White mulberry is an herb. The powdered leaves are most commonly used for medicine. The fruit can be used for food, either raw or cooked.
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Uses
- The medical literature includes numerous references for white mulberry use in atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, infection, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there are no clinical trials to support these uses.
Benefits
- White mulberry is often tried in order to help treat diabetes. It is also tried for treating high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, the common cold and its symptoms, muscle and joint pain such as from arthritis, constipation, dizziness, ringing in the ears, hair loss, and premature graying.
- White mulberry is native to China and is the food of silkworms. It was introduced into the United States in colonial times, during an attempt to establish a silk industry. The wood is very flexible and durable and has been used to make tennis rackets, hockey sticks, furniture, and boats.
Cautions
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of white mulberry during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Diabetes: White mulberry might lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use white mulberry.
Interactions
- Because white mulberry may alter blood sugar levels, it should be used cautiously with medications (eg, insulin) that lower blood sugar in diabetes. White mulberry may also increase the side effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and should also be used with caution in patients using benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antidepressants. White mulberry may also interact with medications used for gout.
Other names
Chinese White Mulberry, Chi Sang, Chin Sang, Common Mulberry, Egyptian Mulberry, Mon Tea, Mora, Moral Blanco, Morera Blanca, Morin, Morus alba, Morus indica, Morus multicaulis, Mûrier Blanc, Mûrier Blanc de Chine, Mûrier Commun, Mûrier du Ver à Soie, Russian Mulberry, Silkworm Mulberry
References
Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/npp/white-mulberry.html