Ingredient guide

White Mulberry (Morus Alba): Blood Sugar Evidence

White mulberry leaf extract contains alkaloids and polyphenols that slow carbohydrate absorption. A meta-analysis of 15 trials in 1,202 participants supports improvements in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.

Moderate evidence

Written by Supplements Unpacked Editorial Team

Benefits

Meta-analysis of 15 trials shows improvements in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.
RCT showed lower glycaemic and insulin responses to sucrose in healthy subjects.
Contains chlorogenic acid and rutin, key actives for blood sugar effects.

Evidence summary

What white mulberry is

White mulberry (Morus alba) is a tree native to China, traditionally grown to feed silkworms. The leaves contain a unique alkaloid called 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) that inhibits sugar-digesting enzymes, plus rutin and chlorogenic acid. Extracts are now sold for blood sugar control.

What the human research shows

A 2025 meta-analysis of 15 RCTs in 1,202 participants found that mulberry supplementation improved blood sugar control and lowered fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and other metabolic markers. A double-blind RCT in healthy subjects showed that mulberry leaf extract lowered glycaemic and insulin responses to sucrose. We grade the evidence as moderate.

Dosage & safety

Dosage

Trials commonly use 250 mg to 1,000 mg of mulberry leaf extract per day, often before meals. Allow 8 to 12 weeks. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use if you take blood sugar medicine.

Side effects

Generally well tolerated.
Most common are mild stomach upset and loose stools.

Interactions

White mulberry may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of diabetes medicine.

Warnings

Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before regular white mulberry use if you take blood sugar medicine, since effects may add together.
Tell your provider you take it before any planned surgery.

Products with this ingredient

NuviaLab Sugar Control supplement packaging

NuviaLab Sugar Control NuviaLab Sugar Control NuviaLab Sugar Control is positioned for support for healthy sugar levels, support weight management, support normal metabolism. Use this as a product research starting point until the benefits, ingredients, and safety notes are reviewed. Read review

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Citations

Mulberry leaves' hypoglycemic properties and mechanisms (review) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mulberry leaf extract on glycaemic and insulaemic response to sucrose: RCT ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Frequently asked questions

Does white mulberry lower blood sugar?

Yes, modestly. A meta-analysis of 15 trials shows reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c.

How does it work?

Its alkaloid DNJ inhibits the enzymes that break carbohydrates into sugar in the gut, so less sugar enters the bloodstream.