Toota (Sthoola, Pooga, Kramuka, Brahmadaru)

About

Toota, scientifically known as Morus alba or white mulberry, is valued in Ayurveda for its fruit. It is known for its sweet and cold properties, and its ability to balance Pitta and Vata doshas.

Properties

α-glucosidase inhibition, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Modulation of lipid metabolism

Dosage

Dosage depends on the form of Morus alba used. It is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Leaf Powder: 0.8-1 gram three times daily before meals. Encapsulated Mulberry Leaf Powder: 1 gram three times a day after meals for 30 days has been used in studies. Leaf Extract: 250-750 mg once or twice daily. Extracts standardized to ≥1% DNJ: 250-500 mg twice per day. Decoction: 50-100 ml. For root bark decoction: 40-60 ml. Tea: 2-4 g of dried leaves steeped in 200 ml hot water for 10 minutes, twice daily before meals. Topical: Infuse leaves in warm carrier oil (e.g., sesame) at a 1:5 ratio; apply to affected skin or scalp 2–3 times weekly. For mild dyslipidemia, 1 g of white mulberry leaf powder tablets (1.3 mg of DNJ) three times a day before meals has been suggested.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
• Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Pittashamaka (Pacifies Pitta)
• Vatashamaka (Pacifies Vata)

Traditional uses

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Trishna (Excessive thirst)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Tea: Steep 2-4 g of dried leaves in 200 ml of hot water for 10 minutes.
• Decoction: Decoctions can be prepared from the bark, leaves, or root bark.
• Powder/Capsules: Leaf powder can be taken directly or in capsule form.
• Extracts: Standardized extracts are available.
• Topical Preparations: Leaves can be infused in warm carrier oil.
• Fresh Juice: The fresh juice is consumed to treat sore throat, lack of taste, and general debility.
• Paste: The paste of the leaves or bark of root is applied over the skin affected with ringworm, scabies, and mild rashes.

Contraindications

• Allergies: Avoid if you have known allergies to Morus or mulberries.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Limit intake to moderate amounts of tea only after consulting with a healthcare professional. High-dose supplements should be avoided; small amounts of tea may be acceptable, but consult an Ayurvedic doctor.
• Diabetes medications: If you are taking diabetes medications, use Morus alba with caution as it can lower blood sugar levels and may cause hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar levels carefully and adjust medication dosages as needed.
• Weak digestion: Overconsumption of the fruits should be avoided by those with weak digestion, loose stools, or diarrhea.
• Conditions aggravated by cold: Caution is advised for conditions aggravated by cold due to its cooling nature.

Side effects

• Digestive upset, including bloating, constipation, gas, and loose stools.
• Nausea and abdominal discomfort may also occur.
• Mild diarrhea, dizziness.
• Allergic reactions, such as skin rash or contact dermatitis.
• Airborne contact urticaria and sensitivity to pollen extract have been reported.
• May lower blood sugar levels, especially when combined with antidiabetic drugs, leading to hypoglycemia.
• The fruit and bark decoction may cause diarrhea in some individuals.

Interactions

• Antidiabetic Drugs: White mulberry leaf may lower blood sugar levels, so use with diabetes medications requires close monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia.
• Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) substrates): White mulberry might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body.
• Anticoagulants: Potential interference with anticoagulants (warfarin) via CYP450 pathways.
• Cholinergic drugs: Teazle might have effects similar to some medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions. Taking teazle with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
• Other herbs: Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. It is advised to take allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Mulberry may cause herb-drug interactions. It is recommended to be taken at a low dosage due to the feasibility of MA HDIs arising from concomitant use with acetaminophen, aspirin, simvastatin, or caffeine.

Active compounds

• 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ)
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol
• Resveratrol

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show that Morus alba has potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels, improving cholesterol profiles, and offering antioxidant effects. Clinical trials suggest efficacy in diabetes management and hyperlipidemia.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Pittashamaka (Pacifies Pitta)
• Vatashamaka (Pacifies Vata)

Classical clinical indications

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Trishna (Excessive thirst)

Frequently asked questions