Mulberry Zuccarin Side Effects

The Science-Based Pharmacy post about Mulberry Zuccarin has become the most read article, by a big margin.  We’re pleased this evidence review has found a wide audience. However, it’s concerning that many consumers seem to be searching for information about mulberry leaf extract side effects, and adverse events associated with Mulberry Zuccarin. Some have posted their concerns in the comments, or have contacted this blog directly.

Please report any potential  adverse effects from Mulberry Zuccarin, or any other mulberry extract you take, to regulators in the country where you live. Only by reporting adverse events can cause and effect be properly evaluated. In general, natural health products are poorly evaluated, with few even undergoing randomized controlled trial evaluation. Consequently, the side effect profile may not be understood.  It is very difficult to establish a causal relationship from any product based on individual casse reports. Only with multiple reports can possible safety signals be identified.

You can report an undocumented side effect, or an adverse event, to any natural health product or supplement here:

Canada: Health Canada’s MedEffect Program. Consumers can file reports online, by fax, or by mail. (Mulberry Zuccarin is now approved for sale by Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate with licence 80017544, with the statement that it, “helps to promote healthy glucose levels.”)

United States: The FDA’s Medwatch is where reports should be filed. Report your adverse event by phone, fax or mail.

United Kingdom: Yellow Card Scheme: Consumers can register and report adverse event information.

Australia: Therapeutic Goods Administration: Consumers can report adverse effects by phone, mail, or electronically.

Sweden: Livsmedelsverket (National Food Administration) (H/T Nina, SBP’s Swedish connection)

If your country isn’t listed above, find out who regulates drugs and supplements, and contact them directly. A health professional, such as a pharmacist, should be able to report on your behalf, or direct you to the appropriate regulatory body.

You can also report adverse events from natural health products and supplements directly to the manufacturer – but unlike prescription drugs, there may be no legal obligation for manufacturers to forward these reports to regulators. So always file your report directly, wherever you live.