White Mulberry Root Extract Powder: A Botanical Root Bark With Proven Ground in Both Whitening And Metabolic Health, Yet Long Overlooked

1. Introduction

Mulberry trees have been used in East Asia for over two thousand years-leaves feed silkworms, fruits are consumed fresh, and root bark is used in traditional medicine. However, in the raw material catalogs of cosmetics and functional foods, white mulberry root appears far more frequently than most people realize. It is not the same as mulberry leaf-at least in terms of procurement specifications and functional indications, the two are fundamentally different.

White mulberry root is the dried root bark of the mulberry tree (Morus alba L.) and has a history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. Unlike mulberry leaf, which primarily targets blood sugar management through DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin), white mulberry root has a more complex active compound profile-flavonoids (morusin, kuwanon G and H), stilbenes (mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol), and coumarins coexist, giving it broader formulation adaptability than single-target ingredients.

The global white mulberry root extract market lacks a single unified size figure, but the scale of individual active compounds provides reference value. Morusin alone, as a single monomer, had a global market size in the millions of USD in 2024, with a CAGR above 7%. Multiple ingredient suppliers, including Hyundai Bioland in South Korea and hydroponic cultivation companies in Japan, have launched mulberry root-based cosmetic ingredient solutions covering whitening, anti-aging, and hair regeneration.

Landnutra (Xi'an Land Nutra Co., Ltd.) has been deeply involved in the botanical extract industry for years, providing high-purity, high-activity white mulberry root extract raw materials to global customers. We maintain quality control from the source and ensure batch-to-batch consistency and regulatory compliance through a complete quality system.

2. Active Compound Profile of White Mulberry Root

White mulberry root has a richer chemical composition than mulberry leaf. Its active compounds can be divided into three major categories:

Flavonoids (core functional components). Including morusin, kuwanon G and H, sanggenon C, and others. Studies have shown that kuwanon G and H have been identified as the main active components of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, with direct contributions to regulating the renin-angiotensin system. Sanggenon C content in certain varieties can reach 5.098%.

Stilbenes. Represented by mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol. Mulberroside A has antitussive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. Oxyresveratrol has higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity than resveratrol itself, making it a core contributor to whitening efficacy.

Coumarins and others. Such as scopoletin, which exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

It is worth noting that different varieties and origins of white mulberry root show significant differences in their active compound profiles. A study of root extracts from 12 white mulberry varieties showed that total phenolic content ranged from 2.72–6.61 mg/100g in ethanol extracts and 5.09–9.85 mg/100g in water extracts, indicating that variety selection directly affects raw material quality. Another study confirmed that the ethyl acetate fractions of the Cheongil and Daeshim varieties had polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of 110 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 471 mg catechin equivalent/g, respectively-far higher than other varieties.

3. Clinical Research Evidence

Whitening and tyrosinase inhibition. This is the most mature application of white mulberry root in cosmetics. White mulberry root extract is rich in antioxidant compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoids) that effectively scavenge free radicals and reduce UV-induced skin damage. Its core mechanism involves inhibiting tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production, and thereby improving hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. In cosmetic ingredient directories, white mulberry root extract is classified as a skin conditioner, antioxidant, and hair conditioner, widely used in whitening serums, creams, and sunscreens.

Anti-hypertensive and metabolic regulation. The ACE inhibitory activity of kuwanon G and H has been clearly identified. Animal studies show that a kuwanon-rich ethyl acetate fraction reduced serum renin levels by 34% and angiotensinogen by 25% in high-salt diet mice, while also significantly reducing heart weight.

Anti-obesity and lipid metabolism. A 2025 study published in the South African Journal of Botany showed that white mulberry root extract and its active compounds mulberroside A and sanggenon C exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PLE), with IC₅₀ values of 23.8 µg/mL, 30.5 µg/mL, and 7.32 µg/mL, respectively. Sanggenon C's activity was close to that of orlistat (IC₅₀ = 2.13 µg/mL). The study concluded that white mulberry root extract and its phytochemicals have potential for development as anti-obesity therapeutic agents.

Antioxidant activity. Studies have confirmed that white mulberry root extract has free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ethanol was identified as the optimal solvent for extracting antioxidant compounds. The IZ 64 hybrid variety's ethanol root extract showed the best performance in polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity.

4. Main B2B Applications

Cosmetics is the most concentrated application area for white mulberry root. It serves not only as a whitening agent but also supports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory claims, with applications in serums, creams, sunscreens, and repair products. Landnutra can provide different specifications such as flavonoid-enriched and oxyresveratrol-enriched grades based on customer needs.

In functional foods, white mulberry root has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Modern research points to blood pressure regulation, blood sugar management, and weight control. Landnutra can assist with the raw material compliance documentation required for health food filings.

5. Quality Control and Sourcing Checklist

White mulberry root extract quality varies significantly across suppliers. Before purchasing, at least verify the following parameters:

Sourcing tips:

Variety and origin differences. Different varieties (such as Cheongil, Daeshim, IZ 64) show significant differences in active compound content and bioactivity. Request botanical identification documents and certificates of origin.

Test method requirements. HPLC is the recognized method for quantifying active compounds such as mulberroside A and sanggenon C. Request batch-specific HPLC chromatograms from the supplier.

Extraction solvent choice. Studies show that ethanol is the optimal solvent for extracting antioxidant compounds from white mulberry root. Novel natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) also show green and efficient extraction potential-the malic acid:glucose (1:3) combination achieved a mulberroside A extraction yield of 0.06% with excellent extraction specificity.

Origin information. White mulberry root is mainly produced in China, Korea, Japan, and other regions. Active compound content may vary by origin, so confirm the botanical source when purchasing.

Landnutra provides a complete COA for each batch of white mulberry root extract, covering all test items including active ingredient content, heavy metals, microbiology, and pesticide residues, ensuring products meet the market access standards of China, the EU, the US, and other major markets.

6. B2B FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between white mulberry root extract and mulberry leaf extract?

A: Different plant parts, different active profiles. White mulberry root (root bark) is richer in flavonoids and stilbenes, targeting whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. Mulberry leaf mainly targets DNJ-related blood sugar management. Do not confuse them.

Q2: What compounds drive the whitening effect of white mulberry root extract?

A: Mainly oxyresveratrol and mulberroside A. Oxyresveratrol has higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity than resveratrol itself.

Q3: What is the recommended usage level for white mulberry root extract?

A: In cosmetics, generally 0.1%–0.5%. For health foods, the specific dosage should be determined based on product design and filing requirements.

Q4: Does white mulberry root extract have side effects?

A: At normal doses, safety is good. A small number of people may be allergic to Moraceae plants – patch testing is recommended before final product launch.

Q5: Does white mulberry root extract affect the color of cosmetic formulations?

A: Yes. White mulberry root extract is brown-yellow to brown in color. Adding it to light-colored formulas may affect the final product color. Adjust the addition level or choose a lighter-colored grade based on formulation design.

7. Conclusion & Contact Information

White mulberry root extract is not an ingredient built on hype. It has data supporting whitening, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and weight management benefits, covering both cosmetics and functional foods. Buyers must verify the plant part, active ingredient content, extraction solvent, and complete COA.

Landnutra (Xi'an Land Nutra Co., Ltd.) supplies white mulberry root extract powder:

Specifications: 10:1, 20:1, and custom grades

Full COA (mulberroside A, sanggenon C, heavy metals, microbiology, pesticide residues)

Traceable origin (China, Korea, etc., available)

Packaging: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, pallet

OEM customization available (capsules, tablets, cosmetic premixes, etc.)

Full-chain supply chain service from raw material traceability, formulation development, to regulatory documentation

Contact us for:

Free 200g technical sample

Batch-specific COA and HPLC chromatograms

Formulation guidance

Regulatory documentation support for China, EU, and US markets

Email: wangjing@landnutra.com
WhatsApp: +86 18092657549

Landnutra – Making every white mulberry root activity data truly work in your formulations, serving global brands with science-backed supply chain solutions.

References

1.Chen Z, He Z, Qin J. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Extraction of Mulberroside A from White Mulberry Root Bark. ACS Omega, 2025, 10(17): 17221-17227. 

2.Logesh R, et al. Morus alba L. and its phytochemicals alter lipid metabolism targeting pancreatic lipase-mediated triglyceride breakdown to combat obesity. South African Journal of Botany, 2025, 187: 316-323. 

3.Sande D, Solares MD. Roots from mulberries (Morus alba) natural and hybrids varieties: phenolic contend and nutraceutical potential as antioxidant. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2016, 6(11): 063-069.

4.SpecialChem. MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT – Cosmetic Ingredient Profile. h

5.Lesielle. Morus alba root extract in skincare – INCI and benefits. 

6.Ji-Hae L, et al. Modulatory Effects of the Kuwanon-Rich Fraction from Mulberry Root Bark on the Renin–Angiotensin System. Molecules, 2024, 13(10): 1547.