Mulberry

Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE)

Mulberry (Morus alba) leaves are rich in amino group-containing sugar analogs, termed iminosugars.
The most abundant iminosugar in MLE is 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a structural analogue of D-glucose, with a nitrogen group replacing the oxygen on the pyranose ring.
DNJ is a competitive inhibitor of intestinal α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in breaking down carbohydrates in the gut to facilitate glucose absorption.
MLE can can reduce postprandial glucose and insulin levels.

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Mechanism of Actions and Health Benefits

Clinical Studies

The 2018 Wang et al study showed the effectiveness of MLE upon Maltose, Sucrose and Maltodextrin but clearly (and logically) not glucose.
The 2017 Lown M et al study revealed the dose response effect of MLE on Maltodextrin, from which the first conclusion can be drawn that more than 250mg will not bring additional positive effect, but tolerability of the product is good even at high (500mg) concentrations with no side effects reported.
The 2021 Thondre et al study (the impact of sucrose digestion) revealed MLE not only lowers blood glucose levels and consequent insulin production, it also prevents the sugar crash. Sugar crash refers to a supposed sense of fatigue after consuming a large quantity of carbohydrates, also known as reactive hypoglycemia.

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MLE vs Acarbose

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal distension, diarrhea and flatulence, are the most frequent adverse events of α-glucosidase inhibitor agents, such as acarbose.

These symptoms contributed to high rates of non-compliance and discontinuation of acarbose.

MLE has a similar mode of action and similar affinity to acarbose.

MLE was well tolerated, with no gastrointestinal symptoms after its administration.

Thus, MLE may have advantages over acarbose as a potential therapy for diabetes mellitus.