Black Mulberry Syrup
Morus nigra
T Traditional useA black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
Black mulberry syrup (extract) is made by boiling down the juice of Morus nigra berries. In Anatolia it is traditionally used for mouth sores, aphthous ulcers and sore throats. Its dark anthocyanins show antioxidant effects in lab studies. No clinical studies support these uses.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for mouth sores, aphthous ulcers and sore throats. [1]
C Laboratory / animal evidence
Laboratory / animal evidence: Based only on laboratory (in vitro) or animal studies; not clinically proven in humans.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Contains anthocyanins; antioxidant effects have only been shown in the lab. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Hold 1 dessertspoon slowly in the mouth before swallowing, or mix with warm water as a gargle.
Amount: 2–3 times daily
Duration limit: 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 1 years
- The syrup is high in sugar; people with diabetes or watching their weight should take care.
- See a doctor if a sore throat comes with fever or lasts over 1 week.
- Products containing honey must not be given to babies under 1 year (honey: botulism risk).
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Tooth staining and decay risk (sugar)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Black mulberry stains are so lasting that the juice was once used to dye fabric. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does mulberry syrup help a sore throat?
It is used traditionally; the effect has not been clinically shown.
Can children have mulberry syrup?
Children over 1 can have small amounts; mind the sugar.
Is mulberry extract the same as molasses?
It is made similarly by boiling; mulberry extract is usually thickened without added sugar.
Sources
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Black Mulberry Syrup (Morus nigra). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-mulberry-syrup/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Terebinth Berry
T Traditional usePistacia terebinthus
The roasted fruit of terebinth, a wild pistachio. Its "coffee" is loved in South-East Anatolia; respiratory uses are traditional only.
Peppermint Oil
A Strong clinical evidenceMentha × piperita
Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache.
Ivy Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceHedera helix
Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea.
Black Seed
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe.
Black Seed Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.
Frankincense (Olibanum)
B Limited clinical evidenceBoswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata
The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Syrup & Paste)
Syrup & Paste →
Coconut Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceCocos nucifera
An effective skin moisturiser; small studies found it helpful for children's atopic dermatitis. As a food fat, it is very high in saturated fat.
Bitter Melon in Olive Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceMomordica charantia
A folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers.
Pelargonium Root
T Traditional usePelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme
Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it.
Pine Cone Syrup
T Traditional usePinus spp.
A syrup made by steeping young pine cones in sugar. Traditionally used for cough and throat irritation; there are no clinical data.
