Organic Mulberry Powder
Also known as: Mulberry leaf powder, Mulberry leaf extract, MLE, White mulberry, Morus alba
Overview
Organic Mulberry Powder is derived from the dried leaves of Morus alba, commonly known as white mulberry. This botanical supplement is rich in bioactive compounds such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), flavonoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides. Traditionally utilized in Asian medicine, its primary applications include glycemic control, regulation of lipid metabolism, antioxidant support, and immune modulation. Research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, indicates its efficacy in improving metabolic health, particularly in managing blood glucose levels. It is also recognized as a functional food ingredient and nutraceutical, with a growing body of evidence supporting its health benefits in humans and animals.
Benefits
Organic Mulberry Powder offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic health. It significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately -0.47 mmol/L and HbA1c by -2.92 mmol/mol in adults with impaired glucose metabolism, as confirmed by meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. It also decreases fasting plasma insulin levels, indicating improved insulin sensitivity. These glycemic improvements are statistically significant and clinically relevant, especially for individuals with baseline fasting plasma glucose >6.1 mmol/L. Secondary benefits include enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and immune system modulation, observed in animal studies. It may also improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation, supporting weight management. Long-term supplementation (≥8 weeks) is recommended for sustained glycemic control.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Organic Mulberry Powder centers on 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. 1-DNJ works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and subsequent glucose absorption in the intestine, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Additionally, the flavonoids and phenolics present in mulberry leaves contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can protect pancreatic beta cells and improve insulin secretion. Polysaccharides may further enhance metabolic and immune functions by modulating gut microbiota. The absorption of these phytochemicals is sufficient to exert systemic metabolic effects, although bioavailability can vary based on the preparation and dosage form.
Side effects
Organic Mulberry Powder is generally considered safe and well-tolerated at recommended dosages. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating or diarrhea, which typically resolve with continued use. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been consistently reported in high-quality clinical studies. However, individuals on blood sugar-lowering medications should monitor their glucose levels closely, as mulberry powder can potentiate the effects of these drugs. Extensive safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are lacking, and caution is advised for these groups. Overall, serious adverse events are rare, making it a relatively safe supplement for most healthy adults.
Dosage
For optimal glycemic control, a minimum effective dose of approximately 6–12 mg of 1-DNJ per day is recommended. This often translates to 1–3 grams of standardized mulberry leaf powder daily or an equivalent extract dose. The timing of supplementation is crucial; taking it with meals containing carbohydrates enhances its efficacy by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption. For sustained benefits, a longer duration of supplementation, typically 8 weeks or more, is advised. Absorption can be influenced by the formulation, so extracts standardized for 1-DNJ content are preferable to ensure consistent and effective dosing. Upper limits and safety thresholds are not definitively established, but adherence to recommended dosages is important.
FAQs
Is organic mulberry powder effective for blood sugar control?
Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses confirm its efficacy in reducing fasting glucose and HbA1c, particularly in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism.
Are there any safety concerns?
Generally safe with minor gastrointestinal side effects like bloating or diarrhea reported. No major safety issues or significant drug interactions have been identified in clinical trials.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Glycemic improvements are typically observed after 8 weeks or more of consistent supplementation, with longer durations showing greater efficacy.
Can it aid in weight loss?
Evidence suggests it may support weight management by improving lipid metabolism and reducing fat accumulation, but more large-scale human trials are needed to confirm this benefit.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (615 participants) found significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (-0.47 mmol/L), HbA1c (-2.92 mmol/mol), and fasting insulin (-0.58 μIU/mL with mulberry leaf/extract. Long-term supplementation (≥8 weeks) was more effective, especially in individuals with elevated baseline glucose, with moderate to high certainty of evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11065948/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies (2,335 animals) demonstrated that mulberry leaf extract improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune indices, and meat quality in livestock. While animal data, it supports the biological plausibility of antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects relevant to human health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1395688/full – This clinical review focused on 1-DNJ standardized extracts for glucose control and weight management. It confirmed hypoglycemic effects and potential benefits on lipid metabolism and fat accumulation, noting a favorable safety profile with minor gastrointestinal adverse effects. It highlighted the need for more large-scale, long-term human trials for weight loss claims.
