Botanical Overview
Morus alba, commonly known as White mulberry, is a member of the Moraceae family. It is native to China and widely cultivated throughout East Asia, the Mediterranean, and globally. The plant’s leaves, fruit, root, and bark are used medicinally. It is valued in various traditional medical systems for its broad therapeutic applications.
Energetics
Morus alba is considered cooling and moistening in nature. It has bitter and sweet tastes, is tonifying in effect, and primarily influences qi, blood, and fluids.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Hypoglycemic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diaphoretic
- Laxative
- Antitussive
Indications
Western
- High blood sugar
- Chronic cough
- Constipation
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypertension
Syndromes
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Dyslipidemia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Constipation
TCM
- Dry cough
- Thirst
- Constipation
- Wind-heat symptoms
Syndromes
- Lung Yin deficiency
- Liver Heat
- Constipation due to Blood Deficiency
Ayurveda
- Fever
- Diabetes symptoms
- Cough
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Kapha disorders
- Madhumeha (diabetes)
Unani
- Cough
- Constipation
- Fever
Syndromes
- Soolat (phlegmatic conditions)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Morus alba contains flavonoids, alkaloids (notably 1-deoxynojirimycin), phenolic acids, and morusimic acid that contribute to its antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory actions.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf infusion 3-6 g daily
- Fruit fresh or dried 10-30 g
- Tincture 1:5 40% alcohol, 2-5 mL 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used appropriately. Caution or avoidance is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Potential interactions with hypoglycemic medications require blood sugar monitoring. Avoid if allergic to mulberry or related species.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers have been identified for Morus alba.
Selected References
- Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effects of Morus alba – Phytotherapy Research, 2009
- Morus alba – PFAF Plant Database
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica – Bensky et al., 2004
- EMA/HMPC Herbal Medicinal Product Assessment – 2014
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Morus alba – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013