Research shows that white mulberry extract reduced heart tissue damage by limiting cell death and decreased plaque buildup in arteries in laboratory studies with mice, according to Gram Research analysis. The extract worked by increasing production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels function properly, and by reducing inflammation. Blueberry extract showed similar heart-protective effects but was less effective at preventing plaque in male mice. While these preclinical findings are promising, human studies are needed before berry extracts can be recommended for heart disease prevention.
Researchers tested whether extracts from white mulberries and blueberries could protect heart tissue from damage and prevent plaque buildup in arteries. According to Gram Research analysis, both berry extracts showed promise in laboratory studies using mice, with white mulberry extract demonstrating particularly strong heart-protective effects. The extracts worked by reducing cell death and improving blood vessel function. While these results are encouraging, the research is still in early stages and human studies are needed before doctors might recommend these extracts as heart disease prevention.
Key Statistics
A 2026 preclinical study found that white mulberry extract reduced heart tissue damage when blood flow was blocked and restored, with the extract increasing nitric oxide production and reducing inflammatory markers in mice with metabolic syndrome.
According to 2026 research published in Phytotherapy Research, white mulberry extract contained 49.50 mg of flavonoids per gram but was more effective at reducing arterial plaque than blueberry extract, which contained 98.92 mg of flavonoids per gram, suggesting that compound type matters more than total amount.
A 2026 laboratory study found that blueberry extract reduced heart tissue damage in both male and female mice, but only reduced plaque buildup in female mice, indicating that sex differences may affect how berry compounds protect the heart.
Research reviewed by Gram in 2026 showed that neither white mulberry nor blueberry extract caused signs of toxicity in mice, supporting a safety profile for these natural compounds at nutritional doses.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether extracts made from white mulberries and blueberries could protect heart tissue from injury and prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries that leads to heart disease.
- Who participated: Laboratory mice were used in this study. Some mice were fed a Western-style diet to develop heart disease risk factors, while others were genetically modified to develop plaque buildup in their arteries. Both male and female mice were tested.
- Key finding: White mulberry extract reduced heart tissue damage by about 30-40% compared to mice that didn’t receive the extract, and it also reduced plaque buildup in arteries. Blueberry extract showed similar heart-protective effects but was less effective at reducing plaque in male mice.
- What it means for you: These findings suggest that compounds in berries might help protect hearts, but this research is preliminary. Human studies are needed before anyone should take berry extracts specifically for heart disease prevention. Eating whole berries as part of a healthy diet remains a safe, evidence-based choice.
The Research Details
This was a laboratory study using mice to test whether berry extracts could protect heart tissue and prevent artery disease. The researchers created two types of extracts—one from white mulberries and one from blueberries—and measured their chemical composition to understand what compounds they contained. They then gave these extracts to mice for 4-8 weeks and measured how much heart damage occurred when blood flow to the heart was temporarily blocked and then restored (a condition called ischemia-reperfusion injury). They also examined how much plaque built up in the arteries of mice fed an unhealthy Western-style diet.
The study included separate experiments testing the extracts in mice with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that increase heart disease risk) and in mice genetically prone to developing artery plaque. The researchers measured multiple outcomes including the size of damaged heart tissue, levels of protective molecules in the blood, and the amount of plaque in arteries. They also tested whether the extracts were safe and caused any harmful side effects.
Laboratory studies like this help researchers understand how natural compounds might work to protect the heart before testing them in humans. By using mice, scientists can control variables precisely and measure biological changes that would be difficult to study in people. This type of research identifies promising candidates for future human trials and helps explain the mechanisms—the ‘how’ and ‘why’—behind potential health benefits.
This study has several strengths: it tested two different berry extracts to allow comparison, included both male and female mice to check for sex differences, measured multiple heart-protective mechanisms, and assessed safety. However, important limitations exist: results in mice don’t always translate to humans, the study didn’t test actual whole berries (only extracts), and the doses used were higher than typical dietary amounts. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed the methods and findings.
What the Results Show
White mulberry extract reduced the size of heart tissue damage by limiting cell death when blood flow was blocked and then restored. This protective effect appeared to work through two main mechanisms: the extract increased production of nitric oxide (a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and function properly) and reduced inflammation in heart tissue.
White mulberry extract also reduced plaque buildup in the arteries of both male and female mice fed an unhealthy diet. The extract appeared to work by turning down inflammatory signals in the artery walls and reducing triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood that contributes to heart disease).
Blueberry extract showed similar heart-protective effects, reducing tissue damage when blood flow was interrupted. However, blueberry extract only reduced plaque buildup in female mice, not in males, suggesting that sex differences may affect how the extract works.
Neither extract showed signs of toxicity or harmful effects in the mice, indicating they appear to be safe at the doses tested.
The researchers found that white mulberry extract contained slightly less total flavonoids (protective plant compounds) than blueberry extract—49.50 mg per gram compared to 98.92 mg per gram—yet was more effective at preventing plaque buildup. This suggests that the specific types of compounds matter more than just the total amount. White mulberry extract also reduced circulating triglyceride levels, a cardiovascular risk factor, while blueberry extract did not significantly affect triglycerides. Neither extract changed estrogen levels, which is important because it shows the extracts work through mechanisms other than hormone changes.
Previous research has suggested that berries contain compounds that may benefit heart health, but this study is among the first to directly compare white mulberry and blueberry extracts in the same experiments. The findings align with earlier research showing that berry compounds can reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. However, this study goes further by identifying specific mechanisms and showing that different berries may work through different pathways. The sex differences observed with blueberry extract add nuance to earlier studies that didn’t always account for biological differences between males and females.
This research was conducted entirely in mice, and results in animals don’t always apply to humans. The study used concentrated extracts at doses higher than someone would typically consume from eating berries. The research didn’t test whole berries, only isolated extracts, so it’s unclear whether eating actual berries would produce the same effects. The study didn’t measure how long the protective effects lasted or whether they would persist with long-term use. Finally, because this is preclinical research, human clinical trials are needed before any health claims can be made.
The Bottom Line
Based on this preclinical research, there is not yet sufficient evidence to recommend berry extracts as a treatment for heart disease. However, eating whole berries as part of a heart-healthy diet remains a safe, evidence-based choice supported by broader research. People with heart disease or at high risk should continue following their doctor’s recommendations and not replace prescribed medications with berry extracts. Future human studies may clarify whether these extracts provide additional benefits beyond whole berries.
These findings are most relevant to cardiovascular researchers and pharmaceutical companies exploring natural compounds for drug development. People interested in heart health may find the results encouraging but should understand this is very early-stage research. Anyone with existing heart disease, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome should not use these extracts without medical supervision, as they could potentially interact with medications.
This is preclinical research, meaning it’s still in the laboratory phase. If these findings lead to human studies, it typically takes 5-10 years or more before results would be available. Even then, any potential benefits would likely develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use, not immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do berry extracts actually protect your heart from damage?
In laboratory studies with mice, white mulberry and blueberry extracts reduced heart tissue damage by limiting cell death and improved blood vessel function. However, these are preclinical findings—human studies are needed to confirm whether the same benefits occur in people.
Which is better for heart health, mulberries or blueberries?
In this 2026 study, white mulberry extract was more effective at reducing plaque buildup in arteries in both male and female mice, while blueberry extract only worked in females. However, both showed heart-protective effects, and whole berries of either type remain healthy dietary choices.
Can I take berry extracts instead of heart disease medication?
No. This is preclinical research in mice, not proven treatment in humans. Never replace prescribed heart medications with supplements without medical supervision. Discuss any interest in berry extracts with your doctor, who can advise whether they’re appropriate for your situation.
How much berry extract would I need to eat to get the benefits?
The study used concentrated extracts at doses higher than typical dietary amounts. It’s unknown whether eating whole berries would produce similar effects. Current evidence supports eating whole berries as part of a healthy diet rather than taking extracts.
Are berry extracts safe to take long-term?
In this mouse study, neither extract showed signs of toxicity at the doses tested. However, long-term safety in humans hasn’t been established. Whole berries are safe for long-term consumption, but concentrated extracts require human studies before safety recommendations can be made.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily berry consumption (type and amount) alongside cardiovascular health markers like resting heart rate, blood pressure readings, and energy levels. Users could log servings of blueberries, mulberries, or other berries and note any changes in how they feel over 8-12 weeks.
- Add one serving of fresh or frozen berries to your daily diet—either as a snack, in yogurt, or blended into smoothies. Start with blueberries or mulberries if available, and aim for consistency rather than occasional consumption. Track this habit in the app to build consistency.
- Establish a baseline by measuring resting heart rate and blood pressure before increasing berry intake. Continue measuring these metrics weekly for 8-12 weeks while maintaining consistent berry consumption. Note any changes in energy, digestion, or cardiovascular symptoms. Share results with your healthcare provider to discuss whether changes correlate with dietary modifications.
This article summarizes preclinical laboratory research in mice and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Berry extracts have not been proven safe or effective for treating or preventing heart disease in humans. Do not use berry extracts to replace prescribed medications or medical treatment. Anyone with cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or those taking blood thinners or other medications should consult their healthcare provider before consuming concentrated berry extracts, as potential interactions are unknown. Whole berries remain a safe, evidence-based dietary choice. Always discuss dietary supplements with your doctor before use.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.