Sang Shen (Mulberry Fruit)

Nourish the Blood, Tonify Yin, and Promote Youthful Vitality

Sang Shen (Morus alba fruit), or mulberry fruit, is a sweet, cooling herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the blood, tonify yin, and moisten dryness. It supports liver and kidney health, promotes bowel regularity, and is often used for insomnia, premature graying, and blood deficiency.

Quick Summary Of Sang Shen - Mulberry Fruit 

Sweet Fruit with Deep-Rooted Power

Sang Shen is more than a snack—it’s a powerful yin and blood tonic long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to revitalize the body, especially when dryness, fatigue, and deficiency are present. Unlike sugary fruit, Sang Shen has a unique ability to nourish the Liver and Kidney without causing dampness. It’s ideal for people with insomnia, early graying hair, low energy, dizziness, or constipation due to dryness.

Sang Shen is often used as a functional food, meaning it can be enjoyed daily while providing profound medicinal benefits. Its high content of anthocyanins, resveratrol, and iron adds to its value as a tonic for vitality and longevity.

TCM Benefits and Traditional Uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sang Shen:

• Nourishes Blood and Yin

• Tonifies the Liver and Kidney

• Moistens the Intestines to relieve dry constipation

• Supports insomnia or restlessness due to blood deficiency

• Helps with dizziness, premature graying, and weakness

Often used in:

• Anemia or postpartum recovery

• Anti-aging or longevity tonics

• Gentle detox and intestinal regularity formulas

Bonus Benefit:

Mulberries and Blood Sugar Regulation

Sang Shen (mulberry fruit) isn’t just a traditional tonic for yin and blood—it also offers promising support for blood sugar balance. Both the fruit and the leaf of the mulberry plant (Morus alba) contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides that may help regulate glucose metabolism.

 What the Research Shows:

• Mulberry fruit and leaf extracts have demonstrated the ability to slow carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin sensitivity in clinical and animal studies.

• These effects are attributed in part to 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a natural alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that helps blunt post-meal blood sugar spikes.

• Additional benefits include reduced fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in metabolic and diabetic models.

 PubMed-Backed Studies:

1. Hypoglycemic activity of mulberry extract

   • “Mulberry fruit extract ameliorates insulin resistance via Akt signaling in type 2 diabetic mice.”

   • PMID: 28899250

2. Blood sugar-lowering effect of mulberry polysaccharides

   • “Polysaccharides from Morus alba L. ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.”

   • PMID: 28676212

3. Mulberry’s role in glucose metabolism

   • “Effects of mulberry on hyperglycemia and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes patients.”

   • PMID: 25056099

4. Mulberry leaf DNJ as natural glucose modulator

   • “1-Deoxynojirimycin-rich mulberry leaf extract improves postprandial glucose response in humans.”

   • PMID: 19459725

How to Include Mulberries for Blood Sugar Support:

• Add dried Sang Shen to congee, oatmeal, or trail mixes.

• Use extract powder in smoothies or herbal teas.

• Combine with Goji berries or Lotus seed for a well-rounded tonic that supports both blood sugar and yin.

Reminder: Always consult your healthcare provider if you're managing diabetes or using medication, as mulberries may enhance insulin sensitivity.

Scientific Research Highlights

• Anti-aging compounds: Mulberries contain anthocyanins, which have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties

• Blood sugar support: May help regulate blood glucose and insulin sensitivity

• Neuroprotective benefits: Improves memory and cognitive function in animal models

• Liver-protective activity: Supports liver enzyme balance and detox pathways

How to Use Sang Shen

Sang Shen pairs well with goji berries, Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, and Bai Shao in blood and yin-nourishing formulas.

Recipe: Mulberry Compote

Ingredients: - 2 cups fresh mulberries (washed and stems removed) - 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preferences; you can also use honey or a sugar substitute) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions: 1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh mulberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

2. Cook Down: Heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mulberries begin to break down, about 5-10 minutes.

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to a sauce-like consistency.

4. Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool. The compote will thicken further as it cools.

5. Serve: Enjoy the mulberry compote warm or cold. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ways to Use Mulberry Compote:

1. Breakfast Topping: Spoon the compote over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet and fruity breakfast.

2. Spread or Filling: Use it as a spread on toast, bagels, or pastries. It can also be used as a filling in cakes or pastries.

3. Dessert Topping: Drizzle the compote over desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or panna cotta for an elegant finish.

4. Savory Dishes: Serve the compote with grilled meats, like pork or chicken, for a unique flavor combination.

5. Smoothie Base: Blend the compote into smoothies for added sweetness and flavor.

Additional Uses for Fresh Mulberries:

• Salads: Toss fresh mulberries into salads for a pop of color and flavor.
• Jams/Jellies: Make homemade mulberry jam or jelly by cooking down the fruit with sugar and pectin.
• Baking: Incorporate mulberries into muffins, bread, or pancakes for a fruity touch.
• Sauces: Blend mulberries into a sauce for drizzling over desserts or swirls in yogurt.

Comparison Grid Comparing Herbs Similar To Mulberry Fruit 

FAQs

Can I eat Sang Shen daily? Yes. It’s safe for long-term use and functions as both a food and herbal medicine.

Does it help with hair health? Yes—especially for premature graying and dry scalp from blood deficiency.

Can Sang Shen cause loose stools? Rarely. If digestion is weak or the fruit is overconsumed, reduce dosage.

Is Sang Shen good for kids? In moderation, yes—especially in nourishing teas or blended with porridge.

Cautions

• Use cautiously in those with diarrhea or cold digestion

• Best combined with warming herbs if signs of coldness or spleen deficiency are present

• Store dried fruit in airtight container to prevent spoilage

Buy Sang Shen at 1st Chinese Herbs

• Organic, wildcrafted whole dried mulberry fruit

• Extract powder for easy tea or smoothies

• Formulas that include Sang Shen for blood, yin, and liver support

• 3rd-party tested and GMP-certified quality

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