Mulberry Root Bark (Morus alba cortex): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does mulberry root bark work to treat cough and asthma?

Mulberry root bark (Sang Bai Pi) contains active compounds including morusin, cyclomulberrin, and flavonoids that exhibit antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it works by purging lung heat and descending lung qi, which helps relieve coughing and wheezing. Research suggests these compounds may reduce airway inflammation and suppress cough reflexes, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C). The herb also promotes urination, helping reduce fluid accumulation that can worsen respiratory symptoms.

Does mulberry root bark interact with any medications?

Mulberry root bark may interact with antihypertensive medications due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, potentially causing additive hypotension. Its diuretic properties could enhance the effects of prescription diuretics like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Additionally, mulberry species may affect blood glucose levels, so caution is advised when combining with antidiabetic medications. Patients taking these medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Evidence for specific interactions is limited and primarily based on pharmacological mechanisms rather than clinical trials (Evidence Level C).

What is the recommended dosage for mulberry root bark?

The standard adult dosage for dried mulberry root bark is 9-15 grams per day, typically prepared as a decoction or water extract. In TCM practice, it is often combined with other herbs in formulations tailored to individual constitutions and specific conditions. Dosage may vary based on preparation method and practitioner recommendations. Raw bark requires proper processing before use. Always follow guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing appropriate to your condition.

Is mulberry root bark safe during pregnancy?

Mulberry root bark is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindicates its use in pregnant women due to its purging and diuretic actions, which may adversely affect pregnancy. The herb's ability to purge lung heat and promote fluid elimination could potentially disrupt the delicate physiological balance needed during gestation. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of mulberry root bark?

Common side effects of mulberry root bark include gastrointestinal upset, particularly in individuals with a cold constitution or weak digestive function. The herb is contraindicated in cases of lung cold or lung deficiency, where it may worsen symptoms such as cold-type cough, clear phlegm, or fatigue. Because it purges heat and promotes urination, excessive use may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Those with spleen deficiency or cold-dominant conditions should use caution or avoid this herb entirely (Traditional evidence).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Mulberry Root Bark (Cortex Mori Radicis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for respiratory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic conditions [PMID:39326135, 40510163].

Background

Cortex Mori Radicis, also known as Sang-Bai-Pi, is the white endothelium of the young root of Morus alba L. [PMID:40510163].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used to purge the lung, relieve asthma, reduce swelling, treat colds, respiratory infections, and as an anti-phlogistic, liver protective, kidney protective, hypotensive, diuretic, anti-cough, and analgesic agent [PMID:40510163, 40840729, 24962785].

Active compounds

Key compounds include prenylated flavonoids (kuwanon G, H, X; sanggenon B, C, D, G, X), albanol B, morusin, and Diels-Alder adducts (DAAs) [PMID:38790847, 30470128, 30032067, 42197128, 36364405, 29315271].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include alleviation of senescence via PI3K/Akt signaling [PMID:39326135], inhibition of TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal fibrosis [PMID:39756310], suppression of iNOS and NF-κB activation [PMID:30470128, 24962785], and modulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) via ACE inhibition [PMID:38790847].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Extract alleviates senescence in lung fibroblasts via PI3K/Akt signaling in mouse models [PMID:39326135]

Evidence DRenal Fibrosis

Sang-Bai-Pi extract (specifically fraction EA-3) and regiafuran C ameliorate renal fibrosis in UUO rat models [PMID:39756310]

Evidence DDiabetes Mellitus

Prenylated flavanones show α-glucosidase inhibitory activity [PMID:39102223]; extract shows hypoglycemic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats [PMID:38253278]

Evidence DPancreatitis

Methanolic extract (MEMARB) reduces serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory markers in alcohol/cerulein-induced rat models [PMID:30335608, 30302330]

Evidence DHypertension

Ethyl acetate fraction reduced heart weight and serum renin/angiotensinogen levels in high-salt diet mice [PMID:38790847]

Evidence DProstate Cancer

Sanggenon C promotes apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest via the circHMGCS1-miR-205-5p-ErBB3 axis in vitro [PMID:36462326]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and metabolic potential, though human clinical trials are not provided in the source abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39326135 (2024) — Cortex Mori Radicis[Morus Alba L. (Moraceae)] extract alleviates senescence via PI3K/Akt signaling in COPD fibroblasts. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 39756310 (2025) — Sang-Bai-Pi extract and its constituent regiafuran C ameliorate renal fibrosis through TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 39102223 (2024) — Prenylated Flavanone Enantiomers with α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity from the Root Bark of Morus alba. · Chemistry & biodiversity
4.PMID: 40510163 (2025) — Molecular targets and mechanisms of cortex mori for lung cancer treatment: a network pharmacology study, molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo experimental validation. · Frontiers in oncology
5.PMID: 40840729

Mulberry Root Bark

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mulberry Root Bark

Crescentia Cujete

Averrhoa bilimbi

Evodia Rutaecarpa

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Mulberry Root Bark

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mulberry Root Bark

Related Herbs

Crescentia Cujete

Averrhoa bilimbi

Evodia Rutaecarpa

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources