PubMed · 2026-04-24
A standardized extract of mulberry polyphenols (ABRU) both stimulates bone-building cells and suppresses bone-dissolving cells, improving bone density by ~20% in an aging mouse model. This is the first study to scientifically validate the traditional Chinese medicine claim that mulberry 'strengthens bones and muscles.'
Mulberry polyphenol extract doubled osteoblast (bone-building cell) proliferation within 24 hours and increased mineralization two-fold after 14 days in lab experiments.
In aging mice, oral mulberry extract improved bone mineral density by ~20%, increased trabecular bone area by 24.5%, and reduced bone-dissolving cell count by 58.4%.
The mechanism works through the PPARG/SOST signaling axis: mulberry compounds suppress a gene (PPARG) that normally inhibits bone formation, which in turn activates the Wnt pathway to promote bone growth.
