The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Cultivated for centuries, it has been introduced globally, sometimes becoming an opportunistic species. Despite this, the paper mulberry offers numerous beneficial properties valued by various cultures for millennia.
Medicinal Properties
The bark, leaves, fruits, and roots of the paper mulberry have been used in traditional medicine. Extracts contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and polysaccharides, contributing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
Traditionally, paper mulberry treats skin disorders, ophthalmic diseases, hypertension, edema, and fever. Leaf juice has been used as a laxative and diaphoretic, and applied topically for skin ailments and bites. The bark and fruit also serve as antipyretics and for digestive support.
Other traditional uses include remedies for arthritis, asthma, backache, and inflammatory conditions. Preliminary studies suggest potential antidiabetic effects and liver health support. The rich phytochemical profile, particularly phenols and flavonoids, is considered a primary contributor to these biological activities.
Industrial and Material Applications
Beyond its medicinal uses, the paper mulberry has been a significant resource for industrial and material applications. Its inner bark yields a strong, durable fiber for papermaking, used in China since the 2nd century AD, and for high-quality traditional Korean Hanji and Japanese Washi papers.
The fibrous bark is also extensively used in textile production. In the Pacific Islands, it is the primary material for barkcloth, known as tapa, used for clothing, ceremonial garments, bags, and bedding. The plant’s fibers have also been twisted into strong ropes and other cordage applications.
The wood of the paper mulberry, characterized by its soft, grayish-white, and brittle nature, finds practical uses in crafts and light construction. It is commonly employed for inexpensive furniture, matchsticks, packing cases, and plywood. In some regions, the wood has been processed into charcoal and used in the production of wood vinegar.
Nutritional Content and Edible Uses
The paper mulberry offers edible components with nutritional value. Its young leaves and fruits are the primary edible parts. The globose, orange-colored fruit, often described as sweet with a mild, honey-like flavor, can be eaten raw.
Young leaves are typically cooked, often steamed or boiled, before consumption. These leaves are recognized for their protein content, with some varieties reporting 16-21% protein on a dry matter basis. They also contain essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and offer vitamins like Vitamin C.
Ecological Contributions
When managed thoughtfully, the paper mulberry provides several ecological benefits. Its extensive and fibrous root system effectively controls soil erosion, stabilizing disturbed lands and preventing soil degradation.
The plant’s rapid growth rate contributes to significant biomass production. This biomass can be utilized for land rehabilitation efforts and as a renewable resource. The fruit juice has shown potential as a non-food, sugar-based substrate for bioethanol production, and the wood can be converted into charcoal.
Paper mulberry is integrated into traditional agroforestry systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is often intercropped with other trees, enhancing overall productivity and ecological balance. Its ability to grow quickly and produce abundant foliage supports soil fertility regeneration by contributing organic matter and promoting rapid canopy closure, which helps suppress weeds.