Mulberry

The mulberry is a small tree native to warmer and tropical climates. It is most prevalent in India, Japan and China where the white mulberry is cultivated as the exclusive food of silk worms. Other cultivars are harvested in great quantity as prime food for livestock. The red or American Mulberry is commonly found in the central and southern United States where its fruit has enjoyed fame as a tasty preserve.

Mulberry has a long history of medicinal use predominantly as a heart tonic dating back to early Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. More recently, research has discovered a treasure of healthy and active phytonutrients which are quickly working their way into modern alternative remedies. This research has indicated significant findings in the control of high blood pressure, arthersclerosis, insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Other nutrients include proteins, sugars, polyphenols, steroids, triterpenes, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, sodium, potassium and flavonoids.

Balancing of High Blood Pressure and Suppression of atherosclerosis - acting as an anti-oxidant, active ingredients in Mulberry inhibit the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) which contributes to plaque build-up in the arteries.

Insulin resistance, Type 3 Diabetes - strongly inhibits the intestinal metabolism of disaccharides (especially sucrose), thereby restricting by up to 50% the amounts of sugar entering the circulation.

Weight loss - this same mechanism reduces calorie absorption by up to 35%.

Mulberry functions through two main pathways which effect a series of health issues. Japanese scientists have determined two of the most active agents are astragalin, and isoquercitrin, which metabolises into quercitin, a potent anti-oxidant. Quercitin acts to inhibit the oxidation of LDL- cholesterol, the bad cholesterol that contributes to the plaque build-up known as atherosclerosis. This helps to significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, while significantly increasing HDL-cholesterol levels. It also is instrumental in the correction of blood pressure.

In many clinical trials, Policosanol has show virtually no serious side effects and is generally considered safe for use in adults. No drug interactions have been observed.

Use cautiously in patients taking blood pressure or diabetes medication in case of additive effect.

Because herbs also contain active chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's physician.

The recommended starting dose is 250mg - 500mg twice a day

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