You’ve probably walked past it a hundred times — its broad leaves rustling in the breeze, its fruit staining sidewalks with purple splashes each summer.
It’s the white mulberry tree (Morus alba ), a common sight in backyards, parks, and city streets across the U.S. and beyond.
But what most people see as just another shade tree, traditional healers and modern researchers see as a powerhouse of natural medicine .
Recent studies reveal that white mulberry — from its leaves, fruit, and bark — may help:
✅ Lower blood sugar in diabetics
✅ Reduce high blood pressure
✅ Support heart health
✅ Fight tumor growth and cancer cells
✅ Boost immune function and liver health
And the best part? This medicinal marvel is likely growing just blocks from your home.
Let’s dive into the science-backed health benefits of white mulberry — and why this overlooked plant deserves a spot in your wellness routine.
What Is White Mulberry?
The white mulberry (native to China but now widespread in North America) has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine .
While its leaves were originally cultivated to feed silkworms , healers soon discovered their therapeutic potential .
Today, modern science confirms what ancient practitioners knew: white mulberry is loaded with bioactive compounds like:
- 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) – A powerful compound that slows sugar absorption
- Resveratrol – The same antioxidant found in red wine
- Flavonoids and polyphenols – Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents
These compounds are found in the leaves, fruit, and root bark , making nearly every part of the tree useful.
7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of White Mulberry
1. Helps Control Blood Sugar & Manage Diabetes
