4 Side Effects Of Mulberry You Should Know

Mulberry, also called shahtoot, is known for its antioxidant properties and many health benefits. However, you must be aware of the potential side effects of mulberry as well. Commonly consumed freshly picked, or preserved and made into juices, jams, and jellies, mulberries enrich you with many vital vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the mulberry leaf extract is also used in many traditional medicines and treatments. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind if you like taking mulberry too often! To help you know more, we have listed down the possible toxicity risks and side effects of mulberry for you.

Know The Flip Side: Mulberry

Short-Term Effects
Indigestion, low uric acid levels, diarrhea, low blood sugar levels, and chest pain.

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).

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).

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.

Did You Know?

Mature and deep-coloured mulberries are richer in plant compounds like myricetinⁱ  A plant-derived flavonoid with antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and other health benefits. , rutinⁱ  A natural flavonoid with antioxidant effects that strengthens and increases flexibility in arteries and capillaries. , chlorogenic acidⁱ  A compound that inhibits the development of liver steatosis, plays a role in preventing weight gain, and offers other health benefits. , and anthocyaninsⁱ  A group of antioxidants that can potentially prevent inflammation and heart diseases and protect against type 2 diabetes. , which have various positive health effects.

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.

Quick Tip

To lower the risk of mulberry side effects, healthy individuals should limit their consumption to less than 40 grams (75-80 pieces, dried) or a single serving (fresh mulberries) per day.

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.

Infographic: Common Side Effects Of Mulberry

Mulberries have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. However, excess consumption of these berries can lead to several adverse effects. Hence, before including them in your diet, have a look at the negative effects of eating too many mulberries. Click on the infographic below to learn about the most common side effects of mulberry.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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).

Illustration: Side Effects Of Mulberry You Should Know

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Yvonne O’ HalloranMND (Nutrition & Dietetics)

     

Yvonne is a passionate dietitian with 10 years of experience, who loves to help people reclaim their health and align their morals and beliefs with the foods they choose to eat. She believes we really are what we eat. Through her research, her focus has been on the benefits of a plant-based diet and she has seen for herself the incredible results her clients have experienced by changing the way they eat and how they perceive ‘healthy eating’.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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