Mulberry Fruit Powder
Also known as: Mulberry fruit powder, Mulberry extract, Morus nigra, Morus alba
Overview
Mulberry fruit powder is a botanical dietary supplement derived from the dried and ground fruit of mulberry trees, primarily *Morus alba* (white mulberry). It is traditionally consumed and recognized for its potential health benefits, particularly in glycemic control and its rich antioxidant properties. The primary active compounds responsible for its effects include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), various flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and anthocyanins. Research on mulberry fruit powder is moderately mature, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, especially concerning its glycemic effects. While clinical evidence for glycemic control is good, human clinical data for other potential benefits, such as neuroprotection, are mostly preclinical, indicating a need for further human studies. It is widely used as a functional food ingredient due to its beneficial compounds and favorable safety profile.
Benefits
Mulberry fruit powder offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic health. Its most well-researched benefit is **glycemic control**, where it significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses. Clinical trials have shown that a dose as low as 0.37 g of mulberry fruit extract containing approximately 2 mg of DNJ can effectively reduce postprandial glycemia after carbohydrate-rich meals without causing carbohydrate malabsorption. Meta-analyses, though often focusing on mulberry leaf/extract which shares active compounds, indicate that supplementation can lower fasting blood glucose by about 0.47 mmol/L, HbA1c by 2.92 mmol/mol, and fasting plasma insulin by 0.58 μIU/mL, especially after 8 weeks of use in individuals with elevated baseline glucose. These improvements are modest but clinically relevant, particularly for prediabetic or diabetic populations. Furthermore, systematic reviews suggest mulberry consumption favorably affects **cardiometabolic risk factors**, including lipid profiles and insulin resistance, although specific data on fruit powder are less detailed. Preclinical studies also indicate **neuroprotective and antioxidant effects**, showing potential for improving cognitive function, reducing oxidative stress, and exhibiting anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in animal models. However, these neuroprotective benefits lack confirmation from human RCTs, highlighting a need for further clinical validation.
How it works
Mulberry fruit powder exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its active compound, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which acts as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. This mechanism slows the digestion of carbohydrates and subsequent glucose absorption in the gut, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes without inducing malabsorption. Additionally, mulberry's anthocyanins and flavonoids contribute to its metabolic benefits by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which enhances insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis while reducing insulin resistance. These compounds also regulate the AMPK pathway and influence key metabolic regulators like GLUT4, ACC, and PPARγ, further improving glucose and lipid metabolism. The chemical and thermal stability of DNJ ensures its bioactivity is maintained even when incorporated into food matrices.
Side effects
Mulberry fruit powder and its extracts generally have a long history of safe consumption and are well-tolerated. Clinical trials have reported no significant adverse effects or symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption at effective doses. The available literature does not document any major drug interactions or contraindications, suggesting a low risk profile. While rare side effects or allergic reactions are not well-documented, they are likely minimal given the extensive traditional use of mulberry. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, with no serious concerns identified in the reviewed research. Individuals with known allergies to mulberries or related plants should exercise caution, though such instances are uncommon.
Dosage
For effective glycemic control, a dose of approximately 0.37 grams of mulberry fruit extract, standardized to contain about 2 mg of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), is recommended per meal. This dosage is specifically aimed at reducing postprandial glucose spikes. To maximize its effects, mulberry fruit powder should be taken with or just before carbohydrate-containing meals. For longer-term benefits, such as improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c, consistent supplementation for at least 8 weeks or more may be required. Formulations can vary, but the powder form is commonly used and often standardized to its DNJ content to ensure efficacy. It's important to note that while effective doses are well-tolerated, specific upper limits for long-term safety are not extensively detailed, but the overall safety profile suggests a wide therapeutic window.
FAQs
Is mulberry fruit powder safe for diabetics?
Yes, clinical trials indicate it can safely reduce postprandial glucose levels without causing adverse effects or carbohydrate malabsorption, making it a suitable adjunct for diabetics.
How quickly do effects appear?
Reductions in postprandial glucose occur acutely, meaning shortly after consumption with a meal. Improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c, however, typically require several weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does it cause digestive issues?
Unlike some other carbohydrate blockers, mulberry fruit powder at effective doses does not cause carbohydrate malabsorption or significant gastrointestinal discomfort, as shown in clinical studies.
Can it replace diabetes medication?
Mulberry fruit powder may serve as a beneficial adjunct to diabetes management, but it should not be considered a replacement for prescribed diabetes medication. Clinical supervision is always advised.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effect-of-mulberry-fruit-extract-on-postprandial-glycaemic-and-insulinemic-responses-to-different-rice-types-a-randomised-trial-in-healthy-adults/22526F86B68FCDC126A0EF6B80FFFE63 – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of mulberry fruit extract (0.37 g containing 2 mg DNJ) on postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy adults consuming different rice types. The study found that the extract significantly reduced postprandial glucose and insulin without causing carbohydrate malabsorption or adverse effects, supporting its use for glycemic control.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (615 participants) evaluated mulberry leaf/extract supplementation for at least 8 weeks. It concluded that supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin, with greater effects observed in individuals with elevated baseline glucose. The evidence quality was moderate to high, supporting mulberry's role in improving glycemic parameters.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8033976/ – This systematic review focused on preclinical studies concerning the central nervous system effects of mulberry fruit extracts. It identified positive neuroprotective, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects in animal models. While promising, the review highlighted the absence of human clinical trials, indicating a need for further research to validate these effects in humans.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X251314698 – This source discusses the mechanisms of action of mulberry, particularly focusing on how anthocyanins and flavonoids activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to enhance insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis, and reduce insulin resistance. It also mentions the activation of the AMPK pathway and regulation of GLUT4, ACC, and PPARγ, which collectively improve glucose and lipid metabolism.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.13822 – This systematic review suggests that mulberry consumption favorably affects cardiometabolic risk factors, including lipid profiles and insulin resistance. While the review covers mulberry generally, it indicates a broader positive impact on metabolic health beyond just glycemic control, though specific data on fruit powder for these effects might be less detailed.
