White mulberry: benefits, dosage, contraindications

The white mulberry, native to China, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family. Known for its leaves that feed silkworms, this tree also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. In France, the earliest evidence of mulberry cultivation dates back to the Roman era, as shown by the discovery of mulberry seeds at various sites, mainly in southern France and the Mediterranean regions. Its fruits, leaves, and even its bark are rich in active components such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other polyphenols, which give it interesting medicinal properties. However, it is the leaves that are used therapeutically. In ancient societies, its leaves were used for their antioxidant and hypotensive properties, a use documented in several ancient texts and corroborated by contemporary analyses. Scientifically, studies highlight the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of the white mulberry. These effects are attributed to key compounds such as 1-deoxynojirimycin and its derivatives found in the leaves. Thanks to these properties, white mulberry is a potential ally in the management of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.