Save to favorites
This feature is restricted to active members.
Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign in here.
Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted August 25, 2022
White Mulberry Leaf Caused Death of Congressman's Wife, Coroner Reports
The death of Lori McClintock, 61-year-old wife of California congressman Tom McClintock, was caused by dehydration from gastroenteritis caused by “adverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion,” according to a coroner's report recently obtained by Kaiser Health News.
White mulberry leaf is sold as a powder in supplements, or consumed as a tea, and if often promoted for lowering blood sugar and treating diabetes, although the evidence for this use is mixed. (See ConsumerLab's article about supplements and foods for lowering blood sugar for more details). The herb is also promoted for lowering cholesterol, improving metabolism, and for weight loss. Although its generally been found to be safe in clinical trials, adverse gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, gas, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea have been reported (Thaipitakwong, Complement Ther Med 2020; Lown, PLoS One 2017).
Mrs. McClintock died on December 20, 2021, after her husband found her unresponsive at home. The day before her death, she had complained of stomach pain, according to the report. The autopsy revealed a partially intact white mulberry leaf in her stomach, although it's not known if she consumed white mulberry tea, consumed dry or fresh mulberry leaves, or had taken a supplement.
For more information, use the link below.
Congressman's Wife Died After Taking Herbal Remedy Marketed for Diabetes and Weight Loss
Report a Problem
If you have experienced an unexpected and adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, nutritional product, or generic drug, we would like to hear about it, as we may investigate the problem. Please select from one of these options:
Dietary Supplement or Nutritional Product Problem Report
If you believe that a dietary supplement (e.g., vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement) or other nutritional product has caused an unexpected, adverse reaction, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the product.
Thank you for submitting your report.
Generic Drug Problem Report
If you believe that a generic drug has not acted like the original drug, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their MedWatch program at the FDA MedWatch website.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the drug.
Thank you for submitting your report.
