Review on white Mulberry for the management of Diabetes

 

Geetanjali Sahu1, Mohd Kaish Noori2

1Assistant Professor (Pharmaceutics), School of Pharmacy,

Chouksey Engineering College, Lalkhadan, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Pincode 495004, India.

2Assistant Professor (Pharmaceutics), School of Pharmacy,

Chouksey Engineering College, Lalkhadan, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Pincode 495004, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: geetanjali.sahu574@gmail.com, mdkaishnoori@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Morus alba (white mulberry) is an extensively studied medicinal plant recognised for its diverse therapeutic roles, especially in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Phytoconstituents including iminosugars (1-deoxynojirimycin, DNJ), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin derivatives), phenolic acids, and polysaccharides demonstrate promising antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties. Preclinical investigations validate its ability to inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, enhance insulin signalling, modulate gut microbiota, protect pancreatic β-cells, and regulate oxidative stress. Emerging clinical evidence further supports its modulation of postprandial glucose and lipid markers. Despite encouraging findings, human trials remain limited by short duration, small sample sizes, and lack of extract standardisation. This review synthesizes updated phytochemistry, mechanistic insights, experimental evidence, clinical relevance, safety considerations, and future research directions, highlighting Morus alba as a potential adjunct in metabolic disease management rather than a standalone therapy.

 

KEYWORDS: Morus alba, Metabolic disorders, Antihyperglycaemic activity, Phytopharmacology, Oxidative stress, DNJ.

 

 

1.       INTRODUCTION:

Metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), remain a significant global health concern characterized by hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, impaired β-cell function, dyslipidaemia, and chronic inflammation. Despite the availability of modern pharmacotherapeutics, growing interest persists in plant-based interventions that offer multi-targeted actions with better tolerability.1,2

 

Morus alba L. (white mulberry), long utilised in traditional medicine systems of Asia for “Xiaoke” (wasting/thirsting disorder), has gained considerable scientific attention over the last decade. Its varied phytochemical profile confers diverse biological activities such as inhibition of α-glucosidase, enhancement of insulin pathways, antioxidation, and improvement of lipid homeostasis. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have expanded understanding of its potential as a complementary strategy for metabolic regulation3,4

 

This review provides a completely updated, restructured synthesis of Morus alba's pharmacological relevance in metabolic disorders supported by contemporary literature.

 

2. Phytochemical Overview of Morus alba5,6,7

Morus alba contains a wide array of bioactive molecules distributed across leaves, fruits, bark, and roots. Major phytochemical categories include:

2.1 Iminosugars:

·       1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) – a potent competitive α-glucosidase inhibitor responsible for regulating postprandial glucose spikes.

 

2.2 Flavonoids:

·       Rutin

·       Quercetin-3-O-glucoside

·       Isoquercitrin

·       Quercitrin

These compounds contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic actions.

 

2.3 Phenolic Acids:

·       Chlorogenic acid

·       Caffeic acid

 

2.4 Polysaccharides:

Demonstrate immunomodulatory and glucose-regulating activity.

 

2.5 Minor Bioactives:

·       Kuwanon and moracin derivatives

·       Alkaloids

·       Terpenoids

 

The presence of >200 known metabolites positions Morus alba as a phytochemically rich plant with high therapeutic potential.

 

3. Mechanisms of Action in Metabolic Disorders:8,9,10

3.1 Carbohydrate-Digestive Enzyme Inhibition:

DNJ and related iminosugars block α-glucosidase and α-amylase, delaying carbohydrate digestion and reducing postprandial glycaemic excursions.

 

3.2 Enhancement of Insulin Signalling:

Extracts activate the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt cascade, improve GLUT4 translocation, and increase muscle glucose uptake.

 

3.3 β-Cell Preservation:

Studies show improved β-cell mass, reduced apoptosis, and promotion of autophagy (via AMPK/mTOR regulation).

 

3.4 Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Flavonoids neutralize ROS, reduce lipid peroxidation, and modulate inflammatory mediators beneficial in insulin resistance.

 

3.5 Gut Microbiota Modulation:

Mulberry leaf water extracts improve microbial composition, intestinal permeability, and reduce LPS-induced inflammation.

 

3.6 Lipid Metabolism Regulation:

Extracts decrease LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol while improving HDL levels.

These synergistic pathways highlight the plant’s multi-dimensional therapeutic potential.

 

4. Preclinical Evidence:11

Extensive in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate:

·       Improved glucose tolerance in STZ and alloxan-induced diabetic models

·       Reduction in LDL and triglycerides

·       Marked inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity

·       Preservation of pancreatic architecture

·       Normalization of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx)

·       Enhanced muscle insulin sensitivity

·       Modulation of trace elements related to oxidative metabolism

 

Collectively, preclinical data strongly support the antidiabetic and metabolic regulatory effects of Morus alba.

 

5. Clinical Evidence:12,13

Although fewer in number, human studies show promising outcomes:

 

5.1 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs):

·       Significant reductions in postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels after mulberry leaf extract consumption

·       Improved HDL, lowered oxidative stress markers such as MDA

·       Suppression of carbohydrate-induced glycaemic rise when consumed with meals

 

5.2 Comparative Studies:

Mulberry fruit extract demonstrates similar or superior effects to pure DNJ, indicating enhanced bioactivity from phytochemical synergy.

 

5.3 Studies in Impaired Glucose Tolerance:

Standardized extracts exhibit strong α-glucosidase inhibition and favourable glycaemic outcomes.

While encouraging, larger high-quality RCTs with uniform extract standardisation are necessary.

 

6. Safety and Tolerability:14

Morus alba is generally well tolerated. Reported mild adverse effects include:

·       Bloating

·       Gas

·       Loose stools

Risk of hypoglycaemia exists when combined with antidiabetic medications. Long-term human safety data remain limited, necessitating further evaluation.

 

7. Critical Evaluation:15

Strengths:

·       Strong mechanistic plausibility

·       Consistent preclinical evidence

·       Positive early-phase clinical outcomes

·       Rich phytochemical diversity supporting multi-target action

 

Limitations:

·       Limited large-scale human trials

·       Short study durations (<12 weeks)

·       Lack of extract standardization (especially DNJ content)

·       Variability in dosage and formulations

·       Insufficient long-term safety data

 

8. Future Perspectives:

Future research should focus on:

·       Large multi-centre RCTs assessing HbA1c, lipid markers, inflammatory biomarkers, and organ protection.

·       Establishing standardized Morus alba preparations (DNJ-standardized extracts).

·       Pharmacokinetic and dose-response studies.

·       Long-term safety and herb-drug interaction assessments.

·       Investigating its role as adjunct therapy with metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, etc.

·       Exploring fortified functional foods incorporating mulberry phytochemicals.

 

9. CONCLUSION:

Morus alba demonstrates significant potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes. Its broad spectrum of actions—including enzyme inhibition, insulin pathway enhancement, antioxidation, gut microbiota modulation, and lipid regulation—offers a multi-targeted approach beneficial in complex metabolic dysfunctions. While preclinical evidence is robust and early clinical data promising, extensive human trials are essential before routine therapeutic application. Until then, Morus alba should be viewed as a supportive adjunct rather than a replacement for conventional antidiabetic therapies.

 

10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the School of Pharmacy, Chouksey Engineering College, Bilaspur (C.G.), for providing the necessary facilities and support to carry out this research work. I would also would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Miss. Hemlata Rathore for her valuable guidance, encouragement, and constant support throughout the completion of this.

 

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Received on 16.12.2025      Revised on 21.01.2026

Accepted on 20.02.2026      Published on 04.07.2026

Available online from July 18, 2026

Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2026; 16(3):246-248.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5713.2026.00035

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