Botanical Overview
Morus alba (Folia), commonly known as white mulberry leaf or mulberry leaf, belongs to the family Moraceae. The leaf is the primary part used medicinally. Native to China and widely cultivated across East Asia, the Mediterranean, and South Asia, this plant has been traditionally used in various medical systems for centuries.
Energetics
The leaf is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with a sweet and bitter taste profile. It is generally regarded as tonifying to the qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Antidiabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hypoglycemic
- Antihyperlipidemic
Indications
Western
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Cough
- Cold
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Hyperlipidemia
- Chronic cough
- Inflammatory conditions
TCM
- Dry cough
- Thirst
- Feverish sensations
- Sore throat
Syndromes
- Lung heat
- Liver yin deficiency
- Wind-heat invasion
Ayurveda
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus)
- Kapha disorders
Unani
- Heat in lungs
- Cough
- High blood sugar
Syndromes
- Ziyade shakkar (diabetes)
- Sulb al-dam (phlegmatic humor excess)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The leaves contain flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, coumarins, polysaccharides, and notably 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor responsible for antidiabetic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-6 g dried leaf daily
- Infusion: 2-5 g 1-3 times daily
- Powder: 1-3 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
White mulberry leaf is generally safe for use. Use caution during pregnancy due to limited safety data. It may potentiate hypoglycemic drugs; blood sugar levels should be monitored to avoid hypoglycemia.
Astrological Correspondences
No widely accepted planetary or elemental rulers documented for Morus alba leaf in authoritative herbal or esoteric sources.
Selected References
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Morus alba leaves (Ali et al., 2015)
- EMA Monograph on Morus alba L., folium (2018)
- Morus alba – Mulberry, Plants for a Future
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica (Bensky, Clavey & Stoger, 2004)