Biomolecules: Mulberries May Alter the Composition of the Gut Microbiota

Mulberries may influence the composition of the gut microbiota and related metabolic processes, but the effects appear to depend on the plant species, the part used, and how it is processed. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University after reviewing findings from previous studies. Their review was published in the journal Biomolecules.

The researchers were particularly interested in how biologically active compounds found in mulberries interact with gut bacteria. The plant is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, while its leaves contain 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a compound that affects carbohydrate metabolism. Black mulberry fruits, meanwhile, are rich in anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds.

According to the review, preparations made from mulberry leaves and fruits can alter both the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. Several studies reported increases in beneficial bacteria and in the production of short-chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which play important roles in intestinal function. Some experiments also linked changes in the microbiota to improvements in markers of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

However, the effects varied considerably depending on the raw material used and the processing method. Drying, fermentation, and different extraction techniques can alter the concentration and balance of biologically active compounds.

Particularly interesting results came from an experiment involving mice fed a high-fat diet. A fraction derived from white mulberry fruit that contained both polyphenols and polysaccharides proved more effective than either component alone. The animals showed improvements in several markers associated with metabolic syndrome and gut health.

Transferring the microbiota from mice that had received the mulberry preparation to other animals also partially improved metabolic disturbances. This finding suggests that gut bacteria may play a role in the observed effects.

However, the researchers emphasize that it is still too early to draw conclusions about the health benefits of mulberries for humans. Most of the available evidence comes from animal experiments and laboratory studies. There are currently not enough clinical studies directly examining how mulberry preparations affect the human gut microbiota.

Further research is therefore needed to determine which mulberry species, plant parts, and processing methods produce the strongest effects, and whether changes in the gut microbiota can ultimately translate into measurable health benefits in humans.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter