Black mulberry
Scientific names: Morus nigra
Family: Moraceae
Alternate names: Morera Negra, Mulberry, Mûrier Noir, Purple Mulberry
Actions: Antioxidant, Antinociceptive/analgesic, CYP3A enzyme inhibition activity, Lectin-binding activity
Background
Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a plant found worldwide. The ripe berry, twigs, and root bark are used to make medicine. The ripe berry is also eaten.
Black mulberry fruit contains pectin, which might act as a laxative. Chemicals in black mulberry fruit and black mulberry twigs might have blood sugar lowering effects.
People use black mulberry for constipation, symptoms of menopause, runny nose, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse black mulberry with white mulberry. These are not the same.
Black mulberry fruit contains pectin, which might act as a laxative. Chemicals in black mulberry fruit and black mulberry twigs might have blood sugar lowering effects.
People use black mulberry for constipation, symptoms of menopause, runny nose, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse black mulberry with white mulberry. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Black mulberry fruit and the molasses made from the fruit is possibly safe when eaten as a food. The fruit is commonly used in foods, but there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use as a medicine. Black mulberry leaf is possibly safe when taken as a medicine, short-term. Black mulberry leaf powder has been used safely for up to 60 days.
Allergies: People who are allergic to fig might also be allergic to black mulberry.
Surgery: Black mulberry seems to lower blood sugar levels. It might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using black mulberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black mulberry is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Allergies: People who are allergic to fig might also be allergic to black mulberry.
Surgery: Black mulberry seems to lower blood sugar levels. It might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using black mulberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using black mulberry for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of black mulberry might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Black mulberry leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking black mulberry leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Midazolam (Versed)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The body breaks down midazolam to get rid of it. Black mulberry might slow the breakdown of midazolam. This might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Black mulberry leaf might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 27/10/2020 00:59:22. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
