What are the cons of mulberry?: A Nutrition Diet Perspective

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

While celebrated for their antioxidant content and vitamins, research highlights potential downsides, begging the question: what are the cons of mulberry? For instance, some studies indicate that mulberry extract can cause significant drops in blood glucose levels. It is crucial to understand these risks before incorporating them into your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential negative side effects and health risks associated with mulberries, including their impact on blood sugar, digestion, and interaction with certain medications. It also discusses allergenic potential and special precautions for vulnerable populations.

Key Points

Hypoglycemia Risk: Mulberry leaf extract and large quantities of the fruit can significantly lower blood sugar, posing a risk for individuals on diabetes medication.
Digestive Distress: Overconsumption of mulberries or mulberry leaf supplements can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea due to high fiber content.
Medication Interference: Mulberries can interact with and amplify the effects of drugs for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood thinners, necessitating medical supervision.
Allergenic Potential: People with existing pollen allergies, such as birch, may experience cross-reactive allergic symptoms from mulberry fruit or pollen.
Kidney Concerns: The potassium content in mulberries can be risky for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, requiring careful monitoring.
Toxicity of Unripe Fruit: The milky sap in unripe mulberries is mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset and other side effects if ingested.

Understanding the Health Concerns of Mulberries

Mulberries offer nutritional benefits, including vitamins and antioxidants, and have been used in traditional medicine. However, potential drawbacks exist, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking medications. Understanding what are the cons of mulberry? is important for a balanced nutrition diet.

Risk of Hypoglycemia and Blood Sugar Control

One significant concern, particularly with mulberry leaf extract, is its impact on blood sugar. Compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) can slow sugar absorption, which can be helpful for managing blood sugar spikes but risky for others. For those on diabetes medication, consuming mulberry can lead to hypoglycemia, characterized by symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision. Close blood sugar monitoring is advised for diabetic individuals. Mulberry may also lower blood pressure, which could be problematic for those with low blood pressure or on antihypertensive drugs.

Digestive Issues from Overconsumption

While mulberries are a good fiber source, eating too many can cause digestive problems. High fiber intake, especially if you're not used to it, can result in gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Unripe mulberries contain a milky sap (latex) that can also cause stomach upset. To avoid these issues, moderate consumption is recommended, with some sources suggesting around 40 grams daily.

Potential for Drug Interactions

Mulberries can interact with various medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial before consuming mulberries if you are on prescription drugs.

Diabetes medications: The blood sugar-lowering effect of mulberries can enhance the effects of diabetes medications, increasing hypoglycemia risk.
Blood thinners: Mulberries might interfere with anticoagulants, potentially raising the risk of bleeding.
Other medications: Potential interactions also exist with cholesterol-lowering drugs and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine.

Allergic Reactions

Although less common than pollen allergies, allergic reactions to mulberries can occur. Individuals with allergies to birch pollen or similar plants may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) when eating mulberries, causing mouth itching or swelling. In rare instances, more severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.

Concerns for Kidney Health

While some traditional practices consider mulberry beneficial for kidneys, it's a more complex issue in modern nutrition. Mulberries contain potassium, which can be problematic in excessive amounts for those with kidney disease, potentially leading to a dangerous buildup in the blood. Additionally, mulberry leaves can affect uric acid levels and may interact with medications used to lower uric acid.

Comparison of Mulberry Components and Their Potential Cons


Feature	Mulberry Fruit (Ripe)	Mulberry Leaf (often used in supplements/tea)	Unripe Fruit/Sap (Latex)
Primary Concern	Hypoglycemia risk with overconsumption, especially for diabetics.	Potential for digestive upset (bloating, gas).	Mild toxicity leading to stomach upset and potential hallucinogenic effects.
Drug Interactions	Potential interactions with diabetes medications and blood thinners.	Stronger interactions reported with diabetes, cholesterol, and immunosuppressant drugs.	N/A (should not be consumed).
Digestive Impact	High fiber can cause issues if consumed excessively.	Can cause bloating, constipation, or loose stools, especially in powdered form.	Severe gastrointestinal distress.
Allergy Risk	Low, but possible cross-reactivity with other allergens.	Allergenic potential from pollen and compounds.	High risk of skin irritation from sap.
Kidney Impact	High potassium content can be a concern for those with kidney disease.	Effects on uric acid levels can interact with medication.	N/A (toxic).

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Mulberry

Mulberries offer nutritional benefits but also potential drawbacks. Moderate consumption is key. The risk of hypoglycemia, particularly for diabetics, and potential drug interactions with medications for diabetes and blood thinners are significant concerns that require discussion with a healthcare provider. Digestive issues and allergic reactions are less common but still possible, especially with high doses or in sensitive individuals. Individuals with kidney disease should be mindful of the potassium content. Consuming ripe fruit in moderation is generally safe for healthy individuals, but those with health conditions or on medication should consult a professional to ensure safe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, especially if you are taking medication for diabetes. Compounds in mulberries can inhibit carbohydrate absorption, and when combined with diabetes drugs, this can cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Consuming mulberries in excessive quantities can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, particularly if you are not accustomed to a high-fiber diet.

Yes, mulberries and their extracts can interact with certain medications. This includes drugs for diabetes, blood thinners, and cholesterol, potentially amplifying their effects.

While less common, allergic reactions are possible. Individuals with sensitivities to birch pollen or other related allergens may experience cross-reactivity when eating mulberries, potentially leading to Oral Allergy Syndrome.

People with kidney disease should be cautious with their mulberry intake due to its potassium content. Excessive potassium can be problematic for those with impaired kidney function and should be monitored by a doctor.

Yes, the unripe fruit contains a mildly toxic, milky sap that can cause stomach upset and, in some cases, have hallucinogenic effects. Only ripe mulberries should be consumed.

While individual tolerance varies, some sources suggest consuming around 40 grams of mulberries per day as a moderate intake to avoid potential digestive side effects.