Researchers tested whether mulberry leaf extracts could protect mouse livers from damage caused by aflatoxin B1, a harmful substance sometimes found in contaminated foods. After four weeks of treatment, mice given mulberry extracts showed significant improvements in liver function and reduced inflammation. The extracts appeared to work by activating the body’s natural defense system and improving gut health. While these results are promising, this was a study in mice, so more research is needed before we know if mulberry extracts would have the same protective effects in humans.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether mulberry leaf extracts could protect the liver from damage caused by aflatoxin B1, a toxic substance that can contaminate foods like peanuts and grains.
  • Who participated: 24 male laboratory mice divided into four groups, with some exposed to aflatoxin B1 and treated with different mulberry extracts while others served as controls.
  • Key finding: Both types of mulberry extracts significantly improved liver function and reduced liver damage in mice exposed to aflatoxin B1. The extracts boosted the body’s natural antioxidant defense system by 2.3 to 2.8 times.
  • What it means for you: Mulberry leaf extracts may help protect the liver from certain food toxins, but this research was done in mice. Humans would need separate studies to confirm these benefits. If you’re concerned about aflatoxin exposure, focus on buying foods from reputable sources and proper food storage.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted an experiment using 24 male mice to test whether mulberry leaf extracts could protect against liver damage from aflatoxin B1. The mice were divided into four groups: one group received only aflatoxin B1, while the other three groups received aflatoxin B1 plus different treatments (mulberry complex extract, mulberry leaf polysaccharide, or no treatment). All treatments lasted four weeks.

The researchers chose to study this in mice because it allowed them to carefully control the dose of aflatoxin B1 and measure specific effects on the liver that would be difficult to study in humans. They examined liver tissue under microscopes, measured liver enzymes in the blood, and analyzed changes in gut bacteria and the body’s defense systems.

This type of study is called a preclinical or laboratory study because it happens before human testing. It helps scientists understand whether a treatment might work and how it works in the body.

This research approach is important because aflatoxin B1 is a real problem in food supplies worldwide, especially in developing countries. By testing mulberry extracts in a controlled setting, researchers could identify exactly how the extracts protect the liver and which components are most effective. This information helps guide future human studies and potential product development.

This study has several strengths: it used a controlled laboratory setting, tested two different mulberry extracts, and measured multiple markers of liver health and damage. However, there are important limitations to consider. The study was small (only 24 mice), used only male mice (so results may not apply to females), and was conducted in animals rather than humans. Animal studies don’t always translate to human results, so these findings are preliminary and require human testing before making health claims.

What the Results Show

Both mulberry extracts significantly improved liver function in mice exposed to aflatoxin B1. Liver enzymes that indicate damage were reduced, meaning the liver was healthier. The extracts activated the body’s natural antioxidant defense system—the system that protects cells from damage—by boosting a protein called Nrf2 by 2.3 to 2.8 times.

The mulberry extracts also reduced inflammation in the liver and prevented a type of cell death called pyroptosis, which occurs when liver cells are damaged by toxins. This is important because preventing cell death helps preserve liver function.

Another key finding was that the extracts improved the health of the intestinal barrier—the lining that controls what enters the bloodstream from the digestive system. A healthier intestinal barrier means fewer harmful substances can pass through into the body.

The extracts also changed the composition of gut bacteria in beneficial ways, increasing bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for gut health and may help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

The research showed that mulberry extracts worked through multiple protective mechanisms, not just one. They reduced oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules), decreased inflammatory markers, and improved the body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. The extracts also upregulated phase II detoxification enzymes—proteins that help the body break down and eliminate toxins more efficiently. These multiple pathways working together appear to be why the extracts were so effective at protecting the liver.

This research builds on previous knowledge that mulberry leaves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this is one of the first studies to specifically examine how mulberry extracts protect against aflatoxin B1 damage and to identify the gut-liver connection as part of the protective mechanism. The findings align with growing scientific interest in how gut health influences liver health and how natural plant compounds can support the body’s own defense systems.

This study has several important limitations. First, it was conducted in mice, not humans, so we cannot be certain the results would be the same in people. Second, the sample size was small (24 mice total), which limits how confident we can be in the results. Third, only male mice were tested, so we don’t know if female mice or humans would respond the same way. Fourth, the study used very high doses of aflatoxin B1 compared to typical human exposure, so the real-world protective effects might be different. Finally, this was a short-term study (four weeks), so we don’t know about long-term effects or whether benefits would continue over months or years.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, mulberry leaf extracts show promise as a potential protective agent against aflatoxin B1 toxicity (moderate confidence level). However, these findings are preliminary and from animal studies only. Current recommendations: (1) Focus on preventing aflatoxin exposure by buying foods from reputable sources and storing foods properly in cool, dry conditions; (2) If you live in an area with high aflatoxin contamination in food supplies, discuss food safety strategies with your healthcare provider; (3) Do not take mulberry supplements specifically for aflatoxin protection until human studies confirm effectiveness and safety.

This research is most relevant to: people living in regions where aflatoxin-contaminated foods are common (parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America); farmers and agricultural workers; food safety professionals; and supplement manufacturers interested in developing natural protective products. People in developed countries with strict food safety regulations have minimal aflatoxin exposure and don’t need to take special precautions. Anyone considering mulberry supplements should consult their healthcare provider first, especially if they take medications, as supplements can interact with drugs.

In this mouse study, protective effects appeared within four weeks of treatment. However, if mulberry extracts were eventually proven safe and effective in humans, the timeline for seeing benefits would likely depend on the dose, individual factors, and level of aflatoxin exposure. Realistic expectations would be several weeks to months of consistent use before noticeable improvements in liver health markers.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If mulberry supplements become available and recommended by your doctor, track weekly liver health markers if available (such as ALT and AST enzyme levels from blood tests), general energy levels, and digestive health on a 1-10 scale. Record any changes in appetite, digestion, or abdominal discomfort.
  • If your healthcare provider recommends mulberry extracts, the app could help you: (1) Set daily reminders to take the supplement at the same time each day; (2) Log your supplement intake and dosage; (3) Track any side effects or changes in how you feel; (4) Record liver function test results when you get blood work done; (5) Monitor food safety practices like proper storage of grains and nuts.
  • Establish a baseline by getting liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) before starting any supplement. Then schedule follow-up tests every 3 months for the first year to monitor liver health. Use the app to track these results over time and note any patterns. Also monitor general wellness indicators like energy, digestion, and overall health. Share all tracking data with your healthcare provider at regular check-ups.

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. Mulberry leaf extracts are not approved by the FDA as a treatment for aflatoxin exposure or liver disease. Do not use mulberry supplements to replace medical treatment for liver disease or as a primary strategy for preventing aflatoxin exposure. If you have liver disease, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Aflatoxin exposure is a serious health concern; if you believe you have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider or poison control. Always purchase supplements from reputable manufacturers and discuss any supplement use with your doctor.