Black Mulberry

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia. Its dark purple-black fruit, leaves, and root bark have been used as both food and traditional medicine.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Post-meal blood glucose (leaf extract)

Good Evidence

Several small randomized trials of mulberry leaf extract standardized to DNJ show modest reductions in post-meal glucose excursions, especially after high-carbohydrate meals.

How it works

Black mulberry fruit is rich in anthocyanins (especially cyanidin-3-glucoside), polyphenols, vitamin C, and iron. The leaves contain 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows the digestion of complex carbohydrates and may blunt post-meal blood sugar rises. Fruit polyphenols contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Mulberry leaf extract has been studied in small clinical trials for post-meal glucose control, with modest reductions reported.

Dosage

No standardized dose for the fruit. Mulberry leaf extracts (standardized to DNJ) are typically dosed to deliver 12-36 mg DNJ per meal.

When and how to take it

Mulberry leaf extract is taken just before or with carbohydrate-containing meals for its glucose-blunting effect. Fruit can be eaten as part of any meal or snack.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Mulberry leaf extract (standardized to DNJ)

Most clinically studied form.

DNJ acts locally in the gut to inhibit alpha-glucosidase.

Black mulberry fruit / juice

Food source.

Anthocyanins absorbed with usual gut polyphenol absorption.

Safety

Both fruit and leaf are generally well tolerated. Side effects from leaf extract may include mild gastrointestinal upset (gas, bloating) due to altered carbohydrate digestion.

Who should be cautious

People with diabetes on insulin or oral hypoglycemics should monitor blood glucose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use only with medical advice. People sensitive to other Moraceae plants should be cautious.

Interactions

Mulberry leaf may add to the effects of antidiabetic medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose if combining.

Food sources

Fresh black mulberries

Amount
1/2 cup (~70 g)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is mulberry leaf the same as the fruit?⌄

No. The fruit is a food source of polyphenols and vitamin C. The leaf contains DNJ and is used for blood sugar support. They have different uses.

Will mulberry leaf cause hypoglycemia?⌄

On its own, the effect is mild. Combined with insulin or strong oral hypoglycemics, it could increase the risk of low blood sugar - monitor and adjust with your clinician.

References

Black Mulberry on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Black Mulberry on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Black Mulberry (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.