Monday June 30, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- Japanese white mulberry helped weight loss in overweight adults who followed a nutritionally balanced low-calorie diet, according to a new study.

The study shows among overweight people who followed a diet with 1300 kcal calories per day for 90 days, those who also took 2400 mg of Japanese white mulberry extract lost more body weight than those who did not take the supplement.

In the study, 46 overweight people ate a balanced low calorie diet for 90 days.  Half individuals also took Japanese white mulberry extract while another half did not.  Body weight and waist circumference were measured in all participants and women were also measured for thigh circumference at baseline, 30, 60 and 90 days of treatment.  Blood tests were also conducted.

As a result, participants in the group receiving Japanese white mulberry extract lost 9 kg body weight or about 10% initial weight, in 3 months, while the control group lost much less.  In this group, plasma insulin and glucose curves at the end of the trial were much lower than baseline curves.

In comparison, 20 women in the control group treated with only the low-calorie diet lost 3.2 kg body weight or 3% of initial weight.  Among these participants, the insulin and blood glucose curves were only slightly lower, compared to the baseline.

All women decreased waist circumference and thigh circumference but more significantly in those who also took Japanese white mulberry extract.

According to the study report, the meristematic extract of Japanese white mulberry helped weight loss by blocking alpha-glucosidase and the intestinal hydrolysis of polysaccharides reducing the glycemic index of carbohydrates.

The study concluded "The extract of white Japanese mulberry may represent a reliable adjuvant therapy in the dietetic treatment of some patients who are obese or overweight."  (david Liu, PHD)  (photo credit: wikipedia)

Da Villa G, Ianiro G, Mangiola F, Del Toma E, Vitale A, Gasbarrini A, Gasbarrini G.  White mulberry supplementation as adjuvant treatment of obesity.   J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2014 Jan-Mar;28(1):141-5.