Feuille de mûrier (Morus alba leaf): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does mulberry leaf lower blood sugar?

Mulberry leaf lowers blood sugar primarily through 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a compound that inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the intestines. This enzyme inhibition slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. DNJ acts similarly to pharmaceutical alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose but with a milder effect. Mulberry leaf also contains quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which may improve insulin sensitivity. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence supports this mechanism).

Can I take mulberry leaf with metformin or other diabetes medications?

Mulberry leaf can interact with diabetes medications, including metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas. Because mulberry leaf independently lowers blood sugar through alpha-glucosidase inhibition, combining it with antidiabetic drugs may cause additive effects, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Signs include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and shakiness. If you take diabetes medications, consult your healthcare provider before using mulberry leaf. They may need to adjust your medication dosage or monitor your blood sugar more closely. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage of mulberry leaf for blood sugar control?

For blood sugar management, traditional preparations use 5-9 grams of dried mulberry leaf daily as a decoction (tea). Standardized extracts containing 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) are typically dosed at approximately 1 gram daily. Research suggests taking mulberry leaf with meals for optimal alpha-glucosidase inhibition and blood sugar effects. Dosage may vary based on the specific product and concentration of active compounds. Start with lower doses and gradually increase while monitoring blood sugar response. Evidence level: C. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.

Is mulberry leaf safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mulberry leaf is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional sources and safety data indicate that mulberry leaf may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially risking miscarriage or premature labor. Large doses are specifically contraindicated in pregnancy. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Additionally, mulberry leaf's blood sugar-lowering effects could affect fetal development. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider about appropriate alternatives for managing blood sugar or other health concerns. Evidence level: D.

What is mulberry leaf used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mulberry leaf (Sang Ye) is classified as cool and sweet, primarily used to clear lung heat and wind-heat conditions. Common indications include coughs with yellow phlegm, sore throat, and feverish conditions affecting the respiratory system. Mulberry leaf also addresses liver heat manifesting as red, swollen, or painful eyes. Additionally, TCM practitioners use it for excessive perspiration caused by yin deficiency. The herb is typically prepared as a decoction or tea. Evidence level: Traditional.

What are the side effects of taking mulberry leaf?

Mulberry leaf is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, but side effects can occur. The most common include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, particularly when starting supplementation. The primary safety concern is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when combined with diabetes medications. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, sweating, weakness, and confusion. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. To minimize side effects, take mulberry leaf with food and start with lower doses. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.) is a medicinal herb used clinically to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [PMID:40527063] and is recognized for its biological activities, including anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects [PMID:38555774].

Contexte

Morus alba L. (White Mulberry) is a plant whose leaves are used as functional foods, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea [PMID:34896248].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally recorded in the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' for the treatment of diabetes [PMID:40825385] and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat insomnia [PMID:39374877].

Composés actifs

Active constituents include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) [PMID:42272281], polysaccharides [PMID:39490871], polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acid and quercitrin) [PMID:36185673], flavonoids [PMID:39374877], and amino acids like tryptophan and melatonin [PMID:35956928].

Mécanisme d'action

Mulberry leaf may improve T2DM by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, and activating the AMPK signaling pathway [PMID:40527063, PMID:40825385]. It may also modulate bile acid metabolism via the gut microbiota-bile acids metabolic pathway [PMID:39490871] and induce browning of white adipose tissue [PMID:33971987]. For sleep improvement, flavonoids may regulate GABA and 5-HT receptors [PMID:39374877].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Glycemic Control)

Supplementation of mulberry leaf/extract resulted in a significant reduction of glycemic traits [PMID:36644880]. In a trial of 60 patients, 300 mg of extract twice daily significantly decreased insulin and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased HDL-cholesterol [PMID:35623877].

Preuve BPostprandial Glucose Response

Different doses of Reducose mulberry leaf extract were investigated for their ability to lower glycemic and insulinemic responses to a meal in healthy individuals [PMID:38892603].

Preuve BSleep Initiation and Quality

A blend containing 750 mg of mulberry leaf extract and tryptophan was evaluated for benefits on sleep onset latency and efficiency in adults with sleep complaints [PMID:40072601].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that consuming a green tea containing 550 mg of mulberry leaf extract three times a day for four weeks was safe for healthy adults, with no observed adverse reactions [PMID:35089999].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is strongest for the glycemic-lowering effects of mulberry leaf in T2DM, supported by a meta-analysis of RCTs and several animal models. Other potential applications (sleep, obesity, neuroprotection) are supported by lower-level evidence including single RCTs or in vitro/in vivo animal studies.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40527063 (2025) — Mulberry leaf improves type 2 diabetes in mice via gut microbiota-SCFAs-GPRs axis and AMPK signaling pathway. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 38892603 (2024) — Understanding the Impact of Different Doses of Reducose® Mulberry Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose and Insulin Responses after Eating a Complex Meal: Results from a Double-Blind, Randomised, Crossover Trial. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 36770881 (2023) — Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Morus alba (White Mulberry) Leaf Extract as Potential Antibacterial and Anticancer Agents. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 40678263 (2025) — Oral oncolytic magnetotactic bacteria elicit anti-colorectal tumor immunity and reprogram microbiota metabolism. · Bioactive materials
5.PMID: 41004579 (2025)

Feuille de mûrier

Sources et citations

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