Mulberry Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Studies have found that mulberry leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce body’s inflammatory response to chronic diseases.

According to a recent study, mulberry leaf tea can be used to reduce inflammatory pain. The anthocyanins present in mulberries are attributable for its activity against inflammation.

The anti-cancer effect of Morus alba is due to compounds- morusin and kuwanon C and G. These prevent cell growth and increase cell death in cancer cells.

In a recent study, it was found that root bark extract of mulberry dose-dependently stopped cell growth and induced cell death in human colorectal cancer cells. It worked by activating ATF3 production, which plays an important role in programmed cell death also known as apoptosis.

The root bark extract also decreased cyclin D1 protein levels in cancer cells causing the cell cycle to stop.

However, further research is required to isolate the active components that are responsible for these effects.

Another study suggests that the anthocyanins present in mulberry can help in the prevention of several types of carcinomas.

Studies have found that bioactive compounds present in mulberry fruit extracts had a cytoprotective effect on brain cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide in vitro and a neuroprotective effect on cerebral damage caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in vivo.

Therefore, it is suggested that mulberry fruits possess neuroprotective effects under oxidative stress conditions. So, it is important that mulberries be included in the diet to prevent age-related brain diseases such as dementia.

In a recent study, it was found that mulberry fruit extract has a protective activity against ethyl carbamate induced cytotoxicity in human liver and oxidative stress.

The juice prepared from mulberry leaves are also rich in anthocyanins which act as antioxidants to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and physical fatigue.

Mulberries also host high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E, along with a range of carotenoid components like lutein, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and alpha-carotene.

All these nutrients act as antioxidants that neutralise free radicals specifically affecting the skin, tissue and hair. Mulberries can aid in skin care by reducing the appearance of blemishes, age spots, and pigmentation. It can also aid in the strengthening of hair roots.

Mulberries are an abundant source of calcium, and iron, which is the best combination of nutrients to maintain and build strong bone tissues and bones.

These nutrients help the bones in stopping the process of bone degradation and prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Mulberries also have a hepatoprotective (liver protecting) function.

A recent study reported that mulberry fruit extracts suppressed the synthesis and enhanced the oxidation of fatty acids.

Thus, mulberry fruits are likely to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Mulberries also are high in iron which is an important nutrient for maintaining liver health. So, make sure to include this much useful component in your diet.

Mulberry leaves play a role in improving the immune system by activating macrophages by means of the alkaloids present in them. Macrophages help in keeping the immune system alert.

Mulberries are rich in Vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens immunity. Vitamin C acts as a powerful defensive weapon against any foreign pathogens in the body.

A single serving of mulberries contains almost a day's source of Vitamin C for the body.

Thus consuming either mulberries or leaves of mulberry juice help in activating the immune system and eliciting an immune response.

Consuming mulberries can be beneficial for eye health. One of the carotenoids found in mulberries is zeaxanthin. This bioactive compound in mulberries has a direct role in the reduction of oxidative stress on certain ocular cells, along with the retinal macula lutea.

Additionally, zeaxanthin functions as an antioxidant and prevents certain damage to the retina, including free radicals that are responsible for causing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Mulberries have been used as a remedy for improving blood health since ages. Ancient Chinese medicine made use of mulberries in blood tonics meant to cleanse the blood and increase its production.

The high levels of iron content in mulberries can also significantly boost the production of red blood cells. This causes the body to improve its distribution of oxygen to important tissues and organs, thereby aiding to boost metabolism and optimize the functioning of those systems.

Diabetes is a condition characterised by hyperglycemia which results from the defects in secretion of insulin. It can lead to a series of health complications including cardiovascular disorders and failure of various organs. Mulberry fruits might play an important role in the treatment of diabetes because of their anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects.

Studies found that including mulberry in the diet can help in lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, mulberry consumption also helps to improve insulin resistance as evidenced by studies.

The ability to lower blood glucose levels is attributed to the antioxidant components of mulberry such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase that act to neutralize the activity of free radicals. A combination of the extract of mulberry leaf and fruits can also act to reduce diabetes-induced weight gain. This effect is due to the action of the antioxidants that act to modulate the oxidative stress in the body.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading cause of deaths worldwide with about 17 million deaths yearly. Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Studies have found that a diet supplemented with 5 to 10 per cent mulberry fruit powder showed a significant decrease in the concentration of serum and liver triglyceride, total cholesterol and serum LDL cholesterol. In addition, there was an increase in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
(Read more: High cholesterol symptoms)

It is suggested that the presence of dietary fibre in mulberry fruits inhibits the hepatic lipogenesis and increases the receptor activity of LDL.

Research suggests that mulberry fruits have a hypolipidemic effect owing to their high content of dietary fibre and linoleic acid. The fibre content of mulberries also helps regulate cholesterol levels and can improve heart health when regularly added to the diet.

Mulberries contain dietary fibre, which makes approximately 10% of the daily requirements in a single serving.

Dietary fibre can help to improve digestion by bulking up the stool, thus, speeding up the movement of food through the digestive tract, while also preventing constipation, bloating, and cramping.

Mulberries can reduce blood pressure as they are very rich in the antioxidant resveratrol. Resveratrol is an important flavonoid that directly affects the functioning of certain mechanisms in blood vessels. This alteration of mechanism primarily makes blood vessel less prone to damage by angiotensin, responsible for causing blood vessel constriction.

Additionally, resveratrol increases the production of nitric oxide, which acts a vasodilator. It acts to relax blood vessels and reduces the chances of formation of a blood clot and related heart issues like stroke or heart attack.