Mulberry Tree and Fruit
Mulberry, a delicious and nutritious fruit, is touted "super food" in some circles.This tasty berry, packed with calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and dietary fibre, also contains carotenes, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C, tannin, linoleic acid and stearic acid.
The mulberry itself is called sang shen, and widely used in Chinese and Indian medicine.
Benefits
As an Antioxidant
Mulberry fruits derive their color from anthocyanins. This plant pigment is noted for its powerful antioxidant property. One ounce of ripe mulberry fruits contains nearly 60mg of anthocyanins. This phytonutrient protects our body from the harmful oxidation of free radicals.
At a 2007 symposium about the possible health benefits of berries, researchers presented theories that because berries contain anthocyanins, they are able to fight cancer, aging, neurological diseases, diabetes and bacterial infections. The brain is protected from cognitive decline and the development of cancer-causing cells or plague build-up in the blood vessels is significantly diminished.
Specifically, Mulberry contains cyanidin 3-glucoside, which epidemiological studies confirm lowers the risk of many degenerative diseases such as chronic arthritis and atherosclerosis.
Cyanidin 3-glucoside according to the Journal of Medicinal Food, protects the body against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Mulberry, along with improving blood circulation, can help people who suffer from heart palpitations.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that eating just five ounces of mixed berries a day can lower blood pressure, and reduces the risk of blood clots and strokes. Research done in France and Italy conclude that blood clotting and the degradation of collagen in the body leads to inflammation. However, the nutrients in mulberry can reduce the amount of cell membrane damage and makes it an effective antioxidant.
Diabetes and Weight control
The leaf from the mulberry bush brewed into a tea has been proven to lower lipid sugars in diabetes-sufferers and thereby, reducing their need for insulin as a first order treatment. Mulberry extract is highly regarded in Chinese and Japanese medicine to control fasting blood glucose levels and improve blood sugar control.
Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a potent glucosidase inhibitor, is a characteristic constituent of the mulberry leaf and may be beneficial for the suppression of abnormally high blood glucose levels.
Teamade with the leaves may prove to be beneficial for diabetes patients as it may improve glycemic control by reducing glucogenesis, to normalize the blood sugar level.
The US Food and Drug Administration recently called for Type 2 diabetes drugs to be more rigorously controlled because of concerns about their risk of causing heart problems. An extract of mulberry could offer an alternative for managing Type 2 diabetes, according to researchers working with the San Diego company, Neuliven Health, to market Glucocil.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases in the USA. The disease, formerly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually an adult-onset disease. However, obesity in young people is leading to more incidences of the disease earlier in life. It is characterized by raised blood sugar levels and metabolic changes that cause organ damage, and in particular is detrimental to the cardiovascular system.
Mulberry leaf has been used commonly for generations in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and some Indian foods. Previously, Zhong, of NatureGen Inc, San Diego, CA, and colleagues, Julie Furne and Michael Levitt of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, have confirmed—in the laboratory at least—that extracts of black, green, and mulberry teas could interfere with carbohydrate and triacylglycerol absorption via their ability to inhibit the enzymes amylase, glucosidase, sodium-glucose transporters, and pancreatic lipase.
‘’The two largest diabetes clinical studies recently published in New Eng. J. Med. further suggested that hypoglycemic drugs increase cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients,” explains Litao “Lee” Zhong. Most hypoglycemic drugs also cause weight gain. He suggests that an alternative treatment may be found in mulberry leaf extract.
Mulberry leaf is a natural glucosidase inhibitor. These compounds do not lower blood sugar levels but reduce and delay the abrupt elevation of blood sugars after a meal and therefore stabilize blood sugar levels,” Zhong explains.
“Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor drugs, such as acarbose, are found to reduce diabetic cardiovascular risks, be good for weight-management, and prevent pre-diabetics from becoming Type 2 diabetics.” Subsequently, clinical trials of a proprietary mulberry leaf extract demonstrated a significant lowering of blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. The effect helps the patients achieve a healthier diet and lifestyle. The latest results published in Diabetes Care reported an average 44% reduction in peak post-meal blood sugar elevations.
Mudra, M., Ercan-Fang, N., Zhong, L., Furne, J., & Levitt, M. (2007). Influence of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Blood Glucose and Breath Hydrogen Response to Ingestion of 75 g Sucrose by Type 2 Diabetic and Control Subjects Diabetes Care, 30 (5), 1272-1274 DOI: 10.2337/dc06-2120 Am J Clin Nutr, 84:551–55, 2006
Gout and Arthritis
Gouty arthritis is a disease which is precipitated by the build-up of uric acid in the body. The uric acid is in the form of crystals deposited on the articular surface of the bones. Uric acid is also deposited on the tendons and joints. This leads to the excruciating pain which is associated with Gout. Movements become painful and gritty. An inflammatory response is provoked in the joints.
The symptoms of Gout are characterized by "Excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint". Low-grade fever may also be present. Gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75 percent of first attacks); however, it also can affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. In some cases, the condition may appear in the joints of small toes that have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life, causing poor blood circulation that leads to gout. You are more likely to get gout if you: Are a man, Have family member with gout, and drink alcohol.
Mulberry fruits have a very potent anti-inflammatory action and are a natural alternative to commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs like Dolonex (Piroxicam), Brufen (Ibuprofen) and Volteran, etc. The fruits can be used with confidence for treating Gouty arthritis.
Directions For Use: Take 5 to 10 mulberry fruits in your daily diet. The symptoms of inflammatory condition associated with Gouty arthritis are reduced in a week and complete relief is afforded in a month using mulberry fruits.
Not To Use With: No specific precaution needs to be followed while using Mulberry fruits to treat Gouty arthritis.
Side Effects: None are seen. Mulberry fruits can be used with confidence in treating Gouty arthritis
Expected Results: Using mulberry fruits, the symptoms of inflammatory condition associated with Gouty arthritis are reduced in a week and complete relief is afforded in a month. Mulberry twig is sang zhi, and helps relieve arthritis in the joints of the arms.
Increased Immune Function
Clinical research has also shown an immune effect from drinking an infusion of mulberry twigs: patients with reduced immune function showed an increase of lymphocytes (white blood cells that defend the body against disease).
Anemia remedy
The iron content of mulberry makes it the appropriate fruit for people suffering from anemia. In traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry juice is used for treating anemia and for promoting blood circulation. It is said to enrich the blood and yin. The juice of the mulberry fruit also cures dizziness and fatigue – symptoms associated with anemia.
Insomnia
In Chinese medicine, 6 to 15 grams a day, often in syrup form, taking advantage of the berry's natural sweetness does contribute to a restful sleep and overall wellness.
Hair
Mulberry juice does help retain the natural color of the hair and in cases, also facilitate hair growth. Mulberries can actually make you look younger, or at least make your hair appear younger! Indian herbalists contend that if you apply a small amount of mulberry juice over your hair, and massage the juice into your scalp, it will darken grey hair and encourage it to grow!
Gastrointestinal Health
Mulberry aids digestion and is beneficial for chronic gastric problems. The fruit is good for the liver as it can help metabolise and flush out alcohol speedily from the liver, and as such alleviate problems associated with hangovers or people suffering from hepatitis or liver cancers. It also helps lower cholesterol level in the body.
The intestinal controlling action combined with the effects of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and the dietary fibers present in the fruit show improvements in the treatment of constipation, especially when due to blood deficiency.
In European herbal traditions, the root bark is used as a remedy to get rid of tapeworms. Mulberry juice also promotes urination and can be used as a diuretic, to reduce edema, especially of the face.
Reverse the Effects of Alcohol
Mulberry juice actually speeds up the way your body digests the alcohol. After drinking mulberry juice, you may not be tipsy for long as your hangover may not nearly be as severe.
Prevents Dehydration
Mulberry can balance internal secretions and enhance immunity. It promotes proper body fluid production. Mixing just ten grams of mulberry juice with an eight ounce glass of water can help the body manage its body fluids. While relieving dehydration problems, the mulberry juice can improve your body’s ability to resist disease and improve your gastric juice secretion.
Fever and Cough
Mulberry leaf is called sang ye, and is used to treat fever, headache, sore throat and cough. Mulberry root bark is called sang bai pi and is used as a diuretic and expectorant to stop coughing and wheezing.
Mulberry also helps relieve tinnitus.
Eye Health
The antioxidants in mulberry help protect the eyes and retard cataracts. It is also used to clear red, sore, painful eyes, both internally and externally as an eye wash.
If your job puts a great deal of strain on your eyes you should start to supplement your diet with a glass of all natural mulberry juice. The carotene, vitamin A and the anthocyanin in the mulberry juice will not only help relieve the effects of eye strain but will also strengthen your eyes and help save your vision.
Anti-cancer Agent?
Mulberry, like most berries, contains free radical scavengers that protect the body from degeneration. It fights inflammation and mutagenesis of carcinogens.
Free radicals have been indicted as the primary cause of various malignancies. The content of flavonoids in Indian Mulberry fruits extracts is significant. This antioxidant activity is almost two times higher than other commonly used antioxidants like Selenium and vitamin E. Additionally, ingredients present in Indian Mulberry fruit extracts shows long-lasting radical scavenging activity.
Indian Mulberry fruit extracts, along with other conventional treatments with chemotherapeutic agents, may be used to treat Prostate Cancer.
Directions For Use: Boil 5 to 8 Indian Mulberry fruits in 250 ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the Indian Mulberry fruits extract twice daily for six months along with conventional treatments.
Not To Use With: As such no interactions are seen with Indian Mulberry fruit extract; therefore no specific precaution needs to be followed while using this treatment for Prostate Cancer.
Side Effects: No side effects are seen with Indian Mulberry fruit extracts. Indian Mulberry fruits extracts can be used with confidence for treating Prostate Cancer.
Expected Results:
An improvement in the prognosis of Prostate Cancer was seen in six months of supplementation with Indian Mulberry fruits extracts.
Other Diseases
Recent studies have shown that the distilled juices of mulberry sap can be used in the treatment of diseases which are either borne by insects or carried by humans and transmitted by way of sexual contact, principal amongst these being the HIV virus.
Index IN VIVO ( http://www.iiar-anticancer.org/invivo/2006index.pdf.)
From the root and leaf extracts of the mulberry, Deoynojirimycin (DNJ), an alkaloid that acts as hormone inhibitor, can be isolated. DNJ reportedly blocks the pathway of infection of HIV virus by inhibiting glycosidases at the extra cellular contact point. Another compound called Butyl Deoxynojirimycin has been found more effective in treating AIDS in human beings.
Post-surgery healing
Patients who have undergone surgery could benefit from the enzymes in mulberry fruit as these speed up the healing process, decrease swelling, aid recovery after childbirth, and help prevent infection.
Anti-Stress Factor
1) Results of Anti-stress actvity in mice carried out in Japan
Anti-stress Activity of Mulberry Juice in Mice (In Vivo July 1, 2006 vol. 20 no. 4 499-504)
1. HIROSHI SAKAGAMI1,
2. KAZUHITO ASANO2,
3. KAZUE SATOH3,
4. KEISO TAKAHASHI4,
5. SHIGEMI TERAKUBO5,6,
6. YOKO SHOJI5,6,
7. HIDEKI NAKASHIMA5,6 and
8. WATARU NAKAMURA7
+ Author Affiliations
1. 1Division of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama
2. 2Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo
3. 3Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo
4. 4Division of Endodontics, Department of Restorative and Biomaterials Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama
5. 5Department of Microbiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
6. 6JST-CREST
7. 7Nakamura Chiro Association, Sakuraoka-machi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
1. Correspondence to: Hiroshi Sakagami, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama 350-0283, Japan. Tel: (+81)49-279-2758 (+81)49-279-2758 , Fax: (+81) 49-285-5171, e-mail:sakagami@dent.meikai.ac.jp
Abstract
Mulberry juice has proven efficient in the reduction of stress levels. The possible anti-stress activity of mulberry juice was investigated in mice. When mice were subjected to water immersion restraint stress at 25°C for 8 h, the plasma lipid peroxide level, determined by the d-ROMs test performed 12 h thereafter, was almost doubled. After administration of mulberry juice one or two weeks before the stress loading, the lipid peroxidation was completely blocked. Administration of mulberry juice after the stress loading, without pre-administration, was also protective. ESR spectroscopy revealed that mulberry juice scavenged superoxide anion (generated by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase reaction), hydroxyl radical (produced by the Fenton reaction) and NO radical (generated by a NO donor) at approximately 50% efficiency of blueberry juice. Mulberry juice produced smaller amounts of radical at neutral to alkaline pH. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV activities of mulberry juice were 18% and >4-fold those of blueberry juice, respectively. These data suggest that the anti-stress activity of mulberry juice in vivo may be derived from its radical scavenging activity.
2) Results of Anti-stress Activity of Mulberry Juice in Mice in Malaysia
BioFactors
Volume 31 Issue 1, Pages 25 - 33
Published Online: 19 Dec 2008
Lee CY, Cheng HM, Sim SM,
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.lee_chooiyeng@yahoo.com
The ability of the antioxidants in the mulberry leaves to protect Sprague-Dawley rats from injuries caused by immobilization stress was studied as an indicator of the tissue bioavailability of antioxidants. Nitrite level, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity (TAA) in the plasma and tissues were measured. There were hypertrophy of the adrenal glands and kidneys, significant increased levels of nitrite in the plasma and adrenal glands, elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the plasma, kidneys and spleen, and a reduction of TAA in the plasma, liver, adrenal glands, kidneys and spleen of the immobilized rats.
Antioxidants in the mulberry leaf extract suppressed the increase of nitrite and TBARS. Adrenal glands appeared to be the target organ of the antioxidants in the leaf extract. The low dose mulberry antioxidants were more effective than pure rutin (4 mg/day) to protect.
Conclusion
Mulberry has health benefits that have been proven in scientific research as well as those that have survived the test of time in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. The popularity and potential health benefits of berries are on the rise more than ever.
Supplementary Reading
Mulberry extract may prevent diabetes - study
By Stephen Daniells, 18-Jun-2007
Related topics: Research, Phytochemicals, plant extracts, Diabetes
A new mulberry powder, rich in a compound that inhibits the digestion of carbohydrates, may have the potential to prevent diabetes, suggests a new study from Japan.
Writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the researchers describe the production of a food-grade mulberry powder with an optimized content of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) content, a compound shown to inhibit the action of the glucosidase enzyme that controls the digestion of carbohydrates.
"This study suggests that the newly developed DNJ-enriched powder can be used as a dietary supplement for preventing diabetes mellitus," wrote lead author Toshiyuki Kimura from Tohoku University, in collaboration with researchers from National Agricultural Research Center for Tohoku Region, Minato Pharmaceutical Company, and Nippon Medical School.
An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.
In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132bn, with $92bn being direct costs from medication, according to 2002
American Diabetes Association figures.
While DNJ has been shown to inhibit glucosidase, the concentration of the compound in commercial mulberry products is extremely low, state the researchers, with levels as low as about 0.1 per cent.
Kimura and co-workers set about producing a food-grade mulberry powder with high DNJ content, and then determining the optimal dose of the DNJ-enriched powder needed to suppress blood glucose levels after a meal through clinical trials.
Using hydrophilic interaction chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection the researchers obtained a mulberry powder containing 1.5 per cent DNJ.
"Young mulberry leaves taken from the top part of the branches in summer contained the highest amount of DNJ," wrote the authors.
To test the efficacy of the extract, the researchers recruited health volunteers and assigned them to receive 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 g of DNJ-enriched powder, giving a corresponding dose of DNJ of 0, 6, 12, and 18 mg. This was followed by 50 g of sucrose. Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured before sucrose consumption, and again 30-180 minutes later.
"A human study indicated that the single oral administration of 0.8 and 1.2 g of DNJ-enriched powder significantly suppressed the elevation of postprandial blood glucose and secretion of insulin, revealing the physiological impact of mulberry DNJ (effective dose and efficacy in humans)," concluded the researchers.
Further research is needed to examine the efficacy of the extract in other population groups, including overweight and obese subjects who are more susceptible to type-2 diabetes.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence of the potential health benefits of berries that has filtered through to the consumers and has seen demand increase.
Indeed, sales of blueberries, for example, are reported to have rocketed by 130 per cent, raspberry sales are said to have grown by 62 per cent in the last two years, a strawberry sales in the UK are reported to have increased by 34 per cent during the last two years.
Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Published in ASAP Article 10.1021/jf062680g S0021-8561(06)02680-X
"Food-Grade Mulberry Powder Enriched with 1-Deoxynojirimycin Suppresses the Elevation of Postprandial Blood Glucose in Humans"
Authors: T. Kimura, K. Nakagawa, H. Kubota, Y. Kojima, Y. Goto, K. Yamagishi, S. Oita, S. Oikawa, and T. Miyazawa
