Mulberry Leaf Extract For Weight Loss

Mulberry leaf extract may have properties which assist weight loss according to a study by doctors and researchers at the University of Minnesota Hospital, published in the September 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Consult your doctor before using any mulberry leaf extract.

Origins

The mulberry leaf comes from the mulberry tree. According to Kingherbs.com, there are 16 different species growing in China, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The mulberry tree has been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years where the leaf has been used to raise silk worms and for medicine, the bark for paper-making, the fruits for food and medicine, and the branch and roots for medicine.

Weight Loss

The University of Minnesota Hospital study suggests extracts of black and green mulberry leaves, and mulberry tea leaves may block the body's absorption of carbohydrates by inhibiting digestive enzymes. The extracts showed no ability to block fat absorption. Mulberry leaf extract may have a role to play in a weight loss diet, but the study concluded there was no conclusive evidence and further research is needed to determine its efficacy.

Diabetes

Mulberry leaf extract may help diabetics control blood sugar fluctuations. The University of Minnesota Hospital study published in the February 2007 issue of the journal "Diabetes Care," found subjects who ingested mulberry leaf extract and sucrose, registered a lower rise in blood glucose over two hours and a subsequent smaller decline in blood sugar than subjects given a placebo. "Diabetes Care" concluded that although mulberry leaf extract is used to treat Type 2 diabetes in Asia, further long-term study is needed as the complex make up of mulberry leaf extract may cause unpredictable reactions with regular use.

Other Health Benefits

Mulberry leaf is used in Chinese medicine to combat headaches, fevers, sore throat and liver problems according to Accupuncturetoday.com. It also inhibits growth of bacteria including hemolytic streptococcus. Ray Sahelian M.D., and authority on herb preparations believes anthocyanis present in Mulberry leaf may give it antioxidant properties.

Warnings

The health benefits and efficacy of mulberry leaf extracts varies, depending on the extraction method according to Medical News Today. Ray Sahelian M.D., believes more studies are needed to determine the correct dosage and long term benefits and possible side effects of regular use of mulberry leaf extract. Seek the advice of your doctor before taking any mulberry leaf extract preparations.