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White Mulberry Leaf

The leaf of the silkworm's mulberry tree, drunk as tea in parts of Asia and sold as a supplement for blood sugar and weight. Several studies suggest it may lower high blood sugar, but many were preliminary and others found no effect.

Traditional use

Native to China and now grown widely. In parts of Asia the leaves go into tea, wine, bean curd, and noodles. In traditional Chinese medicine the leaves are used for diabetes ("Xiao-ke"), cough, sore throat, fever, and bronchitis. Today white mulberry leaf is sold for weight and blood sugar control.

What studies show

  • Limited

    Blood sugar: several studies suggest it may lower raised blood glucose, but some were preliminary or not in people, and other trials found no effect.

  • Insufficient

    Weight control and other uses: clinical studies in people are limited; the leaves contain antioxidant compounds, but that is not evidence of a health effect.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • InteractionThere is a potential risk of low blood sugar when taken with diabetes medicines.
  • NoteUsed in studies for up to 12 weeks without serious harm. The most common side effect is digestive upset: bloating, constipation, gas, loose stools.
  • NoteThere is not enough reliable information on the safety of white mulberry berries.
  • PregnancyLittle is known about its safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. White Mulberry Leaf: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.