White Mulberry Leaf
Commonly used for
Metabolic Health
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Mulberry DNJ is a potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase, the enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates in the gut, slowing their absorption and blunting the after-meal glucose and insulin spike -- a mechanism similar to the prescription drug acarbose.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Morus alba leaf aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract, often standardized to 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ); frequently combined with other botanicals
Typical dose studied: ~250 mg-1 g extract; combination products vary
Timing: With or just before carbohydrate-containing meals -- the postprandial effect is the main use
Well tolerated aside from GI effects (bloating, diarrhea) consistent with its alpha-glucosidase-inhibiting mechanism.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Interacts with: Insulin, sulfonylureas -- additive hypoglycemia risk; Acarbose -- overlapping mechanism (both are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors), additive GI effects
Already taking it? Reasonable to continue -- much of the supporting human evidence comes from multi-ingredient formulas rather than mulberry alone, which complicates attributing the benefit specifically to this ingredient.
Research & references
Derosa G et al. (2022). The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Phytotherapy Research.
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