Mulberry (Shahtoot): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More! - PharmEasy Blog

Mulberry is scientifically known as Morus alba. The plant belongs to the Moraceae family. "Mor -us" is a Latin word which means "oddly enough" and has led to the origin of the word "mul". Due to its remedies and medicinal properties, it was used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat heart disease, anaemia, etc.

In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat ringworm. Besides this, in Ayurveda, mulberries have been used to treat skin infections, urine infections, etc. Even today, due to various mulberry benefits, it is used in making juice, jams, jellies, etc.

The fruit of the mulberry plant is called shahtoot or toot which is sweet and luscious.

Below is the table representing details of mulberries nutrition.

Mulberries are classified into three types based on their colour: white, black, and red. Let us understand each type in detail:**

White Mulberry: White mulberry, also known as Morus alba, is a deciduous tree native to China. It is widely cultivated for its leaves, which are the primary food source for silkworms.

The white mulberry fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to the diet.

Black Mulberry: Black mulberry, also called Morus nigra, is a deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia, particularly in regions of Persia and the Caucasus.

Its berries, leaves, and bark have been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like constipation, sore throat, and infections due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Red Mulberry: Red mulberry, also classified as Morus rubra, is a deciduous tree native to North America, found primarily in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.

Its fruits are highly nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some of the potential health benefits of mulberry fruit, leaves, etc, are:

Mulberry Improves Digestion

One of the significant mulberry benefits is it helps in digestion. Mulberries are rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion. Fibre adds bulk to the stool, facilitating its movement through the digestive tract and helping prevent constipation.

In addition to this, the fibre in mulberries acts as a prebiotic, which means it feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for efficient digestion and can help prevent digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Mulberry Lowers Cholesterol Level

Another prominent mulberry tree leaves benefits is that they lower cholesterol levels. Mulberries are rich in dietary fibre, particularly soluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps to reduce cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream by binding to cholesterol molecules in the digestive system and aiding in their excretion.

Further, mulberries are packed with antioxidants, including resveratrol, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help to prevent the oxidation of LDL(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. By preventing this oxidation, mulberries can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Mulberry Strengthens Immune Health

Mulberry is rich in Vitamin C, which acts as a powerful defence system against various diseases. Consuming mulberry enhances body immunity to fight various microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

In addition, mulberry also contains alkaloids that help inactivate macrophages, which further stimulate the immune system. A single serving of mulberries can fulfil the vitamin C requirement for a day.

Mulberry Controls Blood Sugar Levels

One of the benefits of mulberry juice is that they control blood sugar levels. The leaves contain compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) that inhibit enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, which are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose.

Certain compounds in mulberry may also stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

Mulberry Improves Eyesight

Another health benefit of mulberry fruit is that it improves eyesight. It contains zeaxanthin, a carotenoid concentrated in the macula of the eye. Zeaxanthin acts as a natural sunblock, protecting the retina from harmful blue light.

Additionally, mulberries are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can protect the eyes against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Mulberry Promotes Brain Health

Mulberries have potential benefits in promoting brain health. They contain various bioactive compounds that have neuroprotective properties. Mulberries contain Anthocyanins, a bioactive compound that protects brain cells from oxidative stress.

Besides this, they also contain Quercetin, which helps enhance cognitive functions. Further, Vitamin C and E found in mulberries help prevent oxidative damage and improve brain functions.

Mulberry Reduces Risk of Cancer

Another health benefit of mulberry fruit is that it reduces the risk of cancer. It has been confirmed that increased stress in the human body leads to oxidative damage in tissues and cells, which enhances the chance of getting cancer.

Mulberry fruit contains Anthocyanins, a bioactive compound that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, which can lead to cancer.

Mulberry Improves Lung Health

Mulberry has potential benefits for improving lung health due to its rich content of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vitamins. The bark of mulberry contains antibacterial properties, which are helpful in treating lung infections.

Mulberry Benefits for Skin

Another benefit of mulberries for the skin is better skin health due to their rich content of vitamins, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds.

These properties can help protect the skin from damage, promote healing, and improve overall skin appearance. In addition to this, mulberries are suitable for treating blemishes and dark spots.

Due to its high nutritional value and taste, mulberries are used in a variety of ways by individuals.

• Fresh or dried mulberries are used in making jams, smoothies, muffins, cookies, etc.

• Mulberry extract is also used for various skin care regimens. Further, mulberry paste is used as a face mask.

• For diabetes management, mulberry tea leaves are extensively used.

• It is also used as a dietary supplement in the form of powder and tablets.

• Mulberry fruit is used in making juice and smoothies.

Irrespective of their various health benefits, there are various side effects of mulberry.

Mulberry May Cause Hypoglycemia

One of the mulberry fruit side effects is it causes hypoglycemia. The extract of mulberry contains α-glucosidase, which helps in delaying carbohydrate digestion. This can lead to an instant drop in blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients.

It can lead to liver damage. Further, it can also lead to symptoms of blurred vision, tremors, dizziness, etc. Hence, mulberries should be eaten cautiously, and diabetic patients need to consult a health practitioner before consuming them.

Mulberry May Cause Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Another possible mulberry fruit side effect is gastrointestinal discomfort. Mulberry and their components can lead to problems of vomiting, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, etc.

Consuming mulberry in excessive quantities can cause problems of constipation and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

Mulberry May Hinder Carbohydrate Absorption

Besides this, mulberry may hinder carbohydrate absorption. Inhibition of carbohydrates can help in diabetes treatment and weight control.

It has been found that the extract of mulberry leads to carbohydrate malabsorption. In simple words, mulberry can interfere with optimal absorption of nutrients and can cause side effects on the body.

Mulberry May Have Detrimental Effect On Kidneys

Mulberry leaves help relieve the symptoms of gout by lowering uric acid levels. However, individuals who are already on medication for lower uric levels should avoid consuming mulberry leaves and fruit.

Mulberries are also high in potassium, which can cause nausea, irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and more. Mulberries can also interact with kidney metabolism, so people with kidney disease should avoid consuming them.

Mulberry offers various health benefits if it is consumed in appropriate quantities. Some of the standard precautions while consuming mulberry include:

• Individuals taking diabetic medications should consult their doctor before incorporating mulberry into their diet, as it affects blood glucose levels.

• Besides this, pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid consuming mulberry due to insufficient safety research.

• Some individuals are allergic to mulberry due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Hence, it is best to avoid consuming it to avoid allergic reactions. In case of any allergic reaction, it is recommended to visit the healthcare practitioner.

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Mulberries are vibrant and colourful berries that offer various health benefits. They are a high source of vitamin C, iron, and other bioactive compounds. Due to their medicinal properties, the berries have been used in ancient medicine.

However, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid any side effects. In case of any allergy or gastrointestinal disorder related to mulberries, it is best to reach out to healthcare practitioners.

How much mulberry to eat per day?

The amount of mulberry consumed may vary depending on the individual's dietary requirements and healthcare needs. However, for a balanced and healthy lifestyle, it is recommended to consume 40 g of mulberry daily.

Can people with diabetes eat mulberry?

Individuals who are taking diabetes medicine need to conform with their health practitioner before incorporating mulberry into their diet.

How to eat mulberry fruit?

Mulberries, known for their sweet flavours, can be consumed in different ways, such as juice, smoothies, pancake syrup, jams, and tea.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Mulberry (Shahtoot): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.