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Integrative Evidence on Mulberry Extract for Modulating Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Vascular Dementia
Jui-Ting Yu1, Chen-Pi Li2,3, Yao Hsiao4
1Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tung's Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Mulberry extract shows promise in managing metabolic syndrome risk factors, potentially benefiting those at risk for vascular dementia by improving blood sugar and lipid profiles. Further research is needed to confirm clinical benefits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and low HDL cholesterol, significantly elevates risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment.
- Emerging evidence links metabolic syndrome to cognitive disorders, including mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia (VaD).
- Mulberry (Morus alba L.) possesses bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating mulberry extract as an adjunctive therapy for metabolic risk factors associated with vascular dementia.
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing mulberry extract's impact on metabolic parameters in adults with metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 1202 participants, published up to May 2025.
- Primary outcomes included fasting glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP).
- Subgroup analyses explored effects of treatment duration, dosage, and mulberry plant part.
Main Results:
- Mulberry supplementation significantly improved glycemic control (fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides).
- Key inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP) were reduced, and AST levels improved, though ALT showed no significant change.
- Optimal benefits were observed with shorter treatment durations and doses under 500 mg/day; varying effects noted based on mulberry plant part used.
Conclusions:
- Mulberry extract demonstrates potential as a complementary treatment for managing metabolic risk factors relevant to vascular dementia.
- The observed improvements in metabolic and inflammatory markers suggest potential, though indirect, neurovascular protection.
- Further large-scale, rigorous studies are essential to validate clinical efficacy and determine optimal mulberry preparations for VaD risk management.
