Mulberry Leaf Extract Improves Postprandial Glucose Response in Prediabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study was a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of 4 weeks of mulberry leaf aqueous extract (MLAE) supplementation (5 g/day) for postprandial glycemic control in 36 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) tolerance. Postprandial responses in the glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels were measured after a carbohydrate load both at baseline and after 4 weeks of MLAE supplementation. The postprandial glycemic response was attenuated in the MLAE group after the treatment period, particularly 30 and 60 min after loading (P=.003 and 0.0325 for glucose, P=.0005 and .0350 for insulin, and P=.0151 and .0864 for C-peptide). Additionally, the incremental area under the curve for insulin was significantly lower in the MLAE group than in the placebo group (P=.0207). Four weeks of MLAE supplementation improved postprandial glycemic control in individuals with IFG tolerance.