Herb & supplement monograph

Black Mulberry Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Black Mulberry interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Black Mulberry is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Black Mulberry is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Black Mulberry Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Black Mulberry drug interaction appears low for most people, though the picture is not entirely risk-free. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all are graded as only possible, meaning they rest on lab research or very limited human data.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that deserves the most attention involves diabetes medications. One small human study found that black mulberry leaf extract can lower blood sugar, so combining it with these drugs could, in theory, push blood sugar too low. Because blood sugar is closely monitored in people with diabetes, even a modest added effect could matter. The sedative midazolam is also flagged, but only because lab research suggests black mulberry juice may slow an enzyme the body uses to clear it; this has not been reported in people.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications largely traces back to these two theoretical concerns, so a medication appearing on it does not mean the combination is known to be harmful. Most entries reflect predicted effects on blood sugar or on how the body processes certain drugs, and these predictions have not been confirmed in human studies.

Check your medications against Black Mulberry

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Black Mulberry interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Black Mulberry

87 medications have a known interaction with Black Mulberry, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Black Mulberry combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Black Mulberry affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Black Mulberry is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Black Mulberry interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsMidazolam (versed)
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black mulberry leaf might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
One small clinical study shows that black mulberry leaf extract has hypoglycemic effects. This is supported by in vitro research which also suggests that constituents in black mulberry twigs and leaves might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, black mulberry might inhibit the metabolism of midazolam.
In vitro research shows that black mulberry juice can inhibit midazolam 1'-hydroxylation, a reaction that is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Black Mulberry: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Black mulberry is a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and it is generally safe to enjoy as a food. Some early research on its leaf and fruit extracts hints at benefits for blood sugar and cholesterol, but the evidence is still limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated extracts, especially if you have a health condition.

Black Mulberry
Scientific name
Morus nigra
Family
Moraceae
Part used
Fruit (berries), leaves, and sometimes root bark
Common forms
Fresh or dried fruit, juice, jam, tea, powder, and capsules or extracts
People commonly use it for
  • General antioxidant support
  • Blood sugar support
  • Cholesterol and heart health
  • Digestive health
  • Cold and sore throat remedies (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

The fruit is safe as food, but concentrated supplement doses are less studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a fruit-bearing tree that produces sweet, dark purple to nearly black berries. It is related to white and red mulberry trees but is prized for its rich flavor. The tree originally comes from southwestern Asia and is now grown in many warm and temperate regions around the world.

People eat the berries fresh, dried, or made into jams, juices, and desserts. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, iron, fiber, and natural plant antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep color. The leaves and root bark have also been used in traditional medicine.

Besides being a tasty food, black mulberry is sold as a supplement in the form of powders, teas, and extracts that are marketed for blood sugar, cholesterol, and general wellness.

How it works

Black mulberry contains several plant compounds that may explain its possible effects. These include anthocyanins and other polyphenols that act as antioxidants, meaning they may help protect cells from a type of damage called oxidative stress.

Mulberry leaves also contain a compound called 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which can block enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the gut. In theory, this could slow sugar absorption and reduce blood sugar spikes after eating.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from laboratory and animal studies. The way these compounds behave in a test tube does not always match what happens in the human body.

Effectiveness

Does Black Mulberry work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated
3 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Black Mulberry, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral black mulberry leaf extract is beneficial in patients with diabetes.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral black mulberry leaf is beneficial in patients with menopausal symptoms.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Oral mucositis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that rinsing with black mulberry molasses or syrup reduces symptoms and improves healing of lesions in patients with oral mucositis from various causes.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Black mulberry fruit is widely eaten and is considered safe as a food for most people. Concentrated supplements, extracts, and high doses of leaf products have not been studied as thoroughly, so use more caution with these.

People with diabetes should be careful, because mulberry products that lower blood sugar could add to the effect of diabetes medicines and cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar and talk to your healthcare provider.

If you are allergic to mulberry pollen or other plants in the same family, you may react to the fruit or supplements. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating the fruit in normal food amounts is likely fine, but there is not enough safety data on concentrated extracts, so it is best to avoid supplement doses unless your doctor approves.

Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medication or have a chronic condition.

Side effects

When eaten as a food, black mulberry rarely causes problems. Eating large amounts of the fruit may cause mild stomach upset, gas, or loose stools because of its fiber and sugar content.

Leaf extracts used for blood sugar could cause symptoms of low blood sugar in some people, such as shakiness, sweating, or dizziness. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. Stop using the product and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Black Mulberry: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Black Mulberry from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, black mulberry leaf extracts and black mulberry molasses seem to be generally well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Topically: Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Reports by condition
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, black mulberry leaf may cause contact dermatitis. A case of lichenoid contact dermatitis was reported in a 68-year-old male who came into contact with black mulberry leaves while picking black mulberries.

  1. Navarro-Triviño FJ, Jadczak P, Llamas-Molina JM, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Lichenoid contact dermatitis caused by Morus nigra L. Contact Dermatitis 2021;84(6):484-486.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose for black mulberry supplements. The amount in products varies widely depending on whether the fruit, leaf, or an extract is used.

If you use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not take more than recommended. Because the right dose is not well established, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have diabetes or take other medicines. Eating the fresh or dried fruit as part of a normal diet does not require special dosing.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Black Mulberry & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Black Mulberry & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Black Mulberry monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Kim, H., Yoon, Y. J., Shon, J. H., Cha, I. J., Shin, J. G., and Liu, K. H. Inhibitory effects of fruit juices on CYP3A activity. Drug Metab Dispos. 2006;34(4):521-523. PubMed
  3. Xu LJ, Yu MH, Huang CY, et al. Isoprenylated flavonoids from Morus nigra and their PPAR ? agonistic activities. Fitoterapia 2018;127:109-14. PubMed
  4. Momeni H, Salehi A, Absalan A, Akbari M. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Morus nigra reduces fasting blood glucose and HbA1c% in diabetic patients, probably via competitive and allosteric interaction with alpha-glucosidase enzyme; a clinical trial and in silic
  5. Navarro-Triviño FJ, Jadczak P, Llamas-Molina JM, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Lichenoid contact dermatitis caused by Morus nigra L. Contact Dermatitis 2021;84(6):484-486.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Black Mulberry: Common Questions

What is Black Mulberry used for, and does it work?
People use Black Mulberry for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Black Mulberry interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Black Mulberry. Use the checker above to see how Black Mulberry interacts with a specific drug.
How are Black Mulberry interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Black Mulberry with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Black Mulberry interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Black Mulberry used for?
People eat it as a nutritious fruit and use supplements made from its fruit or leaves for general antioxidant support, blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestive health. Strong evidence for most of these uses is still lacking.
Is Black Mulberry safe to eat?
Yes, the fruit is widely eaten and considered safe for most people. Concentrated extracts and high supplement doses are less studied, so use more caution with those.
Can Black Mulberry lower blood sugar?
Some early studies suggest mulberry leaf may slightly reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, but the evidence is limited. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar and talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
Can I take Black Mulberry while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Eating the fruit in normal food amounts is likely fine, but there is not enough safety data on concentrated extracts or supplements, so it is best to avoid those unless your doctor approves.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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