You may have tried the mulberry fruit and appreciate it for its sweetness and nutrient profile. But did you know that you can also consume the mulberry leaf? There’s research showing that mulberry leaves are medicinal in that they help with weight loss, controlling blood glucose, and more (*).
The next time you come across mulberry leaf — whether in the form of a herbal supplement or a cup of tea — you may want to consider taking it for its benefits. Here’s what you should know about this plant, including its uses, side effects, and precautions.
What is Mulberry Leaf?
Mulberry leaves come from the mulberry tree, which is a medium-sized plant that’s native to Asia and North America. Note that different kinds of mulberry trees exist, including the red mulberry (Morus rubra), white mulberry (Morus alba), and black mulberry (Morus nigra).
Interestingly, mulberry leaves vary in their shapes and textures — in fact, the same tree may have different leaf shapes. The leaves contain plant compounds, as well as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene (which gets converted into vitamin A), iron, zinc, and calcium (*).
What is Mulberry Leaf Used for?
As a multi-functional plant, the mulberry leaf plays an important role in the sericulture industry by being served as food for silkworms. Additionally, the leaves are used for different products, such as mulberry leaf powder for treating sore throats, certain cancers, and liver and kidney damage (*).
Young shoots and leaves are also processed to make tea to support health, thanks to its phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, and astragalin (*). A research article notes that the pharmacological effects of mulberry leaves are closely linked to their phenolic composition (*).
Besides the health-promoting effects of mulberry leaves, these leaves are used as a potential feed supplement for livestock (*).
Potential Health Benefits of Mulberry Leaves
Mulberry leaf benefits range from reducing blood sugar levels to mitigating inflammation and preventing cancer or helping treat it. Let’s discuss each below:
May lower blood glucose and insulin
People who struggle with high blood sugar, such as those with diabetes, may benefit from consuming mulberry leaf extract. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which is the main active component in mulberry leaves, has been shown to possess glucose-lowering and antidiabetic properties (*).
There are two possible explanations behind the effects of DNJ. One is that DNJ prevents glucose (coming from foods with carbohydrates) from being absorbed in your small intestine. Second is DNJ’s ability to improve insulin function and sensitivity (*).
As for timing, a study found that mulberry leaf extract may be more effective when taken in the evening for people who eat larger meals later in the day (*).
May promote cardiovascular health
Besides lowering blood glucose, which can ultimately improve your heart health, mulberry leaf extract is also known for affecting your cholesterol numbers.
In particular, mulberry leaf extract decreases triglycerides (the type of fat that causes arteries to harden) and increases HDL cholesterol (which is the good cholesterol that lowers your risk of developing heart disease) (*).
May prevent inflammatory diseases
Chronic inflammation is involved in many disease processes, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cancer.
Research shows that the flavonoids and phenolic acid in mulberry leaves extract may inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in inflammatory reactions (*).
May promote weight loss
Another reason some people take mulberry leaf extract is to aid weight loss. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can lead to other benefits, such as reduced blood pressure and improved HDL cholesterol levels (*).
In a 2019 study, obese mice were given mulberry leaves for 13 weeks. The results showed a significant loss of adiposity and fat accumulation. Furthermore, there were improvements in their blood glucose and insulin sensitivity (*).
The researchers found that mulberry leaves helps with obesity by increasing the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of fat in our bodies that helps us burn excess calories (*).
May prevent cancer
The phenolic compounds in mulberry leaves may prevent cancer cells from growing. Cancers that mulberry leaf extract may help with include colon cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer (*).
Findings from a 2020 research study found that Morus alba leaf extracts (white mulberry leaves) were also effective against gastric cancer cells (*). Taking mulberry leaf may even help prevent multiple tumor cells from metastasizing (*).
What are the Side Effects of Mulberry Leaf?
Although mulberry leaves are generally safe, some people may experience the following:
- Bloating
- Mild diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
A paper on diabetes treatment notes that “the side effects of Mulberry Leaf are very low compared to those of chemical drugs. These side effects disappear when the diabetic patient stops taking mulberry leaves.” (*)
Mulberry Leaf Safety & Precaution
Considering that more research is needed about its safety, it’s best to avoid giving mulberry leaves to kids and women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Additionally, people with diabetes or any other medical condition should consult their healthcare provider if they plan on taking it as a supplement.
The Bottom Line
From lowering blood sugar to helping treat cancer, mulberry leaves have noteworthy benefits. They’re abundant in phenolic compounds and minerals, which may be responsible for their restorative effects.
If you’re considering supplementing with mulberry leaf tea or its powdered form, remember to check with your doctor. The same applies to anyone who’s taking other medications, children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.