White Mulberry: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

The White Mulberry, native to China, is a leafy tree belonging to the Moraceae family. Known for its leaves nourishing silkworms, this tree also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. In France, the first evidence of mulberry cultivation dates back to the Roman era, as evidenced by the discovery of mulberry seeds in various sites, mainly in southern France and Mediterranean regions. Its fruits, leaves, and even its bark are rich in active components such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other polyphenols, which confer interesting medicinal properties. Nevertheless, it's the leaves that are used therapeutically. In ancient societies, its leaves were used for their antioxidant and hypotensive properties, a use documented in several ancient texts and corroborated by contemporary analyses. From a scientific perspective, studies highlight the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of the white mulberry. These effects are attributed to key compounds such as 1-Deoxynojirimycin and its derivatives present in the leaves. Thanks to these properties, the white mulberry is a potential ally in managing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.