Morus (Morus alba / Morus nigra)
Synopsis of morus
Morus is the genus that includes mulberry trees, most notably Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus nigra (black mulberry), and Morus rubra (red mulberry). These deciduous trees are native to Asia, Europe, and North America, depending on the species, and have been cultivated for centuries for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. All parts of the plant—leaves, berries, bark, and roots—are used in traditional medicine. The sweet, edible berries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, anthocyanins, resveratrol, and other polyphenols, while the leaves contain bioactive compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), known for its antidiabetic effects.
Morus is widely used in modern herbal medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and immune-supportive properties. The berries are often consumed fresh, dried, or as extracts, and the leaves are used in teas and capsules to help manage blood sugar, improve lipid profiles, and support metabolic function. Mulberry leaf extract is also being studied for its potential in managing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes by inhibiting enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion.
Historical Use:
Morus alba, the white mulberry, has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The leaves (Sang Ye) are cooling and are traditionally used to clear lung heat, relieve coughs, moisten dryness, and reduce fevers. They are also applied to eye conditions associated with wind-heat or dryness. The bark (Sang Bai Pi) is used as a diuretic and expectorant, while the fruit (Sang Shen) is considered nourishing to the blood and yin, often used to treat dizziness, insomnia, premature graying of hair, and constipation. The root bark was sometimes employed to manage hypertension and edema.
In Ayurvedic medicine, mulberry is considered a rejuvenative herb. The fruit is used to build vitality and support liver function, while the leaves may be used for coughs, sore throats, and inflammation. In Persian and Middle Eastern folk medicine, mulberries were eaten or juiced for digestive support, cooling fevers, and reducing excessive thirst, particularly in diabetic conditions. Decoctions of the bark or root were sometimes used as an anthelmintic (to expel worms).
In European folk traditions, particularly with Morus nigra (black mulberry), the berries were prized for their blood-purifying effects, and syrups were made for throat and respiratory infections. The fruit was also used as a gentle laxative and tonic. The leaves were used in poultices for inflammation and skin conditions, while mulberry-based wines and cordials were a common remedy for weakness and fatigue.
Today, Morus remains a staple in both functional nutrition and traditional herbalism, with growing scientific support for many of its age-old uses. Its versatility—from a dietary fruit to a metabolic-regulating leaf—makes it one of the more broadly utilized medicinal trees across cultures.
Morus is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (low) (Scientific)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
morus is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
