Mulberry leaves: Uses and benefits

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Traditional Chinese medicine uses mulberry leaves to help improve eyesight, nourish the liver, repel wind, and clear heat. It also aids in treating dizziness, dysentery, supports liver function, maintains youthful skin, coughs and cold symptoms, strengthens blood, treats colic and strengthens eyes. Read more to better understand the uses and benefits of mulberry leaves.
The mulberry tree produces flavorful berries that are loved around the world and are often considered a superfood because they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds. However, the fruit isn't the only part of the mulberry plant that can benefit your health. For centuries, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a natural treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
In fact, leaves have high nutritional value. They contain many powerful plant compounds such as polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

1. How are mulberry leaves used?

Records of 3000 years of mulberry cultivation were found in China. The mulberry tree was used by the ancient Chinese for food, paper, silkworm rearing, and medicine. Mulberry leaves (Morus) belong to the plant family Moraceae and include several species, such as the black mulberry (M. nigra), the red mulberry (M. rubra) and the white mulberry (M. alba).
Originally from China, the mulberry tree is now grown in many regions, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Mulberry leaves have many culinary, medicinal and industrial applications.
Leaves and other parts of the plant contain a milky white sap called latex, which is mildly toxic to humans and can cause symptoms such as stomach upset if ingested or skin irritation if touched. However, many people consume mulberry leaves without experiencing side effects. They are said to taste very good and are often used to make tinctures and herbal teas - a popular health drink in Asian countries. The young leaves can be eaten after being cooked.
You can also add mulberry leaves, which are becoming increasingly popular for their potential health benefits. In addition, these leaves are the sole source of food for the silkworm - a caterpillar that produces silk - and are sometimes used as food for dairy animals.

2. Health Benefits of Mulberry Leaves

Mulberry leaves can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation levels. These attributes may make them useful for fighting heart disease and diabetes.
2.1. May lower blood sugar and regulate insulin levels Mulberry leaves provide several compounds that may help fight diabetes. These include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which blocks the absorption of carbs in our gut. In particular, these leaves can reduce high blood sugar and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
In a recent study, 37 adults ate maltodextrin, a starchy powder that rapidly raises blood sugar. They were then given mulberry leaf extract containing 5% DNJ. Those taking 250 or 500 mg of the extract had significantly lower increases in blood sugar and insulin levels than the placebo group. In addition, in a 3-month study, people with type 2 diabetes who took 1,000 mg of mulberry leaf extract 3 times daily with meals experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar after meals, compared with placebo group.

2.2 May Promote Heart Health Several studies suggest that mulberry leaf extract may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reducing inflammation, and preventing atherosclerosis - the Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to heart disease. One study gave 23 people with high cholesterol 280 mg of mulberry leaf supplements three times per day. After 12 weeks, their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped by 5.6% while their HDL (good) cholesterol increased by 19.7%.
Another 12-week study noted that 10 people with high triglycerides taking a mulberry leaf supplement containing 36 mg of DNJ daily reduced this marker by an average of 50 mg/dL. In addition, animal studies indicate that this leaf can prevent atherosclerosis and reduce cell damage and high blood pressure levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
2.3. Effective in reducing inflammation Mulberry leaves contain many anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoid antioxidants. Some studies suggest that mulberry leaves may fight inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to many chronic diseases. Studies in rats on a high-fat diet demonstrate that this leaf supplement reduces inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, as well as oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase.
An in vitro study on human white blood cells also showed that mulberry leaf extract and its tea not only reduced inflammatory proteins, but also significantly reduced stress-induced DNA damage induced oxidation. While these results are worth the wait, most of them have only been conducted in animals, so more human studies are needed to prove the health effects of mulberry leaves. .
2.4. Relieves Symptoms of Colds Mulberry tea is used to treat liver and diseases. Medicine for headache, cough, sore eyes, fever and sore throat. The growth of prohibited strains of bacteria helps to prevent pharyngitis. Cold symptoms can be reversed by drinking mulberry tea. It helps to eliminate the growth of bacteria.
2.5. Contains many healthy minerals Mulberry leaves are rich in magnesium. Magnesium is needed for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles and for the maintenance of a normal heart. It increases energy metabolism, strengthens bones, supports the immune system, manages blood sugar and maintains normal blood pressure.
In addition, mulberry leaves are also rich in vitamin B2. The presence of vitamin B2 helps in the production of red blood cells, management of reproduction and growth, energy production, management of thyroid gland activity, elimination of acne, protection of the nervous system, eyes health, absorb minerals, protect the digestive tract and support a healthy pregnancy.
Mulberry juice contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also possesses healing properties. It enhances blood circulation and lowers blood pressure, leading to a reduced risk of blood clots and strokes. Signs of anemia can also be eliminated with mulberry juice.

2.6. Other potential health benefits Although research is limited, mulberry leaves may offer a number of other health benefits, including:
Anti-cancer effects. Several test-tube studies link this leaf with anticancer activity against human liver and cervical cancer cells and have shown encouraging results. Test-tube and animal studies have determined that mulberry leaf extract can protect liver cells from damage and reduce liver inflammation. Weight loss. Rodent studies note that these leaves can increase fat burning and promote weight loss. Improves skin pigmentation. Some test-tube studies show that mulberry leaf extract can prevent hyperpigmentation — or dark patches of skin — and naturally lighten skin tone.

3. Prevention of side effects from mulberry leaves

Although mulberry leaf has largely been shown to be safe in both human and animal studies, it can lead to side effects in some people.
For example, some people have experienced side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, bloating, and constipation when taking supplements with the active ingredient from mulberry leaves. Also, people taking diabetes medications should consult a medical professional before taking mulberry leaves due to its effect on blood sugar.
Furthermore, further human studies are needed to establish the safety of this leaf for long-term use. Children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid using it due to insufficient safety studies.
It is recommended that we consult our doctors before using any herbal supplements, especially if we are taking other medicines or suffering from any health problems. how healthy.
Mulberry leaves have long been used in traditional medicine and are associated with some impressive health benefits. This unique leaf can fight inflammation and reduce various risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. However, more human studies are needed to prove these effects of mulberry leaves. We can take it as a supplement or eat the young leaves cooked. However, due to the potential side effects of mulberry leaves, you should consult your doctor before adding mulberry leaves to your dietary routine.
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Reference source: healthbenefitstimes.com