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Morus

Also known as: Morus, Mulberry, Morus nigra, Morus rubra, White mulberry, Black mulberry, Red mulberry, Morus alba

Overview

Morus refers to a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as mulberries, whose leaves, fruits, and bark are utilized in supplements. Primarily, extracts from Morus alba (white mulberry) are used. These supplements are investigated for their potential in blood sugar regulation, weight management, lipid metabolism, and liver protection. The key bioactive compounds responsible for these effects include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), various flavonoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides. Research on Morus is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting some glycemic benefits, though more rigorous, long-term human trials are still needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety across all claimed benefits.

Benefits

Morus leaf and extracts have demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. Most notably, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 615 participants indicate that Morus supplementation, particularly for 8 weeks or longer, significantly reduces fasting blood glucose by approximately -0.47 mmol/L, HbA1c by -2.92 mmol/mol, and fasting plasma insulin by -0.58 μIU/mL, especially in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes. Morus alba specifically has been shown to reduce postprandial glucose and insulin levels, although its effects on fasting glucose and HbA1c are less consistent. A systematic review suggests mulberry consumption may improve lipid profiles and other cardiometabolic risk factors, though this evidence is less robust and requires further confirmation. Preclinical and some clinical evidence also points to mulberry extracts alleviating liver damage and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism pathways. While animal and in vitro studies suggest potential benefits for weight management, human clinical trials in overweight/obese individuals are limited and inconclusive.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Morus, particularly its active compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), involves the inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme in the digestive tract. This inhibition delays the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Additionally, flavonoids and phenolics present in Morus exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways, such as the Nrf2 pathway and MAPKs. Morus also influences lipid metabolism by regulating pathways like PPARα and microRNAs involved in lipid homeostasis and liver function. The active compounds, including DNJ, are absorbed and exert systemic effects on glucose metabolism.

Side effects

Morus is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and diarrhea, though these are not prevalent. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in high-quality studies. However, data on special populations are limited. Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with severe liver or kidney disease, due to a lack of sufficient evidence regarding safety in these groups. Overall, Morus appears to have a favorable safety profile when used within recommended dosages, but individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional.

Dosage

Effective dosages of Morus leaf extract vary, but clinical trials typically utilize doses standardized to 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) content, ranging approximately from 100 to 300 mg per day. For more consistent glycemic benefits, supplementation for longer durations, specifically 8 weeks or more, has shown better results. The timing of administration is crucial; Morus is often taken before meals to maximize its inhibitory effect on carbohydrate absorption and subsequent postprandial glucose spikes. Extracts standardized for their 1-deoxynojirimycin content are generally preferred for targeting glycemic effects. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

FAQs

Is Morus effective for diabetes?

Morus can help reduce postprandial glucose and improve some glycemic markers, but it is not a standalone treatment for diabetes. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm its full therapeutic role.

Can it aid weight loss?

Current human evidence for weight loss is insufficient. While animal studies suggest potential benefits, clinical trials in humans are lacking or inconclusive.

Is it safe long-term?

Current data suggest a favorable safety profile, but long-term human studies are limited. It is generally considered safe for short to moderate durations.

When is the best time to take it?

For optimal effects on postprandial glucose, it is recommended to take Morus before carbohydrate-rich meals to inhibit carbohydrate absorption.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1395688/full – This narrative review highlights the current understanding of Morus's antihyperglycemic potential, primarily focusing on postprandial effects. It also points out the significant lack of long-term human trials, especially concerning weight loss and lipid effects, suggesting that while promising, more clinical data is needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9152381/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found that Morus alba significantly reduces postprandial glucose and insulin levels. However, it noted that effects on fasting glucose and HbA1c were not consistently significant, and highlighted limitations such as heterogeneous populations and small sample sizes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs involving 615 participants demonstrated significant reductions in fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels with Morus supplementation, particularly over 8 weeks. The study concluded that Morus is more effective in individuals with non-healthy glucose metabolism and higher baseline glucose levels, despite some heterogeneity in extract preparations.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251314698 – This research indicates that mulberry extracts possess hepatoprotective properties. It suggests that these extracts can alleviate liver damage and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism pathways, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for liver health.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.13822 – This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the effects of mulberry consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors. It suggests that mulberry may improve lipid profiles and other related markers, but emphasizes that the evidence is less robust and requires further confirmation through more rigorous studies.