White mulberry
White mulberry

Background

White mulberry (Morus alba) is a shrub or tree native to China. It has a white colored fruit similar to a blackberry, but with an unpleasant taste.

Chemicals in white mulberry work similarly to some medicines used for type 2 diabetes. They slow the breakdown of sugar in the stomach so that it's absorbed more slowly into the blood. This helps the body keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

People commonly use white mulberry for diabetes. It is also used for high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: The powdered leaf of white mulberry is possibly safe for most people when taken for up to 12 weeks. It might cause bloating, constipation, gas, and loose stools in some people. There isn't enough reliable information to know if white mulberry berries are safe when taken as a medicine or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white mulberry is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using white mulberry for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

White mulberry leaf powder or extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 0.8-1 gram three times daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

White mulberry leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking white mulberry leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. White mulberry might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: White mulberry leaf might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 08/05/2023 03:07:01. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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