9 Mulberry Leaves Benefits Backed By Science

When most people think of the best part of a mulberry tree, they immediately think of the fruit. Tasty, dark, used in a range of jams and pies, they’re an absolute delight.

But it turns out that the delicious fruit is only the second best part of the mulberry tree (called “Morus alba”).

The best part is actually the leaves, which are packed with an amazing assortment of micronutrients, and which can offer some pretty spectacular benefits. In fact, the leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuriesbecause of how potent they are.

In this post, we’re going to take a deep-dive into mulberry leaves. We’ll look at what nutrients they contain, what potential health benefits they can offer, and what, if any, side effects they might have.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a much better understanding of this amazing natural remedy that can improve your health and combat biological aging!

Nutritional Profile of Mulberry Leaves

Let’s start off with the basics: what nutrients do mulberry leaves contain?

Mulberry leaves are rich in:

• Vitamin C;
• Phosphorus;
• Magnesium;
• Calcium;
• Zinc;
• Iron
• Potassium.

You might be thinking, “Well, hang on, are you telling me you can actually eat the leaves?”

The answer is an unequivocal yes.

A lot of foragers eat black, white, or red mulberry leaves. They consider the leaves a staple as part of a “wild salad” [1]. When the leaves are young and tender, they’re fully edible, either raw or cooked.

However, the most common use of white, red, and black mulberry leaves is in teas and tinctures. Mulberry leaf tea has been a staple herbal remedy for thousands of years, used for its medicinal properties.

What medicinal properties, you ask?

9 Amazing Mulberry Leaf Benefits

From improved glucose metabolism to skeletal muscle health, mulberry leaves offer some amazing benefits for your organs and systems. Let’s dig deeper into that in the paragraphs below.

Control Blood Sugar Naturally

Multiple studies have proven that mulberry leaf (and mulberry leaf extract) can help to decrease the blood glucose response following a high-carbohydrate meal. This decrease in glucose uptake can effectively lower sugar levels in your bloodstream.

In one study [2], 37 adults between the ages of 19 and 59 were given either a placebo or mulberry leaf supplement along with high glucose consumption (a glucose maltodextrin supplement, taken to mimic the results of a high-carbohydrate meal).

Those who received the mulberry leaf extract had “statistically significantly” postprandial blood glucose levels than those who received the placebo. Best of all, there were no digestive issues or gastrointestinal issues following the extract’s use (meaning low side effect risk).

One meta-analysis [3] involving 12 clinical trials found that “Mulberry leaf (ML) and mulberry leaf extract (MLE) supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG)”. Not only that, but the paper concluded that “long-term supplementation of ML/MLE (≥8 weeks) was more effective for regulation of the glycemic traits”.

Mulberry leaf aqueous extract is rich in phytochemicals, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolics. All of them can help regulate (and lower) serum glucose levels both following your meals and throughout the day (as indicated by fasting blood glucose).

Mulberry leaves can also protect and increase pancreatic β cells. This can be crucial for maintaining lower blood sugar levels.

Fight Obesity with Mulberry Leaves

Mulberry leaf tea has long been used as a fat-burning, obesity-fighting remedy, and recent research has proven the reason behind its effects.

One 2022 study [4] found that the cryptochlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid in mulberry leaves “inhibited lipid accumulation in…adipocytes without cytotoxicity and suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha. In addition, (the supplement) decreased high-fat diet-induced adipose tissue mass expansion.”

Translating this into simple terms, the mulberry leaves used in this research stopped the adipose tissue from accumulating lipids (fat cells), even when on a high-fat diet. Given how much fat is prevalent in the modern diet, it’s definitely a positive result that can benefit us all!

But that’s not all the leaves can do. In fact, there’s a possibility that they can fight obesity by not only stoppingweight gain, but also promoting weight loss.

A 2019 animal study [5] found that treating diet-induced obese mice with mulberry leaf extract had significant effects on their weight. Within just 13 weeks of taking the supplement—with no other intervention to their diet or lifestyle—the results were visible.

The study found that “mulberry leaves significantly alleviated adiposity of DIO mice including reducing body weight gain, fat accumulation and fasting blood glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, mulberry leaves had protective effects on the liver and kidneys.”

Again, flavonoids and polyphenols help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural processes to counter the effects of a high-fat diet.

The real kicker, though, was that “mulberry leaves could alleviate obesity by enhancing brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity partly indicated by elevated thermogenesis and overexpression of uncoupling protein 1 in BAT.”

Brown adipose tissue is a sort of “good” fat. The white adipose tissue is used to store the fat you consume, and then is broken down when the time comes to burn fat for fuel. Brown adipose tissue, however, is the stuff that oxidizes the lipids from your white adipose tissue, providing the “fuel” to use for thermogenesis.

Obesity can lead to an increase in white adipose tissue and a decrease in brown adipose tissue, which makes your body less effective at burning fat. However, by turning that on its head and increasing brown adipose tissue, mulberry leaves help your body burn fat more efficiently and decrease the amount of fat that is stored.

Enhance Cardiovascular Health

Research has shown that mulberry leaves can directly benefit your cardiovascular system in a number of ways.

The data [6] proves that these leaves are:

• Antihyperglycaemic – They lower blood sugar levels and improve glucose absorption, which reduces the risk of diabetes mellitus.
• Antihyperlipidaemic – They reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total serum cholesterol, and other fats in the bloodstream and around organs.
• Antiobesity – They help curb fat storage.
• Antihypertensive – They lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
• Antioxidative – They fight oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can lead to serious health problems.
• Anti-inflammatory – They reduce inflammation that contributes to disease and internal dysfunction.
• Anti-atherosclerotic – They help prevent plaque buildup in arteries, reducing the risk of narrowing.
• Cardioprotective – By combining all of these effects, they support and protect the cardiovascular system.

They can also increase the production of nitric oxide, which improves vascular health and combats cardiovascular disease.

Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Only a couple of studies [6, 7] have provided close to “conclusive” evidence that mulberry leaves can effectively fight off cancer.

In one, mulberry leaf extract inhibited the growth and spread of hepatoma cells (liver cancer). In the other, it was demonstrated to have noticeable anti-cancer activity against cervical cancer.

Further research is needed to provide more concrete data, but suffice it to say, all signs point toward mulberry leaf extract being one more weapon in your arsenal to prevent and combat cancer.

Boost Skin and Hair Health

Mulberry leaves may help to improve your skin health.

In one 2016 paper [8], researchers discovered that mulberry leaves are able to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a role in the production of melanin. Specifically, tyrosinase often leads to the over-production of melanin, which leads to skin conditions like hyperpigmentation.

By decreasing tyrosinase, mulberry leaves helped balance skin pigmentation and prevented hyperpigmentation.

In addition, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of mulberry leaves can combat other skin conditions, and the antioxidants may reduce skin aging.

The mulberry leaves benefits for hair include slowed graying, slowed hair loss, and stimulated growth. The magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in mulberry leaves can do wonders to improve scalp and hair health.

Support Immune Function and Detoxification

Research [9] shows that mulberry leaves can be amazing for your immunity. They contain alkaloids that activate the macrophages that are such a crucial component of your immune defenses.

They also reduce pro-inflammatory mediators, which lowers the body’s inflammatory response. While this response defends against threats, it can also drive autoimmune diseases linked to an overactive immune system.

One animal study [10] discovered that mulberry leaf extract had massive benefits on the internal organs of the mice tested, including:

• Restored indexes of spleen and thymus;
• Repaired intestinal barrier;
• Reduced inflammatory response overall;
• Reduced oxidative damage to the liver.

The study summed up by stating that mulberry bush leaves “might regulate the immune response by altering the spatial structure of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids.”

Another animal study [11] found that mulberry leaves could “improve antioxidant capacity, immune function, and glycolipid metabolism.” Eating mulberry leaves led to higher production of a number of immune-specific antioxidants, including glutathione, and enhanced overall antioxidant capacity.

Improve Digestive Health

Mulberry leaves are rich in α-glucosidase inhibitors, which have been shown to have a hypoglycemic (sugar-lowering) effect that can have a positive impact on your digestive health.

One study [12] looked into how mulberry leaves can affect digestion, and found that it improved gut metabolites—but, crucially, it did so without negatively impacting gut microbiota. This is huge, because protecting your gut microbiota is the key to improving digestive function in the long-term.

One particular benefit of mulberry leaf extract is its ability to decrease the amount of starch your body absorbs from your meals. A study from 2017 [13] found that even after eating cornflakes (which are high in sugar and quick-digesting starches), subjects absorbed less starch when taking mulberry leaf extract. This can be hugely beneficial for diabetic patients. It can significantly improve postprandial glycemic control and even make diabetes medications more effective.

Finally, one animal study looked into how mulberry leaf extract might specifically repair the intestinal barrier[14], which can be damaged by everything from toxins to inflammation, chemicals to gut dysfunction.

After 52 days of taking mulberry extract, the levels of lipase, amylase, and trypsin in the gut increased, along with antioxidants like glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase. The study concluded that mulberry leaves did, in fact, “improve the growth performance, enteric antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and microbial composition, therefore improving the intestinal health.”

Strengthen Bone and Joint Health

Mulberry leaves can lead to significant improvement in bone health for the simple reason that they increase calcium absorption.

As you know, calcium is one of the minerals most needed by your body to repair damage to your bones, as well as to form new bone tissue. Modern diets and lifestyles can lead to reduced calcium intake as a result of excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, high use of medications, and reduced nutrient content in the food we eat.

However, mulberry leaves have been proven to counteract that. One study [15] into the effects of mulberry leaves on bone density and calcium intake concluded that the supplement can “reduce the high rate of bone turnover and the corresponding loss of bone mass caused by calcium deficiency and is thus effective in enhancing bone density.”

Another study [16] found that mulberry leaves are also great for your joints. Not only do they have potent anti-inflammatory properties, but they can reduce the inflammatory response that is common with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Promote Healthy Sleep and Reduce Stress

Mulberry leaves may be one of the most potent sleep supplements around, according to scientific data.

One study [17] found that mulberry leaf extracts increased the production of GABA and serotonin – two neurochemicals involved in sleep. The extracts also improved function in brain regions linked to sleep quality, including the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Sleep latency was reduced by 35% and sleep duration increased by 123% thanks to mulberry leaf supplement.

In a double-blind, controlled, randomized study, it was found that mulberry leaves not only improved sleep quality, but also mood and cognitive performance [18]. In another study [19], a blend of tryptophan and mulberry extract led to reduced sleep onset latency and better nocturnal glucose variation, both of which contributed to better sleep quality and improved mood the next day.

Mulberry leaves are also among the best herbs that reduce stress. They’re known to have anxiolytic properties [20] and can reduce your body’s inflammatory response to stress and anxiety. The mood-boosting and sleep-enhancing effects can also have a massive positive impact on your feelings of stress, especially in the morning.

Risks and Precautions for Mulberry Leaves

Some people report stomach discomfort after consuming the sap of mulberry leaves, known as “latex,” whether raw, cooked, or in tea. However, many others tolerate it well and have no adverse effects.

Some minor side effects have been reported [9], including:

• Constipation;
• Bloating;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea;
• Diarrhea.

This is the case when taking supplements as well as ingesting mulberry leaves raw, cooked, or in teas and tinctures.

There are some indications that mulberry leaves may pose a health risk to anyone taking blood sugar medications [10], due to their antihyperglycaemic effects.

Pregnant or nursing mothers and young children should also avoid taking mulberry leaves.

Just to be on the safe side, always consult with your doctor before trying mulberry leaves, particularly in supplement, tincture, or tea form.

How to Use Mulberry Leaves: Tea, Extracts, and More

Mulberry leaf supplements come in a wide range of forms, including mulberry leaf tea, mulberry leaf powder, and mulberry leaf capsules.

White mulberry leaf powder is one of the most common forms of the supplement. Mulberry leaf tablets or capsules made from food grade mulberry powder can also be found in a wide range of supplement and health food stores. They provide an easy-to-take, consistent dosage, and may contain a more concentrated amount of the mulberry leaf alkaloids and mulberry leaf flavonoids.

Mulberry leaves tea benefits, on the other hand, include better hydration, a more soothing ritual, and a milder effect. You can add it to your breakfast or enjoy a warm cup of tea in the evening. It’s often more pleasant than taking a tablet or stirring powder into water.

Conclusion: Using the Full Potential of Mulberry Leaves

If you’ve only been eating mulberry fruit all these years and never touching the leaves, you’ve been missing out!

As you’ve read above, red, black, and white mulberry leaves have a lot of truly amazing benefits—lowering blood sugar, combatting obesity, improving your cardiovascular health, fighting cancer, and making your skin healthier.

If you’re looking for a natural solution to enhance your health, it may very well be worth giving mulberry leaves a try.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat mulberry leaves?

You can absolutely eat black, red, and white mulberry leaves! They are non-toxic and are safe for human consumption. Mulberry trees are sought out by foragers, trekkers, and survivalists as a “wild salad” because their leaves are rich in fiber, phenolic acids, bioactive compounds, chlorogenic acid, and micronutrients.

Can I make my own mulberry leaf tea?

If you want to know how to dry mulberry leaves for tea, it’s surprisingly simple. All types of mulberry tree leaves work (white, red, and black). Simply add a few fresh leaves into hot water and let it steep for 4-5 minutes before drinking. Or, if you want a more concentrated flavor, let the leaves dry out before steeping.

Is mulberry anti-aging?

Mulberries are rich in antioxidants, can reduce inflammation, improve your blood sugar management and postprandial glucose response, regulate insulin secretion and enhance insulin sensitivity, combat oxidative stress, and can help you fight against metabolic diseases and obesity. It’s one of the best natural dietary supplements to combat biological aging.

Resources

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dim1ksiJeJc

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5321430/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31312821/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130672

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20828312/

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5031429/

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20687135/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412198/

[11] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.1029360/full

[12] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10535692/

[13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28501729/

[14] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1185795/full

[15] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31846076/

[16] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175646461200148X

[17] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887412401033X

[18] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/improved-sleep-outcomes-and-nextday-cognitive-function-in-adults-following-clinical-testing-of-a-powder-based-drink-containing-mulberry-leaf-extract-and-a-natural-source-of-tryptophan/FC41758121967BFB130470B01841E1B6

[19] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-025-03643-8

[20] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8033976/