Native mulberry trees are mostly found in Asia, though they thrive in any warm subtropical climate like those in Africa, Asia, Europe and both North and South America. Claims regarding the effects of mulberry leaf extract and mulberry leaf tea are rampant on the Internet, but there is very little scientific proof to back them up. Mulberry leaf weight loss claims are mostly based on one study that suggests some effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels, but many more studies are needed.
History
Mulberry leaf has been used medicinally in Asia for centuries. According to the NaturopathyDigest website, mulberry is associated with ailments of the lungs and liver. Chinese medical practitioners use mulberry to stop internal bleeding in patients who are vomiting blood. Mulberry leaf products such as teas, extracts and pills are commonly sold throughout China and Japan.
Theories/Speculation
According to a study published in the May 2007 issue of "Diabetes Care," the journal of the American Diabetes Association, taking mulberry extract with sugar helped reduce the insulin response in test subjects who have type 2 diabetes. Proponents of mulberry leaf for weight loss claim that this can ensure that if you take mulberry leaf extract, it will keep any starchy foods you eat from turning to sugar in your body. This has not been proven, or even extensively studied.
Misconceptions
According to researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute, short-term preliminary studies have linked the consumption of foods low on the glycemic index -- foods that cause a small rise in your blood sugar levels, rather than a large spike -- to increased weight loss. But many more studies need to be done to confirm this link. No clinical trials have proven that controlling blood sugar alone causes weight loss, because there are so many other factors involved.
Function
The relationship between blood glucose levels and weight loss is accepted by Western medicine, but other things also affect your weight. To lose weight, you have to burn 3,500 extra calories to melt each pound of fat. Cutting out just 500 calories per day will result in the loss of 1 lb. per week. Finding those extra 500 calories may be a challenge. But, you have a better chance of dropping your extra weight by reducing calories than by adding mulberry leaf extract to the eating habits that caused the weight gain in the first place.
Warning
The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved mulberry extract for weight loss or for the treatment of diabetes. Consult your physician before using any dietary aid or alternative treatment.
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