Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Oct 2024)
Black Mulberry and Its Therapeutic Effects in Complementary Medicine and New Studies; Narrative Review
Abstract
Black mulberry is considered one of the most valuable fruits in complementary medicine, with its fruit, leaves, bark, and roots offering significant benefits in the food industry, cosmetics, and especially in the treatment of various diseases. In traditional medicine, black mulberry and its products have been used to treat pharyngitis, enlarged tonsils, sore throat, oral rashes, and swelling of the tongue. The purpose of this study is to review the therapeutic effects of black mulberry in both complementary medicine and modern research. This study is a review. In this review, traditional Iranian medical texts such as Makhzan Al-Aavieh, Qanun fi Tab, Alshamel, Zakhire Kharazmashahi, Riyaz Al-Adavieh, and pharmacopoeias like Qarabadin Kabir and Qarabadin Halali, along with other traditional medicine books like Summary of Al-Hakamh, Tab Akbari, and Elixir Azam, were examined regarding the habitat, appearance, actions, and therapeutic properties of black mulberry in traditional medicine. Important and effective formulations containing black mulberry were extracted from these pharmacopoeias. To explore recent studies related to the therapeutic effects of black mulberry, relevant articles were searched using Persian and English keywords in domestic and international databases from 2000 to October 2023. Keywords such as "black mulberry," "Morus nigra," "Shahtoot," "Toot siah," "traditional medicine," and "complementary medicine" were used to search databases like SID, Magiran, Irandoc, PubMed, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, and Google Scholar, and both Persian and English articles were reviewed. According to traditional Iranian medicine texts, black mulberry is used to treat mouth ulcers, rashes, plague, and swelling and inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, and tongue. It is also used to strengthen joints, lower blood pressure, treat fever, protect against liver damage, and aid urination. Furthermore, black mulberry paste is recommended for improving nocturnal snoring and dyspnea in children. In Chinese medicine, black mulberry and its various parts have been used to improve symptoms of type 2 diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and antimicrobial conditions. Black mulberry is a rich source of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. It has been shown to have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among fruits. In patients with type 2 diabetes, black mulberry products have been found to reduce symptoms such as frequent urination and polyphagia, as well as alleviate neurological complications. Other benefits include increasing HDL levels, reducing LDL, lowering hemoglobin A1C, and decreasing triglycerides. The findings suggest a strong concordance between traditional medicine sources and modern scientific research. Therefore, by examining historical texts and incorporating new scientific discoveries, medicinal products from black mulberry could be developed for the treatment of various diseases.
