The Efficacy of Mulberry Leaf

Mulberry leaves have long been used in Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. They contain compounds that suppress high blood sugar levels.

Mulberry combats Arterial Plaque

Scientists in Japan have discovered that the extracts of the mulberry leaves are effective in suppressing the progression of atherosclerosis, that is the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in the arteries. The biologically active compounds (isoquercitrin [contains the well known antioxidant flavonoid quercetin in its molecular structure] and astragalin) in the extract have the ability to inhibit the oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotein) which is a major factor in the development of atherosclerotic plaque.

Mulberry Fights Diabetes

Mulberry leaves have long been used in Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. As you might have known, diabetes would heighten the risks for atherosclerosis and cataracts. This is caused by diabetic condition that heightens the oxidative stress and the diet that gives rise to shortages of antioxidants in the blood and interstitial fluid. The clinical efficacy of lipoic acid supports the oxidative stress theory.

Mulberry Controls Blood Sugar

The mulberry leaves contain compounds that mimic the effects of insulin, such as MHCP (methylhydroxychalcone polymer) that gives the cinnamon with its power to control the blood sugar levels. Not only that, there are compounds in the mulberry leaves that are able to inhibit the action of intestinal enzymes (alpha-glucosidases) whose function is to metabolize disaccharides (sucrose, maltose and lactose) into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose) that can pass through intestinal walls into bloodstream. Needless to say, the inhibition of these intestinal enzymes has the stabilizing effect on the blood sugar levels.

Mulberry Protects Blood Cell Membranes

Based on studies, the antioxidants contained in the mulberry leaves could retard the excessive lipid peroxidation of the diabetic patients’ erythrocyte membranes, thus reducing the levels of lipid peroxides in the blood plasma and urine. The lipid peroxidation is normally heightened in diabetic patients as the plasmic levels of antioxidants are usually lower in them.

Other effects

Based on the research in the Chinese remedies, I further discovered that the mublerry leaves have the following benefits:

1. Antiaging: this is due to the richness in Isoflavonids
2. Removal of liver spots and acne problems
3. Improve the texture and lustre of hair
4. Reduce the menopausal syndrome
5. Detox & Slimming
6. Improve bowel movements
7. Hidroschesis: stopping the excessive perspiration
   
   Sources: http://www.nutrimaxorganic.com/products/mulberry_leaf.html