Sang Zhi (Morus alba (branch)): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Sang Zhi work to reduce joint inflammation?

Sang Zhi contains bioactive compounds including oxyresveratrol, mulberroside, and flavonoids that demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways and reduce oxidative stress markers in tissues. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Sang Zhi works by unblocking meridians and dispelling wind-dampness, which correlates with its observed effects on joint inflammation and mobility. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence).

Can I take Sang Zhi with blood pressure medications?

Sang Zhi may have additive effects when combined with antihypertensive medications, potentially causing blood pressure to drop below optimal levels. Caution is also advised when combining with antidiabetic drugs due to possible effects on glucose metabolism. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before adding Sang Zhi to their regimen.

What is the recommended dosage for Sang Zhi?

The standard adult dosage for Sang Zhi is 9-15 grams of dried twig daily, typically prepared as a decoction. For standardized extracts, 500mg taken twice daily is commonly recommended. Dosage may be adjusted based on individual response and condition severity. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance, especially when treating specific conditions.

Is Sang Zhi safe to take during pregnancy?

Sang Zhi is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Insufficient safety data exists regarding its use in pregnant women, and certain constituents may pose risks to fetal development. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Sang Zhi without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What is Sang Zhi used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine, Sang Zhi is primarily used to dispel wind-dampness and unblock meridians. It is indicated for joint pain and swelling, arm and leg pain, and wind-damp conditions affecting mobility. Unlike mulberry leaf which targets the lungs, Sang Zhi specifically addresses musculoskeletal complaints and has been traditionally used for hypertension support. Evidence level: C.

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 25 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Sang Zhi (Morus alba branch) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for its hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:25778928, 39826618].

Background

Sang Zhi consists of the branches of the mulberry tree (Morus alba L. or Morus multicaulis L.) [PMID:36959930, 30733818]. It is often considered a by-product of the sericulture industry [PMID:34828948, 38605412].

Traditional uses

It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine (Ramulus Mori) [PMID:25778928].

Active compounds

Active constituents include alkaloids (fagomine, 1-deoxynojirimycin, and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol) [PMID:25778928], stilbenes (specifically oxyresveratrol) [PMID:30263707], flavonoids, phenolic acids, arylbenzofurans, and Diels-Alder adducts [PMID:39826618]. It also contains water-soluble polysaccharides (MBBP-1 and MBBP-2) [PMID:27255450] and pectins [PMID:20053556].

Mechanism of action

The herb may reduce plasma glucose by stimulating hepatic glucose uptake and glycogen storage via oxyresveratrol [PMID:30263707] and by regulating mRNA expression of glycometabolism genes such as G6Pase, GCK, and PEPCK [PMID:25177729]. It may activate the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway to negatively regulate FoxO1 in the liver [PMID:30800168] and activate the Nrf2 and Cytochrome P450 signaling pathways to enhance antioxidant capacity [PMID:39765606]. Oxyresveratrol specifically may alleviate neuroinflammation via the PI3K-Akt pathway [PMID:38542908].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DType II Diabetes (Animal Model)

Oral administration of mulberry branch ethanol extracts or bark powder significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, improved insulin secretion, and inhibited weight loss in STZ-induced diabetic mice [PMID:30263707, 27257845, 28970780, 34026064].

Evidence DInflammation

Ethyl acetate extracts of branch bark inhibited the secretion of NO, IL-6, and IL-1β [PMID:39826618].

Evidence DCognitive Impairment (Animal Model)

Oxyresveratrol reversed cognitive impairments and alleviated neuronal injuries caused by neuroinflammation in LPS-induced mice [PMID:38542908].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, broilers, hens), indicating strong potential for hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, but lacks human clinical trial data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36959930 (2023) — Planting conditions can enhance the bioactivity of mulberry by affecting its composition. · Frontiers in plant science
2.PMID: 30263707 (2017) — Anti-diabetic effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) branches and oxyresveratrol in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. · Food science and biotechnology
3.PMID: 39826618 (2025) — Study on chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activity and quality control of the branch bark of Morus alba L. · Fitoterapia
4.PMID: 39765606 (2024) — Mulberry Branch Extracts Enhance the Antioxidant Capacity of Broiler Breast Muscle by Activating the Nrf2 and Cytochrome P450 Signaling Pathway. · Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
5.PMID: 27255450 (2016) — The isolation and the characterization of two polysaccharides from the branch bark of mulberry (Morus alba L.).

Sang Zhi

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sang Zhi