

Snake venom

In vitro data

White mulberry leaf extract completely blocked in vitro proteolytic and hyaluronolytic activities of Vipera/Daboia russelii venom, which protected against tissue degradation. The extract also neutralized the edema, hemorrhage, and myonecrotic activities of the venom. Procoagulant activity was partially inhibited, while complete inhibition was attained against degradation of A-alpha chain of human fibrinogen.(Chandrashekara 2009)

Stress

Animal data

An animal study reported that white mulberry root extract may have adaptogenic effects against induced neurological, behavioral, and biochemical changes due to long-term stress.(Nade 2009)

Dosing

Results from a small study evaluating effects on mild dyslipidemia suggest a dosage of approximately 1 g of white mulberry leaf powder tablets (1.3 mg of DNJ) 3 times a day before meals.(Aramwit 2011) In a small study summarized in a review, encapsulated mulberry leaf powder at a dosage of 1 g 3 times a day (after meals) for 30 days was used to evaluate hypolipidemic effects of M. alba in patients with type 2 diabetes.(Chan 2016) White mulberry is available in numerous dose forms and is marketed as a product for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and supporting cardiovascular health.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Avoid use in individuals hypersensitive to any component of white mulberry. The pollen extract may cause airborne contact urticaria.(Kumar 2008) Patients with nasobronchial allergies may be sensitive to the pollen extract.(Prasad 2009) One clinical study found that some patients experienced mild diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, and bloating.(Aramwit 2011)

Toxicology

No deaths were associated with 2 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg doses in animal toxicity studies. High doses produced depression of locomotor activity, decreased alertness, passivity, and abnormal gait in mice.(Yamatake 1976)

References

Disclaimer

This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.

This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.

More about white mulberry

Related treatment guides

Alvin G, Catambay N, Vergara A, Jamora MJ. A comparative study of the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry (Morus alba) extract oil versus placebo as a topical treatment for melasma: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(9):1025-1031.22052272
Aramwit P, Petcharat K, Supasyndh O. Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia. Phytother Res. 2011;25(3):365-369.20687135
Awasthi AK, Nagaraja GM, Naik GV, Kanginakudru S, Thangavelu K, Nagaraju J. Genetic diversity and relationships in mulberry (genus Morus) as revealed by RAPD and ISSR marker assays. BMC Genet. 2004;5:1.14715088
Butt M, Nazir A, Tauseef Sultan M, Schroën K. Morus alba L. nature's functional tonic. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2008;19(10):505-512.
Chai OH, Lee MS, Han EH, Kim HT, Song CH. Inhibitory effects of Morus alba on compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reactions and anti-chicken gamma globulin IgE-mediated mast cell activation. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005;28(10):1852-1858.16204934
Chan EW, Lye PY, Wong SK. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials of Morus alba. Chin J Nat Med. 2016;14(1):17-30. doi:10.3724/SP.J.1009.2016.0001726850343
Chan KC, Ho HH, Huang CN, Lin MC, Chen HM, Wang CJ. Mulberry leaf extract inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell migration involving a block of small GTPase and Akt/NF-kappaB signals. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(19):9147-9153.19761240
Chandrashekara KT, Nagaraju S, Nandini SU; Basavaiah, Kemparaju K. Neutralization of local and systemic toxicity of Daboia russelii venom by Morus alba plant leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2009;23(8):1082-1087.19235141
Chen PN, Chu SC, Chiou HL, Kuo WH, Chiang CL, Hsieh YS. Mulberry anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, exhibited an inhibitory effect on the migration and invasion of a human lung cancer cell line. Cancer Lett. 2006;235(2):248-259.15975709
Choi EM, Hwang JK. Effects of Morus alba leaf extract on the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages. Fitoterapia. 2005;76(7-8):608-613.16229967
Chon SU, Kim YM, Park YJ, Heo BG, Park YS, Gorinstein S. Antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of methanol extracts from raw and fermented parts of mulberry plant (Morus alba L.). Eur Food Res Technol. 2009;230(2):231-237.
Chung KO, Kim BY, Lee MH, et al. In-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect of oxyresveratrol from Morus alba L. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003;55(12):1695-1700.14738598
Du J, He ZD, Jiang RW, Ye WC, Xu HX, But PP. Antiviral flavonoids from the root bark of Morus alba L. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(8):1235-1238.12648543
El-Beshbishy HA, Singab AN, Sinkkonen J, Pihlaja K. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Morus alba L. (Egyptian mulberry) root bark fractions supplementation in cholesterol-fed rats. Life Sci. 2006;78(23):2724-2733.16313926
Enkhmaa B, Shiwaku K, Katsube T, et al. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves and their major flavonol quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) attenuate atherosclerotic lesion development in LDL receptor-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2005;135(4):729-734.15795425
Ercisli S, Orhan E. Chemical composition of white (Morus alba), red (Morus rubra) and black (Morus nigra) mulberry fruits. Food Chem. 2007;103(4):1380-1384.
Hu Y, Xu J, Chen Q, et al. Regulation effects of total flavonoids in Morus alba L. on hepatic cholesterol disorders in orotic acid induced NAFLD rats. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):257. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03052-w32807146
Huang HP, Shih YW, Chang YC, Hung CN, Wang CJ. Chemoinhibitory effect of mulberry anthocyanins on melanoma metastasis involved in the Ras/PI3K pathway. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(19):9286-9293.18767864
Islam B, Khan SN, Haque I, Alam M, Mushfiq M, Khan AU. Novel anti-adherence activity of mulberry leaves: inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilm by 1-deoxynojirimycin isolated from Morus alba. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008;62(4):751-757.18565974
Jang MH, Kim H, Shin MC, et al. Administration of Folium mori extract decreases nitric oxide synthase expression in the hypothalamus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Jpn J Pharmacol. 2002;90(2):189-192.12419890
Jia Y, He W, Zhang H, et al. Morusin ameliorates IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation and osteoarthritis via NF-κB signal pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020;14:1227-1240. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S24446232273685
Kandylis K, Hadjigeorgiou I, Harizanis P. The nutritive value of mulberry leaves (Morus alba) as a feed supplement for sheep. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2009;41(1):17-24.19052898
Kang TH, Oh HR, Jung SM, et al. Enhancement of neuroprotection of mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) prepared by the anaerobic treatment against ischemic damage. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006;29(2):270-274.16462030
Katsube T, Yamasaki M, Shiwaku K, et al. Effect of flavonol glycoside in mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf on glucose metabolism and oxidative stress in liver in diet-induced obese mice. J Sci Food Agric. 2010;90(14):2386-2392.20648552
Kikuchi T, Nihei M, Nagai H, et al. Albanol A from the root bark of Morus alba L. induces apoptotic cell death in HL60 human leukemia cell line. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2010;58(4):568-571.20410645
Kim ES, Park SJ, Lee EJ, Kim BK, Huh H, Lee BJ. Purification and characterization of Moran 20K from Morus alba. Arch Pharm Res. 1999;22(1):9-12.10071952
Kim HG, Ju MS, Shim JS, et al. Mulberry fruit protects dopaminergic neurons in toxin-induced Parkinson's disease models. Br J Nutr. 2010;104(1):8-16.20187987
Kim SY, Gao JJ, Lee WC, Ryu KS, Lee KR, Kim YC. Antioxidative flavonoids from the leaves of Morus alba. Arch Pharm Res. 1999;22(1):81-85.10071966
Kimura T, Nakagawa K, Kubota H, et al. Food-grade mulberry powder enriched with 1-deoxynojirimycin suppresses the elevation of postprandial blood glucose in humans. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(14):5869-5874.17555327
Kumar V, Chauhan S. Mulberry: life enhancer. J Med Plant Res. 2008;2(10):271-278.
Kusano G, Orihara S, Tsukamoto D, et al. Five new nortropane alkaloids and six new amino acids from the fruit of Morus alba LINNE growing in Turkey. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2002;50(2):185-192.11848207
Lee CY, Cheng HM, Sim SM. Mulberry leaves protect rat tissues from immobilization stress-induced inflammation. Biofactors. 2007;31(1):25-33.18806306
Lee SH, Choi SY, Kim H, et al. Mulberroside F isolated from the leaves of Morus alba inhibits melanin biosynthesis. Biol Pharm Bull. 2002;25(8):1045-1048.12186407
Lentini F, Venza F. Wild food plants of popular use in Sicily. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2007;3:15.17397527
Liu LK, Chou FP, Chen YC, Chyau CC, Ho HH, Wang CJ. Effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) extracts on lipid homeostasis in vitro and in vivo. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(16):7605-7611.19630385
Liu X, Xiao G, Chen W, Xu Y, Wu J. Quantification and purification of mulberry anthocyanins with macroporous resins. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2004;2004(5):326-331.15577197
Ma X, Iwanaka N, Masuda S, et al. Morus alba leaf extract stimulates 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase in isolated rat skeletal muscle. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(1):54-59.19101621
Nade VS, Kawale LA, Naik RA, Yadav AV. Adaptogenic effect of Morus alba on chronic footshock-induced stress in rats. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009;41(6):246-251.20407553
Nade VS, Kawale LA, Yadav AV. Protective effect of Morus alba leaves on haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and oxidative stress. Pharm Biol. 2010;48(1):17-22.20645751
Nakamura M, Nakamura S, Oku T. Suppressive response of confections containing the extractive from leaves of Morus alba on postprandial blood glucose and insulin in healthy human subjects. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2009;6:29.19602243
Nam SY, Yi HK, Lee JC, et al. Cortex mori extract induces cancer cell apoptosis through inhibition of microtubule assembly. Arch Pharm Res. 2002;25(2):191-196.12009034
Naowaboot J, Pannangpetch P, Kukongviriyapan V, Kukongviriyapan U. Ethanolic extract of Morus alba Linn. leaf increases glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 translocation in adipose cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2008;79(suppl 1):S108.
Naowaboot J, Pannangpetch P, Kukongviriyapan V, Kukongviriyapan U, Nakmareong S, Itharat A. Mulberry leaf extract restores arterial pressure in streptozotocin-induced chronic diabetic rats. Nutr Res. 2009;29(8):602-608.19761895
Nattapong S, Omboon L. A new source of whitening agent from a Thai Mulberry plant and its betulinic acid quantitation. Nat Prod Res. 2008;22(9):727-734.18569714
Nomura T, Hano Y, Fukai T. Chemistry and biosynthesis of isoprenylated flavonoids from Japanese mulberry tree. Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci. 2009;85(9):391-408.19907125
Oh KS, Ryu SY, Lee S, et al. Melanin-concentrating hormone-1 receptor antagonism and anti-obesity effects of ethanolic extract from Morus alba leaves in diet-induced obese mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(2):216-220.19330910
Oki T, Kobayashi M, Nakamura T, et al. Changes in radical scavenging activity and components of mulberry fruit during maturation. J Food Sci. 2006;71(1):C18-C22.
Oku T, Yamada M, Nakamura M, Sadamori N, Nakamura S. Inhibitory effects of extractives from leaves of Morus alba on human and rat small intestinal disaccharidase activity. Br J Nutr. 2006;95(5):933-938.16611383
Park JM, Bong HY, Jeong HI, Kim YK, Kim JY, Kwon O. Postprandial hypoglycemic effect of mulberry leaf in Goto-Kakizaki rats and counterpart control Wistar rats. Nutr Res Pract. 2009;3(4):272-278.20098579
Park HJ, Park SH. Root bark of Morus alba L. induced p53-independent apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells by suppression of STAT3 activity. [published online ahead of print, 2021 Sep 17]. Nutr Cancer. 2021;1-12. doi:10.1080/01635581.2021.196844434533079
Park KM, You JS, Lee HY, Baek NI, Hwang JK. Kuwanon G: an antibacterial agent from the root bark of Morus alba against oral pathogens. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;84(2-3):181-185.12648813
Paudel P, Park SE, Seong SH, Jung HA, Choi JS. Novel Diels-Alder type adducts from Morus alba root bark targeting human monoamine oxidase and dopaminergic receptors for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(24):6232. doi:10.3390/ijms2024623231835621
Phimarn W, Wichaiyo K, Silpsavikul K, Sungthong B, Saramunee K. A meta-analysis of efficacy of Morus alba Linn. to improve blood glucose and lipid profile. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(4):1509-1521. doi:10.1007/s00394-016-1197-x26972284
Piao SJ, Qui F, Chen LX, Pan Y, Dou DQ. New stilbene, benzofuran, and coumarin glycosides from Morus alba. Helv Chim Acta. 2009;92(3):579-587.
Prasad R, Verma SK, Dua R, Kant S, Kushwaha RA, Agarwal SP. A study of skin sensitivity to various allergens by skin prick test in patients of nasobronchial allergy. Lung India. 2009;26(3):70-73.20442839
Ratanapo S, Ngamjunyaporn W, Chulavatnatol M. Sialic acid binding lectins from leaf of mulberry (Morus alba). Plant Sci. 1998;139(2):141-148.
Rayam S, Bl K, Jonnalagadda R, Nallabothula RK. To evaluate the effect of Morus alba leaves extract on sleep and anxiety in rat models. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2022;15(1):100-102. doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2022v15i1.43569
Shibata Y, Kume N, Arai H, et al. Mulberry leaf aqueous fractions inhibit TNF-alpha-induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression in vascular endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis. 2007;193(1):20-27.17055514
Singab AN, El-Beshbishy HA, Yonekawa M, Nomura T, Fukai T. Hypoglycemic effect of Egyptian Morus alba root bark extract: effect on diabetes and lipid peroxidation of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;100(3):333-338.15885940
Skupień K, Kostrzewa-Nowak D, Oszmiański J, Tarasiuk J. In vitro antileukaemic activity of extracts from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx] Elliott) and mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves against sensitive and multidrug resistant HL60 cells. Phytother Res. 2008;22(5):689-694.18350513
Smit N, Vicanova J, Pavel S. The hunt for natural skin whitening agents. Int J Mol Sci. 2009;10(12):5326-5349.20054473
Thabti I, Albert Q, Philippot S, et al. Advances on antiviral activity of Morus spp. plant extracts: human Coronavirus and virus-related respiratory tract infections in the spotlight. Molecules. 2020;25(8):1876. doi:10.3390/molecules2508187632325742
Thaipitakwong T, Supasyndh O, Rasmi Y, Aramwit P. A randomized controlled study of dose-finding, efficacy, and safety of mulberry leaves on glycemic profiles in obese persons with borderline diabetes. Complement Ther Med. 2020;49:102292. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.10229232147046
Tsuduki T, Nakamura Y, Honma T, et al. Intake of 1-deoxynojirimycin suppresses lipid accumulation through activation of the beta-oxidation system in rat liver. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(22):11024-11029.19863049
Watson RE, Ogden S, Cotterell LF, et al. Effects of a cosmetic 'anti-ageing' product improves photoaged skin [corrected]. Br J Dermatol. 2009;161(2):419-426.19438432
Wattanapitayakul SK, Chularojmontri L, Herunsalee A, Charuchongkolwongse S, Niumsakul S, Bauer JA. Screening of antioxidants from medicinal plants for cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin toxicity. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005;96(1):80-87.15667600
Xia M, Qian L, Zhou X, Gao Q, Bruce IC, Xia Q. Endothelium-independent relaxation and contraction of rat aorta induced by ethyl acetate extract from leaves of Morus alba (L.). J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;120(3):442-446.18948182
Yadav AV, Kawale LA, Nade VS. Effect of Morus alba L. (mulberry) leaves on anxiety in mice. Indian J Pharmacol. 2008;40(1):32-36.21264159
Yadav AV, Nade VS. Anti-dopaminergic effect of the methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves. Indian J Pharmacol. 2008;40(5):221-226.20040961
Yamatake Y, Shibata M, Nagai M. Pharmacological studies on root bark of mulberry tree (Morus alba L.). Jpn J Pharmacol. 1976;26(4):461-469.1003702
Yang X, Yang L, Zheng H. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit in hyperlipidaemia rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(8-9):2374-2379.20561945
Yang Y, Gong T, Liu C, Chen RY. Four new 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives from leaves of Morus alba L. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2010;58(2):257-260.20118592
Yang Y, Zhang T, Xiao L, Yang L, Chen R. Two new chalcones from leaves of Morus alba L. Fitoterapia. 2010;81(6):614-616.20211228
Yu Z, Fong WP, Cheng CH. Morin (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) exhibits potent inhibitory actions on urate transport by the human urate anion transporter (hURAT1) expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Drug Metab Dispos. 2007;35(6):981-986.17325024
Yu Z, Fong WP, Cheng CH. The dual actions of morin (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) as a hypouricemic agent: uricosuric effect and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006;316(1):169-175.16169936
Zhang M, Chen M, Zhang HQ, Sun S, Xia B, Wu FH. In vivo hypoglycemic effects of phenolics from the root bark of Morus alba. Fitoterapia. 2009;80(8):475-477.19545615
Zhang M, Wang RR, Chen M, Zhang HQ, Shi S, Zhang LY. A new flavanone glycoside with anti-proliferation activity from the root bark of Morus alba. Chinese J Nat Med. 2009;7(2):105-107.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.