ramulus mori

Ramulus mori refers to the dried twigs of Morus alba (white mulberry), widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the name "sangzhi." It is a botanical drug with a rich profile of bioactive compounds including alkaloids (notably polyhydroxy alkaloids such as 1-deoxynojirimycin, fagomine, and DAB), flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins, phenolic acids, stilbenes (e.g., resveratrol), and amino acids[2][3][6]. Ramulus mori and its extracts are approved in China for use as hypoglycemic agents—specifically for type 2 diabetes mellitus—due to their potent inhibition of α-glucosidase enzymes in the gut. This leads to reduced postprandial blood glucose levels by delaying carbohydrate absorption[1][2][4]. Additional pharmacological effects include improvement in lipid metabolism and insulin secretion; anti-inflammatory activity; modulation of gut microbiota; diuretic effects; relief from edema; and potential benefits for obesity-related metabolic disorders[5][6]. In TCM practice it is also used for gout, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma therapy and as an antirheumatic agent[6][9].

Other names

sangzhimori ramulusmulberry twigtwig of morus alba