White Mulberry Leaf
Snapshot
White Mulberry Leaf (Morus alba) is an herbal supplement known for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, antioxidant defenses, and cardiovascular health through its bioactive flavonoids and alkaloids.
What is White Mulberry Leaf?
White Mulberry Leaf is the dried foliage of the Morus alba tree, containing bioactive compounds such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), quercetin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid that modulate carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative stress.
Where It Comes From
Harvested from mature white mulberry trees, leaves are collected during the growing season, shade-dried or low-heat dehydrated to preserve nutrients, and milled into powders, extracts, or encapsulated forms.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides DNJ, which inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes to slow carbohydrate absorption; flavonoids (quercetin, rutin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid) offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Health Benefits
White Mulberry Leaf supports post-prandial blood glucose control by delaying starch breakdown; promotes antioxidant defenses; aids lipid metabolism; and may contribute to healthy weight management and cardiovascular function.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts (containing 1–5% DNJ) are typically dosed at 200–500 mg, 1–3 times daily before meals. Leaf powder: 1–2 teaspoons (2–4 g) brewed as tea or taken in capsules.
How to Use It
Take extract or capsules 15–30 minutes before carbohydrate-rich meals. To prepare tea, steep 1 tsp (1–2 g) of leaf powder in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then strain and drink before eating.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals seeking natural support for healthy blood sugar management, those with insulin resistance, or anyone aiming to moderate glycemic responses as part of a balanced diet.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May enhance effects of antidiabetic medications—monitor blood glucose to avoid hypoglycemia; potential allergen for those sensitive to mulberry or birch pollen; discontinue if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs.
Final Thoughts
White Mulberry Leaf is a well-researched botanical for moderating post-meal glucose spikes and supporting metabolic health, best used in combination with diet and lifestyle measures.
Scientific Studies
Kimura T, et al. Mulberry leaf extract lowers postprandial blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2007;53(5):445–448. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.53.445
Asai A, et al. Inhibitory effect of mulberry leaves on intestinal disaccharidases and postprandial blood glucose elevation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72(3):293–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(00)00209-4
Andallu B, Varadacharyulu N. Antioxidant activity of mulberry leaves: relevance to diabetes management. Phytother Res. 2003;17(7):754–757. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1266