{"id":58172,"date":"2025-03-27T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T09:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=58172"},"modified":"2025-09-22T09:39:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:39:13","slug":"mulberry","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/mulberry\/","title":{"rendered":"Mulberry"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":58197,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"e4536098-06d4-4129-b376-7608c8f4f6ea","beyondwords_preview_token":"413e89b3-a8c2-445c-9f48-84e4030b220d","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,693,701,699,695,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,786,27],"western_action":[990,991,1823,993,994,1132,1010,1014,1016,1019,1020,1252],"chinese_action":[1039,1037,1030,1047,1049,1167],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1512,1505,1383,1533,1615,1544,1518,1519,1523,1488,1618,1513,1496,1494,1536,1511,1550],"region":[1898,1893],"class_list":["post-58172","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-sweet","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-antihyperlipidemic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-laxative","western_action-sedative","western_action-stimulant","western_action-vermifuge","chinese_action-cool-and-transform-phlegm-heat","chinese_action-dispel-wind-damp","chinese_action-release-exterior-cool-acrid-herbs","chinese_action-tonify-blood","chinese_action-tonify-yin","chinese_action-treat-cough-stop-wheezing","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-cold-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cold","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-excretory","energetics_action-heavy","energetics_action-kidney","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-lung","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-respiratory","energetics_action-sour-taste-chinese","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-sweet-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-sweet-taste-chinese","energetics_action-vata-constitution-dosha","region-traditional-chinese-herbs","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250327","herb_author":1242,"banner_text":"Mulberry is a TCM herb with all its plant parts offering medicinal benefit","latin_name":"Morus alba<\/span><\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Moraceae","herb_summary":"Mulberry is a versatile herb whose different parts, including the fruit, leaves, twigs and roots are used primarily for cough, inflammation and pain.","key_benefits":"Alleviates cough \r\nAlleviates joint pain\r\nNourishes fluids \r\nRegulates glucose and fat metabolism","how_does_it_feel":"Mulberry leaves have a subtle, earthy and green flavour, and are often brewed into a tea or made into soups for their earthy taste. The berries are balanced between sweet and tart, reminiscent of blackberries or figs. The berries are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols demonstrated by the vibrant colour and sweet flavour, and are the only part that have a sour quality. The leaf, fruit and root may all be described as cooling and help to immediately relax the tissues, suggestive of their anti-inflammatory action.\u00a0The leaf, twig and root are also bitter in flavour.","hdif_image_1":58202,"hdif_image_2":58200,"hdif_image_3":58198,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,786,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_58203\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"538\"]\"Mulberry Mulberry (Morus alba<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe leaves are used for the early stages of a respiratory tract infection accompanied with a dry cough, dizziness, headache and inflamed eyes. They can also be used for eye infections that are not accompanied by a cough. Research has shown the leaves have hypoglycaemic actions indicating them for disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe twigs are used for joint pain, numbness and swelling. They also have antipruritic actions and help to relieve sudden itching.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe root bark is also used for coughs which have entered a deeper level, presenting with phlegm obstruction and wheezing. Its ability to drain fluid also allows it to sometimes be used for swelling and difficulty urinating. The whole root is used less frequently but sometimes employed for spasms, hypertension, eye and disorders and genital itching.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe fruit is used to nourish fluids, alleviating symptoms of dizziness, soreness of the lower back and knees, insomnia and constipation. This is the main part used in Western herbalism to make laxative and expectorant syrups.<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_58202\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"541\"]\"Mulberry Mulberry (Morus alba<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nMulberry is intimately connected to the concept of change. In the <\/span>Classic of Mountains and Seas<\/span><\/i>, a book of pre-Qin mythological geography, a great mulberry tree called <\/span>Fusang<\/span><\/i> \u201cSupporting Mulberry\u201d is said to be found in the far eastern sea with roots below the water and ten suns hanging on its branches, one of which rises to the upper branches each day of the ancient 10 day week (1). It therefore represents a kind of world-tree that unites Heaven and Earth and governs the cycles of time. Since at least the 4th century CE, this has been reflected in cultural idioms such as \u201cvast seas changing to mulberry fields\u201d which is used to refer to great change over time (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nMedicinally, this is reflected in its different uses depending on the part being used. This has been present since the earliest pharmacopoeia, <\/span>The Divine Farmer\u2019s Materia Medica Classic<\/span><\/i> (1st \u2013 2nd century CE), where different properties are given to the root bark, leaves and even mushrooms that grow on the bark (3,4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis connection to change is also evident in Europe, where Culpepperwrote that it was ruled by Mercury, making its effects as variable as him, with different medical properties based on which part of the tree was used (5). The black mulberry (<\/span>Morus nigra<\/span><\/i>) was preferred in Europe and became a popular tree to cultivate in monasteries from the 11th century onwards due to its many medicinal uses (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nModern research has also centred around its ability to mitigate change, suggesting it can support metabolic functions by balancing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing oxidative stress and modifying the gut microbiome to prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (7). The leaves and fruit are of particular interest for this application (8,9).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_58201\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"540\"]\"Mulberry Mulberry root (Morus alba<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe leaves, twigs, root bark, whole root and fruits are used in medicine for different purposes. These indications are still used in Chinese medicine but the traditional uses have almost entirely disappeared from Western herbal usage and are now found only in historical reference books.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Chinese medicine, the leaves, along with most aerial parts, enter the Lungs and Liver to treat superficial coughs and fevers or redness of the eyes (10). It is important to differentiate whether this is caused by heat, with accompanying symptoms like sore throat, fever and aversion to warmth, from cold patterns where there will be more chills, tight muscles and runny nose, for which a different herb would be used. In Western herbalism, the leaves were used as an antidote for poisoning from snake bite or aconite, bites from harvest spiders, or, when beaten with vinegar or oil, for burns (5,11). They could also stop bleeding of the mouth, nose or from haemorrhoids.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Chinese medicine, the small, thin nature of the twigs is seen as being able to enter the channels and unblock them, entering the Liver whose responsibility is the smooth flow of <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i>. This makes it best suited for treating arthritic pain and numbness due to obstruction of the channels (Wind-Damp Bi) but can also treat sudden bouts of itching (12). The twigs also have a neutral temperature and so can be used for cold and heat disorders with the correct accompanying herbs. In Western herbalism, a decoction of the twigs and leaves was used as a wash for mouth and toothache (5,11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Chinese medicine, the berries are sweeter and sour, aiding in the supplementation of body fluids, especially <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> and Blood of the Liver and Kidneys (13). This can treat symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, backache, premature graying of hair, insomnia or dream disturbed sleep, thirst and constipation when they are due to a loss or insufficiency of necessary fluids. In Western herbalism, the ripe berries have a traditional use for stimulating a bowel movement whilst the unripe berries bind it, especially used for regulating menstruation (5,11). The juice was also used for syrups to aid in all kinds of inflammation, especially those in the mouth, throat or palate. It is also this part which maintained a medicinal use into the modern era, although only as an adjuvant in expectorant and laxative syrups, or as a gargle for a sore throat (14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Chinese medicine, the root bark treats cough, similar to the leaves. Being a deeper part of the plant, it focuses on coughs that have penetrated to a deeper level with phlegm obstructing the lungs [15]. In Chinese physiology, the Lungs have an influence on water metabolism and the skin so the root is also able to drain fluid in the lungs and unblock urination. In Western herbalism, the root bark was used to kill worms (5,11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe whole root is used less frequently but is used in Chinese medicine for disorders of excess in the Liver including tremors or convulsions, muscle spasms and pain, hypertension, red eyes and irritation of the genitals (16). In Western herbalism, a juice extracted from the root and left to harden overnight was used to help toothache, dissolve knots and purge the belly (5,11).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_58200\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"543\"]\"Mulberry Mulberry (Morus alba<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Respiratory<\/span><\/h3>\r\nOne of the main uses of mulberry in Chinese medicine is for respiratory conditions. The leaves, as the lightest and highest part of the tree, are best for superficial infections affecting the upper body such as a cough with fever, sore throat and red eyes (10). The root bark, coming from a deeper part of the tree, helps with pathogens lodged at a deeper level causing phlegm congestion and wheezing (15).<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMulberry twigs are used in Chinese medicine for the alleviation of joint pain and numbness. This is due to their small, thin nature that sees them as able to enter the narrow channel pathways and assist in clearing them from blockages and assist in the smooth flow of <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> (12). This is supported by the presence of anti-inflammatory constituents found in the branches (17,18).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe root bark can also be used to assist with urinary disorders. Since it is able to drain fluid from the lungs, it can also assist with fluid retention, oedema and swelling elsewhere (15).<\/span>\r\n

Metabolic<\/span><\/h3>\r\nRecent studies have looked at the ability of mulberry leaves and fruits to alleviate metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms need further study but its antidiabetic properties are related to lowering blood glucose by inhibiting \u03b1-glucosidase enzyme, preventing the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars necessary for absorption, protecting pancreatic cells and lowering insulin resistance (19,20). Meanwhile, its effects on fat metabolism are related to reducing lipid absorption and accumulation, modifying adipocyte formation and signalling, triggering the browning of adipose tissue and improving gut microbiota which directly contribute to obesity, in addition to the glucose lowering effects that are also a factor in overall calorie management (21, 22). Its antioxidant capacity also helps in both conditions by reducing inflammation and the oxidation of lipids.<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_58198\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"540\"]\"Mulberry Mulberry (Morus alba<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Advances on antiviral activity of <\/span>Morus<\/span><\/i> spp. plant extracts: Human Coronavirus and virus-related respiratory tract infections in the spotlight<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe recent coronavirus pandemic caused many researchers to look for antiviral properties of herbal medicines, and the traditional use of mulberry leaf and root bark in Chinese medicine was one of those considered. One study found that <\/span>Morus alba <\/span><\/i>leaf water-ethanol extracts had an antiviral effect that was superior against enveloped human coronavirus than non-enveloped picornavirus which they suggested was due to the interaction of the constituents with the binding capacity of ligands on the envelope.<\/span>\r\n

The root bark of <\/span>Morus alba<\/span><\/i> and the flavonoid constituents inhibit airway inflammation<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAnother study found that the root bark inhibited bronchitis-like symptoms, determined by TNF-\u03b1 production, inflammatory cell infiltration and histological observation. Several flavonoid components (kuwanone E, kuwanone G and norartocarpanone) also inhibited IL-6 in lung epithelial cells and nitric oxide production in lung macrophages (25).<\/span>\r\n

Anti-inflammatory activities of compounds from twigs of <\/span>Morus alba<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\r\nThis study identified nine compounds which demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, three of which acted on the expression of both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein (17). Following that, research also subsequently found another three constituents which they proposed could be used for quality control purposes (18).<\/span>\r\n

Effects of mulberry fruit (<\/span>Morus alba<\/span><\/i> L.) consumption on health outcomes: A mini-review<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis review found the fruits to be high in polyphenols, the most important class of which were anthocyanins. The effects of these compounds were reported to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels whilst increasing insulin sensitivity giving them a potential role in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Their antioxidant properties also helped to protect cells in models of tumour formation, liver injury, brain injury and other models of oxidative stress induced cell death. However, they caution that most studies are in cell or animal models and, while a correlation between mulberry consumption and improved health have been observed, further study is needed to understand how this occurs in humans (9).<\/span>\r\n

Morus alba<\/span><\/i>: Natural and valuable effects in weight loss management<\/span><\/h3>\r\nReviewing the evidence for the use of mulberry in the management of obesity, this study determined that various parts of mulberry could contribute to a safe and effective weight loss program (22). Its main mechanisms were identified as contributing to calorie deficit, reducing postprandial glucose levels and lipid accumulation, improving insulin resistance, modulating adipocyte formation and signalling, reducing inflammation through antioxidant activity and modulation of the gut microbiota. <\/span>\r\n\r\nCalorie deficit and the reduction of postprandial glucose were achieved through the inhibition of digestive enzymes, especially \u03b1-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, reducing the absorption of sugars and fats in the digestive tract; insulin resistance was improved through increasing GLUT4 expression and enhancing mitochondrial function; adipocyte formation was inhibited by inducing apoptosis of immature adipocytes before they reached maturity; inflammation was reduced by modulating adipokines adiponectin and leptin, reducing adipose tissue related inflammatory signalling. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antioxidant effects were attributed to an increase in cellular antioxidant enzyme production which also contributed to its anti-inflammatory effect; while the gut microbiota became more diverse, especially in the bacterial species whose deficit is associated with metabolic disorders. This was supported by other papers which reviewed the evidence for the use of mulberry extracts in diabetes and obesity management (19,20,21,23).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The mulberry tree has been an integral part of Chinese culture and livelihood for 5000 years where the white mulberry (<\/span>Morus alba<\/span><\/i>) has been cultivated for its use in making paper and as a food source for silk worms (26).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":58208},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"White mulberry (<\/span>Morus alba<\/span><\/i>) is an 8\u201312 m deciduous tree, spreading wider than 8 m with ovate to heart-shaped, glossy, toothed green leaves that turn pale yellow in autumn. Flowers are insignificant and followed by fruits that emerge as pale green catkins in late spring and early summer, developing into edible, flavourless raspberry-like fruits that begin white and develop to reddish-pink or near-black (44). Common mulberry (<\/span>Morus nigra<\/span><\/i>) is broad-crowned with dark purplish-red fruits with a stronger, more tart flavour that emerge in summer (45).<\/span>","common_names":"