The Superfood of the 21 Century," Mulberry Leaf"

Mulberry trees produce flavorful berries that are enjoyed around the world and often deemed superfoods due to their concentration of vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds.

However, the fruit isn’t the only part of the mulberry tree that may offer health benefits. For centuries, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a natural treatment for a variety of conditions

In fact, the leaves are highly nutritious. They’re loaded with powerful plant compounds like polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

How is mulberry leaf used?

Mulberry (Morus) belongs to the Moraceae plant family and includes several species, such as the black mulberry (M. nigra), red mulberry (M. rubra), and white mulberry (M. alba).

Native to China, this tree is now cultivated in many regions, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.  

Mulberry leaves have a variety of culinary, medicinal, and industrial applications.

They’re said to be very palatable and commonly used to make tinctures and herbal teas, which are a common health beverage in Asian countries. Young leaves can be eaten after cooking. 

You can also take mulberry leaf supplements, which have become increasingly popular for their potential health benefits.

Additionally, these leaves are the sole food source of the silkworm — a caterpillar that produces silk — and sometimes used as feed for dairy animals.

Potential health benefits of mulberry leaf

Mulberry leaves may help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation levels. These attributes may make them useful for fighting heart disease and diabetes.

May lower blood sugar and insulin

Mulberry leaves provide several compounds that may help combact diabetes.

These include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which prevents the absorption of carbs in your gut.

In particular, these leaves may reduce high levels of blood sugar and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

In one study, 37 adults ingested maltodextrin, a starchy powder that rapidly boosts blood sugar levels. They were then given mulberry leaf extract containing 5% DNJ.

Those who took either 250  or 500 mg of the extract experienced a significantly lower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels than the placebo group.

Also, in a 3-month study, people with type 2 diabetes who took 1,000 mg of mulberry leaf extract 3 times daily with meals experienced significant reductions in post-meal blood sugar level, compared with a placebo group.

May promote heart health

Some research suggests that mulberry leaf extract may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels, decreasing inflammation, and preventing atherosclerosis — a buildup of plaque in your arteries that can lead to heart disease.

One study gave 23 people with high cholesterol 280 mg of mulberry leaf supplements 3 times per day. After 12 weeks, their LDL (bad) cholesterol dropped by 5.6% while their HDL (good) cholesterol increased by 19.7%.

Another 12-week study noted that 10 people with high tryiglycerides who took daily mulberry leaf supplements containing 36 mg of DNJ reduced their levels of this marker by 50 mg/dL, on average.

Additionally, animal studies indicate that this leaf may prevent atherosclerosis and reduce cellular damage and high blood pressure levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

May reduce inflammation 

Mulberry leaf contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoid antioxidants. 

Some research suggests that mulberry leaf may combat inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to chronic disease.

A test-tube study in human white blood cells likewise revealed that extracts of mulberry leaf and its tea not only reduced inflammatory proteins but also significantly lowered DNA damage caused by oxidative stress.

Other potential health benefits

Although research is limited, mulberry leaf may offer several other health benefits. These include:

• Anticancer effects. Some test-tube research links this leaf to Anti-cancer activity against human cervical and liver cancer cells.
• Liver health. Test-tube and animal studies have determined that mulberry leaf extract may protect liver cells from damage and reduce liver inflammation.
• Weight loss. Rodent studies note that these leaves may increase fat burning and promote weight loss.
• Consistent skin tone. Some test-tube research suggests that mulberry leaf extract may prevent hyperpigmentation — or patches of dark skin — and naturally lighten skin tone.

Mulberry leaves have long been used in traditional medicine and are associated with several impressive health benefits.You can take it as a supplement or eat cooked, immature leaves.