White Mulberry Leaf Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: White mulberry leaf, mulberry leaf extract, mulberry leaf glycerite liquid extract, Morus alba
Overview
White mulberry leaf glycerite liquid extract is a liquid herbal preparation derived from the leaves of Morus alba, commonly known as White Mulberry. It is typically extracted using glycerin as a solvent. This botanical supplement has a long history of traditional use for its potential to regulate blood sugar and lipid metabolism. The extract contains several bioactive compounds, including 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), flavonoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. The primary application of this supplement is for glycemic control and overall metabolic health support. Research on mulberry leaf extract is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses focusing on its impact on glycemic traits and metabolic syndrome.
Benefits
White mulberry leaf extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic health. It significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately -0.47 mmol/L, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by about -2.92 mmol/mol, and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) by -0.58 μIU/mL. These effects are more pronounced with long-term supplementation (≥8 weeks) and in individuals with elevated baseline glucose levels (>6.1 mmol/L), as highlighted by a meta-analysis of 12 RCTs. Beyond glycemic control, it shows potential for improving lipid metabolism, including reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases in HDL cholesterol, observed in animal models. It can also reduce the postprandial blood glucose rise and glycemic index (GI) of foods in a dose-dependent manner; for example, 1.5g of mulberry leaf extract per 100g carbohydrate can reduce the GI of white bread from 77 to 43. Adults with impaired glucose regulation or type 2 diabetes are the primary beneficiaries. While the reductions in FBG and HbA1c are modest, they are clinically relevant as an adjunct to standard care, with benefits typically observed after at least 8 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
White mulberry leaf extract primarily works by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes through its active compound, 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ). This inhibition slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose in the digestive tract, thereby reducing glucose absorption and mitigating postprandial blood sugar spikes. The extract also appears to enhance insulin secretion and promote pancreatic β-cell regeneration, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it influences lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipid synthesis and promoting lipolysis. These actions collectively modulate pancreatic function, insulin signaling, and liver metabolism, and may also impact gut microbiota composition. The bioactive compounds, such as 1-DNJ, are water-soluble and bioavailable, with glycerite extracts potentially enhancing stability and ease of administration.
Side effects
White mulberry leaf glycerite liquid extract is generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal discomforts such as bloating and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects (less than 1%) have not been significantly documented in high-quality studies. A critical safety consideration is its potential for additive hypoglycemic effects when combined with antidiabetic medications, necessitating caution and medical supervision. It is contraindicated for individuals with known allergies to mulberry or related plants. Data on its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women are limited, so it should be used with caution in these populations. Overall, while generally safe, awareness of potential GI upset and drug interactions is important.
Dosage
Clinical trials suggest an effective dosage range for mulberry leaf extract is approximately 1 to 3 grams daily. Optimal glycemic control has been observed with doses around 1.5 grams of mulberry leaf extract per day, depending on the extract's standardization. There is no established maximum safe dose, though higher doses have been used in animal studies without toxicity, human data are limited. For best results in reducing postprandial glucose spikes, the extract is often taken before or with meals. Glycerite liquid extracts may offer improved palatability and ease of dosing, but their specific active constituent standardization is crucial. Co-administration with carbohydrates may enhance efficacy due to the extract's mechanism of inhibiting carbohydrate digestion. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is white mulberry leaf glycerite extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports safety for at least 8 weeks; longer-term data are limited but no major safety concerns have been reported in studies to date.
Can it replace diabetes medications?
No, it is an adjunct to standard care, not a replacement for prescribed diabetes medications. It should always be used under medical supervision.
When should it be taken?
It is typically recommended to take white mulberry leaf extract before or with meals to maximize its effectiveness in controlling postprandial blood glucose spikes.
How soon will effects be seen?
Glycemic improvements, such as reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, generally become apparent after several weeks, typically at least 8 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does the glycerite form affect efficacy?
Glycerite extracts can preserve bioactive compounds and may improve compliance due to better palatability. However, direct comparative efficacy data between glycerite and other forms are currently limited.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs involving 615 adults found that mulberry leaf extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting plasma insulin. The effects were more pronounced with longer supplementation durations (≥8 weeks) and in individuals with higher baseline glucose levels, indicating its potential for glycemic control.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0288911 – This double-blind RCT demonstrated that mulberry leaf extract dose-dependently reduced postprandial glucose and the glycemic index of white bread. For instance, 1.5g of extract per 100g carbohydrate reduced the GI from 77 to 43, highlighting its acute efficacy in carbohydrate digestion inhibition.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1045309/full – This review, which includes meta-analysis data, supports the role of mulberry leaf constituents in improving glucose metabolism. It notes the overall positive findings but also points out limitations in clinical evidence for some specific endpoints, suggesting areas for future research.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9416217/ – This animal study on a diabetic rat model showed that mulberry leaf polysaccharides reduced fasting blood glucose, improved lipid profiles, and promoted pancreatic β-cell regeneration over 5 weeks. It provides preclinical evidence for the mechanistic actions of mulberry leaf components in metabolic regulation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1395688/full – This animal study using a metabolic syndrome mouse model indicated that mulberry leaf extract improved obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and liver function. It also suggested a role in modulating gut microbiota, offering insights into broader metabolic benefits beyond direct glucose control.
- https://www.mooiverouderen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mulberryleafectract_2023_review.pdf – This review summarizes the current understanding of mulberry leaf extract's effects, particularly focusing on its role in glucose metabolism. It consolidates findings from various studies, reinforcing the potential of mulberry leaf as a supportive agent for metabolic health.