Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
White mulberry (Morus alba) is a leafy tree native to Asia but now found worldwide. Studies indicate that its leaf or fruit extract may have beneficial effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, and more. However, more research is needed to prove these effects.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of White Mulberry
Like many plant-based medicines, people may use white mulberry for several different reasons. But there are several studies assessing white mulberry for the following potential uses.
Diabetes
Several clinical studies suggest that mulberry leaves may affect blood glucose (sugar) levels.And this effect seems to be due to 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), one of the plant chemicals in white mulberry.
You may experience lower postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar within 30 minutes of taking a dose of DNJ-enriched mulberry leaves. A higher amount of DNJ was suggested after eating complex carbohydrates.Examples of foods with complex carbohydrates include:
Participants in a small study also improved insulin with a DNJ dose with every meal.Insulinis a naturally occurring hormone in your body. It generally helps your muscles and fat take in sugar from your diet to use or store as energy.Indiabetes, your body may not be making enough insulin or may not be responding to this hormone. So, there is a buildup of sugar in your body.
Results from another small study also suggested improved after-meal blood sugar levels with DNJ dosed three times daily for 12 weeks.
While these clinical trials are promising, large, well-designed studies are still necessary. Also, it’s essential to focus on eating a balanced diet and getting exercise to improveinsulin sensitivity.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs or supplements if you have diabetes and/or are taking insulin or other blood sugar–lowering medications. Significant side effects can occur when taking blood sugar–lowering herbs or supplements with diabetes medications.
High Cholesterol
One animal study found mulberry leaf extract lowered triglyceride levels. And a combination of mulberry leaf extract and mulberry fruit extract also lowered fasting (before-meal) blood sugar levels. It decreased weight gain in mice with obesity from a high-fat diet. This animal study suggests that mulberry may aid in treatingobesityandmetabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of medical conditions that may raise your risk of heart-related problems (e.g.,heart attack), diabetes, andstroke. These medical conditions may includehigh blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal blood cholesterol, and excess weight.
Like the studies for high blood sugar, these cholesterol-related studies are also somewhat promising. But large and well-designed human studies are still needed to confirm these results.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
According to a review, mulberry leaves may have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in people with mildly high cholesterol.For example, a small study suggested that DNJ-containing mulberry leaf tablets taken three times daily may lower 8-isoprostane andC-reactive protein(CRP) levels.
High amounts of 8-isoprostane are typically linked to oxidative injury and cell damage inside the body.High CRP levels result in inflammation (swelling) in the body.
And over time, high cholesterol is usually connected to an inflammatory medical condition calledatherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of your arteries, which may increase your risk of heart-related problems—like heart attacks.
Large and well-designed studies are still needed to confirm this plant’s effects on oxidative stress and inflammation.
White mulberry is considered an invasive species in the United States, meaning that it contributes to the destruction of established natural habitats.
What Are the Side Effects of White Mulberry?
As with all medications and supplements, side effects are possible with white mulberry.
Common Side Effects
There is limited data about white mulberry’s safety.However, according to several clinical trials, common side effects may include:
Severe Side Effects
Severe allergic reactionis another serious side effect possible with any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you’re having a severe allergic reaction or any of your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Your healthcare provider may advise against using white mulberry if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How Much White Mulberry Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are some small studies on white mulberry, larger and well-designed studies are still needed.For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take white mulberry for any condition.
In studies, mulberry leaf supplement pills were given three times daily with meals.The pills may vary in the amount of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a plant chemical in white mulberry, they contain.The recommended DNJ amount may vary depending on the intended potential benefit or use.
If you want to try white mulberry, talk with your healthcare provider first. And follow their suggestions or the label instructions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much White Mulberry?
There is a limited number of studies on white mulberry use in humans, but this plant usually is considered minimally toxic to humans and animals.
A case report revealed that white mulberry can cause severe dehydration from gastroenteritis. And in this case report, severe dehydration did result in death.
Use caution when taking white mulberry with the following:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store White Mulberry
Storage instructions may vary for different products. Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medications in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit theFDA’s websiteto learn where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also finddisposal boxesin your area.Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions you may have about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Severalother herbs and supplements may impact blood sugaror cholesterol levels. Be sure to discuss the use of any of these with your healthcare provider to prevent unintended additive effects.
In general, mulberry is in theMorusgenus, which consists of 10 species of trees, including the white mulberry.The followingMorusspecies may also have similar potential uses as the white mulberry:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhite mulberry is available in several different dosage forms—with tablets and liquid being the most common.Yes. Several U.S. manufacturers make white mulberry products.Yes. The white mulberry wood may be toxic.Prolonged exposure to white mulberry wood might be linked to the following symptoms: allergic reaction, coughing, headache, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. But these symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you or someone is having a life-threatening reaction to white mulberry.To safely take plant-based medications—like white mulberry—inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving white mulberry a good trial at appropriate doses.
White mulberry is available in several different dosage forms—with tablets and liquid being the most common.
Yes. Several U.S. manufacturers make white mulberry products.
Yes. The white mulberry wood may be toxic.Prolonged exposure to white mulberry wood might be linked to the following symptoms: allergic reaction, coughing, headache, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. But these symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you or someone is having a life-threatening reaction to white mulberry.
Yes. The white mulberry wood may be toxic.
Prolonged exposure to white mulberry wood might be linked to the following symptoms: allergic reaction, coughing, headache, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. But these symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you or someone is having a life-threatening reaction to white mulberry.
To safely take plant-based medications—like white mulberry—inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving white mulberry a good trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of White Mulberry & What to Look For
Several sources of white mulberry exist.
Food Sources of White Mulberry
White mulberry is naturally available as a leafy tree with fruit.You may eat mulberry fruit as fresh fruits and jams. You may also turn the fruit into fruit juice.And the leaves can be brewed into tea.
Mulberry can be found in the following foods:
White Mulberry Supplements
White mulberry is available in various forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, white mulberry is also available in the following dosage forms:
There are also vegetarian options.The product you choose should depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. So, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions.
Summary
White mulberry is a leafy tree that produces fruit. This plant may have some potential to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. It may also have some antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects.
While white mulberry is generally recognized as safe, it’s not without side effects. There are also potential interactions to consider. And white mulberry wood can be toxic.
More research with larger and better-designed clinical trials is still needed to study white mulberry’s effectiveness and safety. Before taking white mulberry, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to learn if white mulberry may benefit you.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thaipitakwong T, Numhom S, Aramwit P.Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2018;56(1):109-118. doi: 10.1080%2F13880209.2018.1424210Polumackanycz M, Sledzinski T, Goyke E, et al.A comparative study on the phenolic composition and biological activities ofMorus albaL. commercial samples.Molecules. 2019;24(17):3082. doi: 10.3390%2Fmolecules24173082American Heart Association.Carbohydrates.Kim JY, Ok HM, Kim J, et al.Mulberry leaf extract improves postprandial glucose response in prediabetic subjecs: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2015;18(3). doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3160Society for Endocrinology: You and your homones.Insulin.MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Asai A, Nakagawa K, Higuchi O, et al.Effect of mulberry leaf extract with enriched 1-deoxynojirimycin content on postprandial glycemic control in subjects with impaired glucose.Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 2011;2(4):318-323. doi: 10.1111%2Fj.2040-1124.2011.00101.xAramwit P, Petcharat K, Supasyndh O.Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia.Phytother Res. 2011 Mar;25(3):365-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.3270Lim HH, Lee SO, Kim SY, et al.Anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects of mulberry leaf and fruit extract on high fat diet-induced obesity.Exp Biol Med(Maywood). 2013 Oct;238(10):1160-9. doi:10.1177/1535370213498982National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is metabolic syndrome?.Aramwit P, Supasyndh O, Siritienthong T, et al.Mulberry leaf reduces oxidation and C-reactive protein levels in patients with mild dyslipidemia.BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:787981. doi: 10.1155%2F2013%2F787981University of Maryland Extension.Invasives in your woodland: White mulberry.Zhang H, Ma ZF, Luo X, et al.Effects of mulberry fruit (Morus albaL.) consumption on health outcomes: A mini-review.Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(5):69. doi: 10.3390%2Fantiox7050069American Botanical Council.AHPA statement on purported association of white mulberry leaf with tragic death.Poison Control.Is white mulberry poisonous?.Brittanica.Mulberry.Hussain F, Rana Z, Shafique H, et al.Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2017;7(10):950-956. doi: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.015National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.University of Redlands.White mulberry.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Jan B, Parveen R, Zahiruddin S, et al.Nutritional constituents of mulberry and their potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals: A review.Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2021;28(7):3909-3921. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.sjbs.2021.03.056
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thaipitakwong T, Numhom S, Aramwit P.Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2018;56(1):109-118. doi: 10.1080%2F13880209.2018.1424210Polumackanycz M, Sledzinski T, Goyke E, et al.A comparative study on the phenolic composition and biological activities ofMorus albaL. commercial samples.Molecules. 2019;24(17):3082. doi: 10.3390%2Fmolecules24173082American Heart Association.Carbohydrates.Kim JY, Ok HM, Kim J, et al.Mulberry leaf extract improves postprandial glucose response in prediabetic subjecs: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2015;18(3). doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3160Society for Endocrinology: You and your homones.Insulin.MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Asai A, Nakagawa K, Higuchi O, et al.Effect of mulberry leaf extract with enriched 1-deoxynojirimycin content on postprandial glycemic control in subjects with impaired glucose.Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 2011;2(4):318-323. doi: 10.1111%2Fj.2040-1124.2011.00101.xAramwit P, Petcharat K, Supasyndh O.Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia.Phytother Res. 2011 Mar;25(3):365-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.3270Lim HH, Lee SO, Kim SY, et al.Anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects of mulberry leaf and fruit extract on high fat diet-induced obesity.Exp Biol Med(Maywood). 2013 Oct;238(10):1160-9. doi:10.1177/1535370213498982National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is metabolic syndrome?.Aramwit P, Supasyndh O, Siritienthong T, et al.Mulberry leaf reduces oxidation and C-reactive protein levels in patients with mild dyslipidemia.BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:787981. doi: 10.1155%2F2013%2F787981University of Maryland Extension.Invasives in your woodland: White mulberry.Zhang H, Ma ZF, Luo X, et al.Effects of mulberry fruit (Morus albaL.) consumption on health outcomes: A mini-review.Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(5):69. doi: 10.3390%2Fantiox7050069American Botanical Council.AHPA statement on purported association of white mulberry leaf with tragic death.Poison Control.Is white mulberry poisonous?.Brittanica.Mulberry.Hussain F, Rana Z, Shafique H, et al.Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2017;7(10):950-956. doi: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.015National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.University of Redlands.White mulberry.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Jan B, Parveen R, Zahiruddin S, et al.Nutritional constituents of mulberry and their potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals: A review.Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2021;28(7):3909-3921. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.sjbs.2021.03.056
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Thaipitakwong T, Numhom S, Aramwit P.Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2018;56(1):109-118. doi: 10.1080%2F13880209.2018.1424210Polumackanycz M, Sledzinski T, Goyke E, et al.A comparative study on the phenolic composition and biological activities ofMorus albaL. commercial samples.Molecules. 2019;24(17):3082. doi: 10.3390%2Fmolecules24173082American Heart Association.Carbohydrates.Kim JY, Ok HM, Kim J, et al.Mulberry leaf extract improves postprandial glucose response in prediabetic subjecs: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2015;18(3). doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3160Society for Endocrinology: You and your homones.Insulin.MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Asai A, Nakagawa K, Higuchi O, et al.Effect of mulberry leaf extract with enriched 1-deoxynojirimycin content on postprandial glycemic control in subjects with impaired glucose.Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 2011;2(4):318-323. doi: 10.1111%2Fj.2040-1124.2011.00101.xAramwit P, Petcharat K, Supasyndh O.Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia.Phytother Res. 2011 Mar;25(3):365-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.3270Lim HH, Lee SO, Kim SY, et al.Anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects of mulberry leaf and fruit extract on high fat diet-induced obesity.Exp Biol Med(Maywood). 2013 Oct;238(10):1160-9. doi:10.1177/1535370213498982National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is metabolic syndrome?.Aramwit P, Supasyndh O, Siritienthong T, et al.Mulberry leaf reduces oxidation and C-reactive protein levels in patients with mild dyslipidemia.BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:787981. doi: 10.1155%2F2013%2F787981University of Maryland Extension.Invasives in your woodland: White mulberry.Zhang H, Ma ZF, Luo X, et al.Effects of mulberry fruit (Morus albaL.) consumption on health outcomes: A mini-review.Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(5):69. doi: 10.3390%2Fantiox7050069American Botanical Council.AHPA statement on purported association of white mulberry leaf with tragic death.Poison Control.Is white mulberry poisonous?.Brittanica.Mulberry.Hussain F, Rana Z, Shafique H, et al.Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2017;7(10):950-956. doi: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.015National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.University of Redlands.White mulberry.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Jan B, Parveen R, Zahiruddin S, et al.Nutritional constituents of mulberry and their potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals: A review.Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2021;28(7):3909-3921. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.sjbs.2021.03.056
Thaipitakwong T, Numhom S, Aramwit P.Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy.Pharmaceutical Biology. 2018;56(1):109-118. doi: 10.1080%2F13880209.2018.1424210
Polumackanycz M, Sledzinski T, Goyke E, et al.A comparative study on the phenolic composition and biological activities ofMorus albaL. commercial samples.Molecules. 2019;24(17):3082. doi: 10.3390%2Fmolecules24173082
American Heart Association.Carbohydrates.
Kim JY, Ok HM, Kim J, et al.Mulberry leaf extract improves postprandial glucose response in prediabetic subjecs: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.Journal of Medicinal Food. 2015;18(3). doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3160
Society for Endocrinology: You and your homones.Insulin.
MedlinePlus.Diabetes.
Asai A, Nakagawa K, Higuchi O, et al.Effect of mulberry leaf extract with enriched 1-deoxynojirimycin content on postprandial glycemic control in subjects with impaired glucose.Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 2011;2(4):318-323. doi: 10.1111%2Fj.2040-1124.2011.00101.x
Aramwit P, Petcharat K, Supasyndh O.Efficacy of mulberry leaf tablets in patients with mild dyslipidemia.Phytother Res. 2011 Mar;25(3):365-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.3270
Lim HH, Lee SO, Kim SY, et al.Anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects of mulberry leaf and fruit extract on high fat diet-induced obesity.Exp Biol Med(Maywood). 2013 Oct;238(10):1160-9. doi:10.1177/1535370213498982
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is metabolic syndrome?.
Aramwit P, Supasyndh O, Siritienthong T, et al.Mulberry leaf reduces oxidation and C-reactive protein levels in patients with mild dyslipidemia.BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:787981. doi: 10.1155%2F2013%2F787981
University of Maryland Extension.Invasives in your woodland: White mulberry.
Zhang H, Ma ZF, Luo X, et al.Effects of mulberry fruit (Morus albaL.) consumption on health outcomes: A mini-review.Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(5):69. doi: 10.3390%2Fantiox7050069
American Botanical Council.AHPA statement on purported association of white mulberry leaf with tragic death.
Poison Control.Is white mulberry poisonous?.
Brittanica.Mulberry.
Hussain F, Rana Z, Shafique H, et al.Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2017;7(10):950-956. doi: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.015
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
University of Redlands.White mulberry.
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Jan B, Parveen R, Zahiruddin S, et al.Nutritional constituents of mulberry and their potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals: A review.Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2021;28(7):3909-3921. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.sjbs.2021.03.056
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