Mulberry Powder
Also known as: Morus alba, white mulberry, mulberry leaf powder, mulberry fruit powder, DNJ-enriched mulberry
Effective Dosage
0.8–1.2 g of DNJ-enriched powder (containing 12–18 mg DNJ) for blood sugar support; general dose not established
What the Science Says
Mulberry powder is a dried extract from the leaves or fruit of the Morus alba tree, used traditionally in Chinese medicine. Its key active compound, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), works by blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates, which can reduce the spike in blood sugar after eating. One small human trial found that 0.8–1.2 g of a DNJ-enriched mulberry powder taken before a sugary meal significantly reduced post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels in healthy volunteers.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or prevent diabetes — one small trial is not enough. No human evidence it reduces inflammation or improves gut health (those studies were in rats). No evidence it burns fat or aids weight loss. Standard commercial mulberry products have very low DNJ content, so most off-the-shelf powders may not deliver the doses used in research.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Mulberry powder enriched with 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a glucosidase inhibitor, has shown in one small human clinical trial that 0.8–1.2 g of DNJ-enriched powder significantly suppressed postprandial blood glucose and insulin secretion after sucrose ingestion (PMID: 17555327). In animal models, a synbiotic formulation containing mulberry powder reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, iNOS) and modulated gut microbiota in DSS-induced colitis rats (PMID: 40399636). Animal studies also suggest potential antioxidative and lipid metabolism benefits (PMID: 34258430), though these findings have not been confirmed in human trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 0.8–1.2 g of DNJ-enriched powder (containing 12–18 mg DNJ) for postprandial glucose suppression; general mulberry powder doses vary widely
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for most forms. The active compound DNJ requires a specific enrichment process to reach effective concentrations — standard commercial mulberry powders contain roughly 10x less DNJ than the enriched powder used in the human study.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most commercial mulberry powders contain very low DNJ levels (~0.1%), far below the doses shown to work in the one human trial
- Only one small human clinical trial supports blood sugar benefits — evidence base is very thin
- Anti-inflammatory and gut health claims are based entirely on rat studies, not human data
- Products rarely disclose DNJ content, making it impossible to verify you're getting an effective dose
- May interact with diabetes medications by further lowering blood sugar — consult a doctor if diabetic
Products Containing Mulberry Powder
See how Mulberry Powder is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06