Mulberry Fruit
- Chinese
- 桑椹
- Pinyin
- Sang Shen
- Latin
- Fructus Mori
Known in TCM as Sang Shen (桑椹), this sweet and sour, cold herb enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney. Traditionally, it nourishes Blood and Yin; treats dizziness, premature greying hair, and insomnia from Liver-Kidney Blood and Yin deficiency, most often applied for dizziness, insomnia, and constipation. Modern research has identified Anthocyanins among its active constituents.
Part used: Fruit
Also Known As
Latin: Fructus Mori | Pinyin: Sang Shen | Chinese: 桑椹
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, sour
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Liver, Kidney
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Nourishes Blood and Yin; treats dizziness, premature greying hair, and insomnia from Liver-Kidney Blood and Yin deficiency
- Generates fluids and moistens dryness; relieves dry mouth and constipation from internal dryness
Secondary Actions
- Used as a food-medicine tonic, often taken as syrup, wine infusion, or dried fruit
Classical References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) documents Sang Shen for nourishing Blood and Yin and moistening dryness
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside)
- Resveratrol
- Polyphenols
Studied Effects
- Antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activity documented across multiple studies
- Anthocyanin-rich extracts improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activation in diabetic animal models
- Hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects reported
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold with loose stools, due to its cold nature and moistening effect
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mulberry Fruit used for?
Mulberry Fruit is traditionally used to Nourishes Blood and Yin; treats dizziness, premature greying hair, and insomnia from Liver-Kidney Blood and Yin deficiency, Generates fluids and moistens dryness; relieves dry mouth and constipation from internal dryness. Research has investigated its effects on: Antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activity documented across multiple studies; Anthocyanin-rich extracts improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activation in diabetic animal models.
What are other names for Mulberry Fruit?
Mulberry Fruit is also known as Morus alba, Mori. In TCM: 桑椹 (Sang Shen); Fructus Mori.
Is Mulberry Fruit safe during pregnancy?
Mulberry Fruit is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.