Mulberries are a species of plant that belong to the Morus genus (think of a genus as a group of many different species). Their sweet and highly nutritious fruits have long been used, owing to the multitude of health benefits that they offer. Medicinal plants have been recognised for their applicability in therapeutic treatment for a long time. Mention of their use dates back as far back as 4000-5000 BC. Their efficacy is well accounted for, with a high volume of supporting scientific literature. It is because of this, that a high proportion of drugs are derived from plants – due to it being a tried and tested methodological formula.1 Mulberries are well known for their medicinal use. In this article, we will explore the historical significance of mulberries, their nutritional profile, medicinal properties, and their effect on health.
Historical significance of mulberries
The use of plants to derive medicinally beneficial products dates back many centuries ago and forms the foundation for traditional medicine, and mulberries have long been used as such. Their highly nutritional berry fruits can be produced abundantly and are highly nutritious. There are three main types of mulberry trees – white mulberry (Morus alba), red mulberry (Morus rubra) and black mulberry (Morus nigra). White mulberry originated in eastern and central China and has grown to become common in Europe. Red mulberry is native to the East Coast of America, and black mulberries are native to western Asia.2 Original uses of mulberries include liver protection, eyesight improvement, blood pressure reduction, and cardiovascular disease prevention.3
Nutritional profile of mulberries
Macronutrients and micronutrients present in morus
Mulberries typically consist of 80-90% water. The rest is made up of carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and fat. The amount of each macro and micronutrient can vary depending on the type of mulberry and its environmental conditions. However, a typical 100g serving of mulberries can contain 1.4g of protein, 9.8g of carbohydrates, 1.7g of fibre, and 0.4g of fat.
Mulberries also contain several vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C – promotes healthy skin and is important for several bodily functions4
- Iron – important for oxygen transport in the body5
- Vitamin K – helps aid in blood clotting and bone health6,7
- Potassium – an essential mineral that can help nerve and muscle function, whilst also reducing blood pressure8,9,10
- Vitamin E – can act as an antioxidant11
Medicinal properties of mulberries
Antioxidant properties and their role in combating oxidative stress
Mulberries contain a rich source of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are potent antioxidants and are responsible for the antioxidant properties associated with mulberries. The antioxidant properties of mulberries have proven to help prevent liver and kidney disease, and joint damage as well as promote anti-ageing.12
Anti-inflammatory effects
Several studies have supported the anti-inflammatory properties associated with mulberries. Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of mulberries can be attributed to, in part, its ability to suppress nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide can activate a protein called NF-Kb, which is responsible for regulating the production of genes implicated in inflammation.13,14
Regulation of blood sugar levels and implications for diabetes management
Increasing evidence supports the role of mulberries as an effective regulator of blood sugar levels and, in turn, a potent remedy for diabetes. The active plant constituents (flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols) are documented to have a role in the effects on blood sugar levels induced by mulberries.15
Mulberries and heart health
Impact of mulberry consumption on cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels can cause health complications. When cholesterol levels are high, they can accumulate on arterial walls. This accumulation can lead to restricted blood flow to an organ and therefore reduce its oxygen supply, which can potentially lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or stroke. High cholesterol levels can be managed through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Adding mulberries to your diet could aid in the management of cholesterol levels. Several studies have found that mulberry extracts can help to lower cholesterol by reducing excess fat and improving the ratio between low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol).16,17
Vasodilatory effects and potential for blood pressure regulation
Not only do mulberries contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels, but they can also regulate blood pressure. It is suggested that they do this by promoting an increase in the number of smooth muscle cells, which support how blood vessels contract and relax and therefore have a role in regulating blood pressure.19,20
Role in immune function
Research has come to the surface about how the species Morus alba (M. alba) can regulate immune function. Specifically, polysaccharides in M. alba have been shown to induce immunological activity in vitro (laboratorical studies, commonly cell-based studies). Their efficacy in pathogen defence and tumour suppression through enhancing the activity of white blood cells (specifically, macrophages) makes them an attractive potential candidate for therapeutic development and future medical research.21
Mulberries in skin and hair health
Antioxidant-rich nature and its effects on skin ageing and hair health
As mentioned previously, mulberries are effective antioxidants, giving them the potential to be a healthy supplement for skin health. Studies investigating the effects of mulberry fruit extracts on cells have found that they can dampen oxidative stress responses in the body, which contribute to skin ageing.22,23 Mulberries can additionally aid in supporting healthy hair by preventing oxidative stress.24
Culinary uses and recipes
Mulberries can be used in a variety of foods and their versatility makes them a great option to incorporate into a healthy diet. Examples include adding them to cereal or oatmeal, adding them to yoghurt, including them as part of a salad, or simply adding them to a bowl of fruit. Like any fruit, however, moderation is key.
Summary
Morus is a genus of trees that offer many health benefits. Their roots, leaves and mulberries have long been used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Mulberries have been used extensively for human health. There are three main types of mulberries originating from different regions of the globe – Morus alba, Morus nigra and Morus rubra. Much research has investigated the effects of these mulberries on health, supporting their role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, blood sugar regulator, modulator of cardiovascular health, and, also, immunomodulator. The multitude of benefits of mulberries make them an excellent choice to incorporate into your diet.
References
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- Lee S, Lee MS, Chang E, Lee Y, Lee J, Kim J, Kim CT, Kim IH, Kim Y. Mulberry fruit extract promotes serum HDL-cholesterol levels and suppresses hepatic microRNA-33 expression in rats fed high cholesterol/cholic acid diet. Nutrients. 2020 May 21;12(5):1499.
- Wang C, Cheng W, Bai S, Ye LI, Du J, Zhong M, Liu J, Zhao R, Shen B. White mulberry fruit polysaccharides enhance endothelial nitric oxide production to relax arteries in vitro and reduce blood pressure in vivo. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2019 Aug 1;116:109022.
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