Sāng Yè (桑叶) — Mulberry leaf

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Sāng Yè (桑叶) — Morus alba (leaf) — is known in English as Mulberry leaf. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior — cool and acrid in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Sāng Yè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Disperses Wind-Heat and releases the Exterior — an important herb for Wind-Heat colds
2. Clears Lung Heat and stops cough — particularly for dry cough with Heat
3. Clears Liver Heat and brightens the eyes
4. Cools Blood and stops bleeding

Indications

1. Wind-Heat invasion — fever, sore throat and early respiratory infection
2. Dry cough from Lung Heat or Lung Yin deficiency with Heat
3. Eye disorders from Liver Heat — red, dry and painful eyes
4. Haemoptysis from Lung Heat
5. Blood glucose regulation — lowers blood sugar in diabetes

4. Key formulas containing Sāng Yè

Sāng Yè appears in the following key formulas:

• Sang Ju Yin
• Sang Xing Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Morus alba leaf (Sang Ye) has attracted significant modern research for its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Key bioactive constituents include 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and polysaccharides. DNJ is a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor — it slows carbohydrate digestion and reduces post-meal blood glucose spikes by the same mechanism as the antidiabetic drug acarbose. Multiple clinical trials confirm that standardised mulberry leaf preparations significantly reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. Combined with Sang Ju Yin for Wind-Heat eye disorders, it is one of the most commonly used formulas for acute conjunctivitis.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns. Use with caution in patients with hypoglycaemia or diabetes on blood glucose-lowering medications — additive blood glucose-lowering effect.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Sāng Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Allergies, High blood pressure. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.