4 Side Effects Of Mulberry You Should Know

What Is Mulberry?

Mulberry is the fruit of the Morus tree, which belongs to the family Moraceae. The fruit is small, sweet, and juicy and can vary in color depending on its cultivated species. Some of them include Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus rubra (red mulberry), and Morus nigra (black mulberry). Long-Term Effects May trigger hypoglycemia and cause dehydration and internal bleeding. Drug Interactions May interact with diabetes medications and urate-lowering drugs. When To See A Doctor If you experience very low blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes).

Mulberries are a good source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C and other nutrients like vitamin K, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber (1). Some animal studies also suggest that they may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease (2). However, more human studies are needed to confirm these claims. Mulberry is a versatile and nutritious fruit that can be eaten fresh and dried. However, its consumption may cause potential side effects in some people. Scroll down to find out.

4 Side Effects Of Mulberry You Should Know

1. May Lead To Hypoglycemia

Mulberries are known to lower blood sugar with increased insulin hormone levels. In studies, mulberry extracts could lower blood sugar levels in normal and diabetic mice (3), (4), (5). Mulberry is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that combat oxidative stress (6). In humans, mulberry tea suppresses the postprandial rise of blood glucose levels after 90 minutes since its consumption (7). Mulberry leaf extracts, like α-glucosidase, may help delay carbohydrate digestion (7), (8). This can lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, especially in those already on diabetic medication, which may eventually lead to liver damage. As per anecdotal evidence, the symptoms may include hunger, headache, blurred vision, excessive sweating, dizziness, confusion, and tremors. Mulberries, hence, must be eaten with caution. It is important to consult a licensed medical professional if you are planning on taking mulberry extract herbal supplements to treat diabetes or obesity.

2. May Cause Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Mulberries and their derivatives may cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, etc. In a study, patients who took a mulberry leaf tablet dyslipidemiai A condition that causes an imbalance of lipids, such as cholesterol, and can lead to cardiovascular diseases with severe complications. treatment experienced mild diarrhea (26%), dizziness (8.7%), or constipation and bloating (4.3%) (9). Moreover, the latex (milky white sap) from mulberries is toxic, especially to insects and caterpillars (10). This latex can cause mild skin irritation in humans. It is not advisable to ingest it as it may cause stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

3. May Hinder Carbohydrate Absorption

Mulberries are known to hinder carbohydrate absorption (11). Research shows that inhibition of carbohydrate absorption may help in weight control and diabetes treatment. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that tea extracts (including mulberry) resulted in carbohydrate malabsorption (11). This property of mulberry can interfere with the optimal absorption of nutrients and lead to detrimental effects in the body.

4. May Have A Detrimental Effect On Kidneys

Mulberry leaves may help relieve the symptoms of gout by lowering uric acid levels (12). Hence, avoid taking mulberry leaves if you are already on medication to lower uric acid levels. Mulberries are also high in potassium, which is integral for the proper functioning of the body (13). Anecdotal evidence suggests that high levels of potassium may result in dehydration and internal bleeding. High potassium levels may also cause fatigue, numbness, nausea, irritability, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and palpitations. Hence, people with chronic kidney disease must limit or even avoid mulberry intake to prevent possible kidney damage. Consuming mulberry extracts may also lead to herb-drug interaction. Keep reading to understand who should avoid taking mulberry and its extract.

Potential Drug Interactions

Mulberry leaf extract can lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, those who are on diabetes medication should avoid it as it may lead to hypoglycemia (a severe drop in blood sugar levels) (14). It is important to monitor your blood sugar closely and consult a doctor before you consume mulberry. It may also slow the breakdown of benzodiazepines (medicine for anxiety and insomnia), which might increase the effects and side effects of the medication (15). Furthermore, mulberry may also reduce the bioavailability of immunosuppressant drugs (16). Hence, consult your doctor to determine the right dosage of mulberry if you are on these medicines. If you want to enjoy the benefits of mulberries, you can incorporate them into your diet with caution. Here is how you can do it.

How To Eat Mulberries Safely

To make the most of mulberry, here’s how you can eat it:

Wash fresh mulberries thoroughly before eating. They can be eaten as a snack or added to salads and smoothies. Aim for a small handful per day. Add a teaspoon of mulberry powder to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Steep dried mulberries or mulberry leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. You can enjoy this tea 1-2 times a day. For supplements or extracts, follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or consult with a healthcare provider. Typically, a standard dose is 500 mg to 1 gram per day. Keep dried mulberries and mulberry powder in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Fresh mulberries should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days.

Can you be allergic to mulberries? Yes. Although rare, people can be allergic to mulberries. They can cause sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, mulberries contain proteins similar to those found in latex, so individuals with a latex allergy may also experience a cross-reaction when exposed to mulberries. Consult a licensed professional if these symptoms persist. Can mulberries get you high? Unripe mulberries can cause mild hallucinations and affect the central nervous system. However, further studies are needed to understand the exact cause, dose, and mechanism. How do you eat mulberries? You can eat them fresh. Make sure you wash them thoroughly before you consume them. Mulberries, fresh or frozen, go well with porridge, smoothies, and salads. You can also have mulberry-based desserts and cakes. Can mulberries increase skin cancer risk? There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, artificially lightening your skin may increase the risk of skin cancer. Do mulberries interfere with chemotherapy? It is better to avoid mulberries if you are undergoing chemotherapy unless the doctor specifically permits their use. It is believed that the anti-cancer properties of mulberry extracts may interfere with the chemotherapy protocol. However, more research is warranted in this regard. How many mulberries should I eat in a day? You should limit your daily intake of mulberries to about a cup. Is mulberry a laxative? Yes. A mice study found that black mulberries have laxative and antidiarrheal properties (used to bulk up stool (17). Is mulberry acidic or alkaline? Mulberry has a slightly acidic pH (between 4.7 to 6.7) (18).