White Mulberry – Uses, Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects

White Mulberry

Introduction

Different types of medicinal plants have been traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases since ancient times. Plants rich in these medicinal properties are also used exclusively in Ayurvedic medicine. White Mulberry is a plant rich in medicinal properties.  All parts of this plant have been used as an antidote to various diseases.

What is White Mulberry/Morus Alba?

White mulberry is a medicinal sweet fruit tree. It is a plant belonging to the family ‘Moraceae’. White mulberry is called ‘Shahtoot’ in Hindi. Its scientific name is-“Morus Alba. This plant is native to the Eastern and Central parts of China. This plant is now grown for ornamental purposes in orchards and gardens throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are usually short-lived trees with a short life span. However, some species are known to be more than 250 years old.  This plant is widely and naturally grows in places like the USA, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Turkey, Iran, Argentina, India, and many other places.

White Mulberry - Uses, Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects
White Mulberry

White mulberry plants are widely cultivated to feed the silkworms engaged in the commercial production of silk. This type of plant is also known for its rapid release of pollen.

Health Benefits

White mulberry plants have many health benefits. The roles of this plant are noticeable in the case of cancer, diabetes, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders. The liquid extract of White mulberry roots can help to destroy the worms in the digestive system. Morus Alba leaf juice is used for its diaphoretic and emollient properties to Prevent Inflammation and infection problems of the neck. The benefits and uses of Morus Alba are also found in the treatment of fevers, colds, diarrhea, malaria, constipation, and intestinal worms.

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Appearance

White mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous or evergreen, small to medium-sized tree that usually grows to a height of 2-3 feet to 10-20 feet. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil to grow. This plant has a wide range of scattered and lateral roots. The stem of this plant is short, 4-16 inches in diameter and has many branches. The central stems can grow up to the height of 20-50 feet, but as a roadside plant and as a weed of agricultural land these plants sometimes grow up to the height of 15 feet. The secondary branches are usually weak and depending on the variety, they may be ponytailed or generally sloping towards the ground. The branches are slender, thorny, and slightly hairy and reddish-brown smooth and pale orange in color. The hairy leaves are placed opposite, 6-16 cm long and 5-13 cm wide and glossy green in color. Small petal fewer flower clusters are carried on densely sloping spikes. The male and female flowers are usually grown on separate plants. The white mulberry fruit is 1-1.5 cm long, deep purple in the forests, and differs from orchard to rose in most cultivated plants. The fruit of this plant tastes sweet and tender. The seeds are widely spread in the droppings of fruit-eating birds.

Chemical substance of White Mulberry/ Morus Alba

  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins
  • Lectins
  • Oligosaccharides
  • Enzymes
  • Digestive enzymes inhibitors
  • Stilbene
  • Glycosides

Nutrition value carried by every 100gm of white mulberry

  • Calories : 43
  • Total Fat : 0.4g
  • Sodium :10 mg
  • Potassium : 194 mg
  • Total carbohydrate : 10g
  • Protein :1.4g
  • Calcium : 0.03
  • Vitamin C : 60% 
  • Iron : 100% 
  • Vitamin B6 : 5%
  • Magnesium : 4% 

Scientific classification of White Mulberry/Morus Alba

  • Kingdom : Plantae
  • Clade : Tracheophytes
  • Clade : Angiosperms
  • Clade : Eudicots
  • Clade : Rosids
  • Order : Rosales
  • Family : Moraceae
  • Genus : Morus
  • Species : M.Alba
  • Scientific name : Morus Alba

Benefits of White Mulberry/Morus Alba

1. Anti-inflammatory:

White mulberry fruits contain a wide range of active compounds and volatile acids that provide anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for arthritis patients, as well as chronic inflammation, gout, migraines and Irritable Bowels Syndrome (IBS). 

2. Fatigue:

The benefits of the Morus Alba plant are seen in reducing fatigue. If you are suffering from long term seizures or want a little more energy than a single cup of Morus Alba tea can stimulate both your physical and mental energy levels.

3. Heart health:

Research has shown that eating white mulberry can help lower overall cholesterol levels while increasing H.D.L levels, which is good fat. This will reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack, coronary heart disease.

4. Great weight-loss tool:

If you are interested in the benefits of Morus Alba tea weight loss, then there are several ways to maximize your results. Some nutritionists recommend drinking Morus Alba tea at least 30 minutes before each meal to block the carbohydrates in deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). People who consume soft drinks or other beverages may be able to increase the amount of weight loss while consuming Morus Alba in exchange for those drinks.

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5. Reduces the risk of cancer:

According to a study, the antioxidant properties of white mulberry leaves have been shown to reduce cell death and inhibit the growth and replication of cancer cells. Although much of this research has focused on the effects of colorectal cancer, additional research is ongoing for other types of cancer.

6. Aids Cognition:

Extracts of the leaves of Morus Alba plant have been extensively studied for good effects on memory and brain function. Research has shown that the use of white mulberry leaf extract can stimulate nerve activity, which may help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

7. Depression:

An active ingredient in the bark of the plant (Morus Alba) relieves the antidepressant properties in tea while boiling. It is important to consult your doctor before using this plant tea regularly; especially if you have already taken any anti-depressant medication.

8. Diabetes:

This plant is commonly known for its effects on diabetes. The active ingredient in white mulberry called DNJ is able to slow down the process of glucose excretion in the body. As a result, blood sugar levels become more controllable. It can significantly improve the quality of life of diabetics.

9. Stress relief:

Stress is responsible for almost everything in the human body from anxiety levels to metabolic processes. Therefore, the benefits of white mulberry plant tea can be seen as profitable in balancing your nervous system and stress response. It can be used to treat chronic inflammation, mood swings and all the symptoms in between.

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Traditional uses and benefits of Morus Alba

  • Morus Alba has been shown to be effective in treating dysmenorrhea, dizziness, tetanus, anemia, hypertension, diabetes, premature ageing of hair and constipation in the older bodies.
  • Morus Alba extracts have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.
  • Chinese medicine has a long history of benefits and uses of Morus Alba plant, almost all parts of this plant are used in one way or another.
  • The leaves of Morus Alba plant are Anti-bacterial, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Hypoglycaemia, Dentalgia and Ophthalmic.
  • Morus Alba is used internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nasal bleeding.
  • The stems of this plant are Anti-rheumatic, Antispasmodic, Diuretics, Hypotensive and Pectora.
  • Morus Alba plant is used in the treatment of rheumatic toxins and constipation; joint pain and high blood pressure, especially in the upper half of the body.
  • Infusion of Morus Alba plant bark is used to relieve tooth decay.

Uses of White Mulberry

White mulberry leaves, stalks, stems, bark and fruits are all used as medicine for various ailments. Leaf juices, extracts, infusions, fruits and a variety of fruit products are used. White mulberry tea is used in the treatment of various ailments. 

Side effects of White Mulberry / Morus Alba

It is safe for most people when the Morus Alba powder is taken orally for 12 weeks. However, overuse can lead to bloating, leprosy, gas, and loose stools in some people.

Excessive use of any medicinal plant or herb can cause harm to our health. Therefore, it should be used regularly and in the right amount considering the benefits and harmful effects of the white mulberry plant and it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it in the treatment of diseases.

Conclusion

This article gives you a brief overview of white mulberry plants, leading to the chemical compounds, uses, disadvantages, and benefits of white mulberry. We hope that the information contained in this article will help you in various ways. Thank You!

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