What Is Mulberry Root Bark Extract For?

The root bark of the white mulberry, Egyptian mulberry (Morus alba L. from the Moraceae family), Cortex Mori Albae Radicis, called Sang Bai Pi and native to China is practically a weed there.



Slightly bitter but still sweet enough to be considered a Gan property (associated with the liver) in Chinese medicine, this yellow and white bark featuring reddish-brown spots can be dissolved in hot water for a tea considered in ancient Chinese medicine to have a “cold” or Han nature.

Origin

• White mulberry root bark comes from the deciduous white mulberry tree, which rises 30 to 45 feet. It is one of only two trees whose leaves silk worms feed upon. Native to China, it has been cultivated in Japan, Australia and Europe for a long time. Introduced into North America by the British in order to establish a silkworm industry (which failed), it has naturalized in the Eastern U.S. It thrives in over three-quarters of Ohio’s counties and although it doesn’t enjoy the shade, it tolerates pollution, poor soils, drought and salt. It reproduces by seeds and has an aggressive wide-spreading root system known to clog drains.

Medicinal

• China has used this root bark for centuries as an expectorant, an anti-tussive to clear lung inflammation and asthma associated with anasarca (a buildup of fluid causing edema) and as an aid in inducing diereses (aids in urine production), which helps with oliguria (decreased production of urine). It also is used for kidney and liver protection, and as an analgesic agent.

  Newer discoveries include antioxidant activity (study done by Heshan A. El-Beshbishy, Dept. of Chemistry, Taibah University of Saudi Arabia, 2007), antimicrobial and antiviral effects, neuro protective roles, and according to studies done by Singab et al, 2005, it also has produced an antidiabetic effect on diabetic rats. Plus it also tranquilizes and reduces blood pressure.

Non-medicinal

• White mulberry root bark extract exhibits some non-medicinal properties, too. Cosmetologists promote it as an extract for hair growth, a skin-bleaching product for age spots and uneven skin tone, and as a skin lightener.

Forms

• This root bark extract comes as pills, fine light yellow powder, and concentrated granules for internal purposes along with lotions, creams, and rich foaming herbal soap for external needs.

Warning

• Because this product has cooling properties, the Chinese Soup Lady cautions women who are pregnant not to use this during the first trimester as it can cause contractions.