A meta-analysis of efficacy of Morus alba Linn. to improve blood glucose and lipid profile

Eur J Nutr. 2017 Jun;56(4):1509-1521. doi: 10.1007/s00394-016-1197-x. Epub 2016 Mar 14.

Abstract

Purpose: The previous studies have reported the Morus alba may improve blood glucose and lipid profile. The evidence from these studies is not consistent. This meta-analysis was to evaluate efficacy of products derived from M. alba on blood glucose and lipid levels.

Methods: Literature was reviewed via international database (PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, and SciSearch) and Thai databases. Thirteen RCTs with high quality, assessed by Jadad score, were included.

Results: M. alba expressed a significant reduction in postprandial glucose (PPG) at 30 min (MD -1.04, 95 % CI -1.36, -0.73), 60 min (MD -0.87, 95 % CI -1.27, -0.48) and 90 min (MD -0.55, 95 % CI -0.87, -0.22). The difference was not found in the levels of other glycaemic (FBS, HbA1C, or HOMA-IR) and lipidaemic (TC, TG, LDL, or HDL) markers. Serious adverse effects were found neither in the control nor in the group received M. alba.

Conclusion: Products derived from M. alba can effectively contribute to the reduction in PPG levels, but large-scale RCTs would be informative.

Keywords: Blood glucose; Blood lipid; Diabetes mellitus; Dyslipidaemia; Mulberry (Morus alba).

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Cholesterol / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Morus / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Postprandial Period
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Triglycerides / blood*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Plant Extracts
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol