Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

White Mulberry

Also known as: White Mulberry, Karayamaguwa, Sohakuhi, Sang-Bai-Pi, Ramulus Mori, Morus Alba

Overview

Morus Alba (White Mulberry) is a plant where both the fruit and roots have been used traditionally for vitality and immune support; it may have cognitive enhancing properties and anti-cancer effects. White Mulberry has had all parts of it used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of purposes, but currently most evidence on Morus Alba is in regards to its anti-diabetic properties. Surprisingly, there is a large body of repeated rodent evidence to suggest it effective in reducing blood sugar regardless of previous state (toxin-induced diabetic, diet-induced diabetic, genetically diabetic or normal rodents) but with no current human evidence. It merely appears to inhibit absorption of carbohydrates from the intestines, with most potency on inhibiting sugar absorption (fairly weak in inhibiting starch absorption, but is synergistic with Hibiscus Sabdariffa on this which would make a nice combination). For the most part, this is tied back into the iminosugar compound known as 1-deoxynojirimycin which is a glucose molecule with a nitrogen attached it it; it inhibits enzymes that have affinity for sugars via competitive inhibition where the enzyme is attracted to the glucose structure but cannot act effectively due to the nitrogen group which does not exist on sugars normally and hinders the enzyme's functions. There appear to be promising cognitive effects associated with Morus Alba as well, with some evidence suggesting it can increase memory formation and cognition to a level similar to Piracetam; interesting, there are some pyrrole alkaloids in Morus Alba (a structural class of molecules that Piracetam belongs to) but these have not yet been connected to the observed cognitive benefits. Morus Alba may also have respectable benefits to cardiovascular health with improvements in circulating lipids and cholesterol, with fairly potent reductions in atherosclerotic plaque buildup possibly related to potent in vitro anti-inflammatory properties but similar to the other claims these have not yet been tested in humans. Currently, the evidence suggests that Morus Alba is a highly promising functional food and tea product that may have benefit as a supplement especially in regards to cognition and glucose control but currently does not have sufficient evidence to suggest how potent these benefits are in humans and whether or not Morus Alba is a 'go-to' supplement.

Benefits

White Mulberry appears to inhibit absorption of carbohydrates from the intestines, particularly inhibiting sugar absorption. This is primarily due to the iminosugar compound known as 1-deoxynojirimycin, which inhibits enzymes that have an affinity for sugars through competitive inhibition. The enzyme is attracted to the glucose structure but cannot act effectively due to the nitrogen group attached to the glucose molecule.

How it works

White Mulberry may have several benefits including: 1. Anti-diabetic properties: Evidence suggests it can reduce blood sugar levels. 2. Cognitive enhancement: Some studies indicate it may improve memory formation and cognition. 3. Cardiovascular health: Potential improvements in circulating lipids and cholesterol, and reductions in atherosclerotic plaque buildup.

Side effects

For the purpose of reducing carbohydrate absorption and glucose spikes following a meal, Morus Alba must be consumed alongside the carbohydrate source. The dosage appears to be 500-1,000mg/kg in rat studies, which translates to an estimated human dose of: 5,400-11,000mg for a 150lb person, 7,300-14,500mg for a 200lb person, and 9,000-18,000mg for a 250lb person. Concentrated extracts may reduce the above requirement, so a 10:1 concentrated extract would then require 900-1,800mg at the heaviest weight. For inflammation and other health-related issues, the rat dose appears to be in the range of 20-200mg/kg, which is an estimated human dose of: 220-2,200mg for a 150lb person, 300-2,900mg for a 200lb person, and 400-3,600mg for a 250lb person.

Dosage

Currently, there is no detailed list of side effects, safety concerns, or contraindications provided in the text.

FAQs

What are other names for White Mulberry?

White Mulberry is also known as: White Mulberry, Karayamaguwa, Sohakuhi, Sang-Bai-Pi, Ramulus Mori, Morus Alba. White Mulberry should not be confused with Basella Alba or Eclipta Alba.