Is White Mulberry Poisonous?

What is white mulberry?

White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a deciduous tree that originated in China, Japan, and India, but is now found worldwide. White mulberry has been used as a traditional herbal remedy since at least 3000 B.C. The leaves of the plant contain multiple biologically active compounds, including antioxidants, amino acids, and alkaloids, which may have beneficial health effects. The leaves, fruit, and bark of the mulberry tree have historically been used to prevent and treat cancer, inflammation, diabetes, bacterial infections, and other conditions. The fruits of the white mulberry tree are often processed into jam, juice, and wine. The leaves of the white mulberry plant contain high concentrations of fiber and protein. In many countries, white mulberry leaves are used as a food source for both animals and humans. In Korea, powdered white mulberry leaves are used to make ice cream.

What do white mulberries look like?

Despite its name, white mulberry fruit is typically white, pale red or deep purple in color when ripe. White mulberry fruit is often smaller than red mulberry fruit, and unripened berries of both species may be white in appearance. When ripe, both red and white mulberries are juicy and have a sweet taste. 

Where does white mulberry grow?

Currently, white mulberry trees grow worldwide and are found throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The trees grow easily under various environmental conditions, and are cheap to maintain. White mulberry tree bark is often orange/brown in color. The plant’s leaves can be oval or irregular in shape, and the fruits resemble blackberries.

What is white mulberry used for?

White mulberry leaf extract is often used as a dietary supplement to improve blood sugar control, control obesity, and improve antioxidant activity within the human body. White mulberry extract has also been studied as a remedy for chemotherapy drug toxicity. In addition to their use in dietary supplements, white mulberry extracts are also found as ingredients in some cosmetic products. 

Can you eat white mulberry leaves?

White mulberry is generally considered to be edible and is associated with minimal toxicity in both humans and animals. In animal studies involving mice and rats, consumption of substantial amounts of white mulberry leaf extract did not result in adverse events or death. 

Does white mulberry cause weight loss?

White mulberry contains compounds that may reduce carbohydrate digestion, lower blood glucose levels, and improve lipid metabolism in the body. Because of these effects on digestion and metabolism, scientists have investigated the effects of white mulberry dietary supplements on weight loss. In one study, obese individuals who used white mulberry extract for 90 days had significantly more weight loss than those who took a placebo pill.

What are side effects of white mulberry use?

Since white mulberry reduces carbohydrate digestion, some people who take it may develop mild gastrointestinal distress including nausea, abdominal bloating, and abdominal discomfort.  Dietary supplements are not highly regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration, therefore supplements that contain white mulberry may also have unwanted contaminants that can result in adverse or unexpected side effects.

Is mulberry illegal?

White mulberry trees can withstand extremes in temperatures, can regenerate after being damaged in freezing weather, and can tolerate various soil conditions. Because of this, white mulberry can grow in areas ranging from busy roadsides to forests. The tree’s aggressive roots can uproot sidewalks and disrupt home foundations. Given its invasive nature, the white mulberry is considered to be a nuisance species and is banned in certain areas of the country.

What do I do if I get sick after eating white mulberry?

If you experience adverse or unexpected symptoms from white mulberry, or take too much, get guidance from Poison Control immediately. Help from Poison Control is available at webPOISONCONTROL and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist

For media inquiries, please contact Krista Osterthaler at osterthaler@poison.org.