Clinical Study of Morus Alba Linn. on Glycemic Control and Blood Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Effects of Morus alba-leaf extracts on glycemic control and blood lipids were carried out in 27 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Water extracts of Morus alba leaves at a dosage of 700 mg were given to the patients thrice daily for 8 weeks. The patients did not receive any concomitant medications for diabetes or hyperlipidemia. The mean fasting plasma glucose levels at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8 were 155.1, 179, 173.6, 183.9 and 185.8 mg/dl, respectively (p=0.04). The mean glycosylated hemoglobin levels at baseline and week 8 were 7.6% and 8.4%, respectively (p=0.002). The mean blood total cholesterol levels at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8 were 229.6, 211.2, 210.2, 204.5 and 199.4 mg/dl, respectively (p<0.001). The mean blood triglyceride levels at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8 were 235.4, 191.3, 174.5, 183.5 and 168.2 mg/dl, respectively (p=0.001). No patients experienced side effects of the treatment. Laboratory results on CBC, urine, blood electrolytes, renal function and liver function at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8 were not significantly different. Morus alba-leaf extracts have no hypoglycemic effect but they may exert lipid lowering effects.