Reducose (Mulberry leaf extract)

Reducose is a standardized mulberry leaf extract containing 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) that inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine. Clinical studies show it reduces post-meal blood glucose spikes by over 40% within 2 hours of carbohydrate consumption.

Origin & History

Reducose® is a patented aqueous extract derived from white mulberry leaves (Morus alba) cultivated in West China under EU organic guidelines. The extraction process involves water extraction, ion exchange chromatography, vacuum reduction, and spray drying with maltodextrin, yielding a standardized product containing 5% (w/w) 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ).

Historical & Cultural Context

White mulberry leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years to manage blood sugar and diabetes symptoms by slowing carbohydrate absorption. The source plant of Reducose® aligns with these traditional TCM practices for hyperglycemia and obesity prevention.

Health Benefits

• Reduces postprandial blood glucose by >40% at 2 hours after carbohydrate consumption (Strong evidence from RCT, n=38, PMID: 33858571)
• Lowers insulin secretion by >40% at 2 hours post-meal (Strong evidence from same RCT)
• Decreases glucose iAUC by 22-29% over 120 minutes with mixed meals (Moderate evidence from dose-response RCT)
• Reduces insulin iAUC by 31-38% over 120 minutes (Moderate evidence from same dose-response study)
• May provide prebiotic effects and support NAD+/sirtuin pathways (Preliminary evidence from mechanistic studies)

How It Works

Reducose contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which competitively inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestinal brush border. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, reducing glucose absorption. The compound also modulates incretin hormone release and may influence glucose transporter activity.

Scientific Research

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have tested Reducose®: one with 38 healthy subjects showing >40% reductions in postprandial glucose and insulin at 2 hours (PMID: 33858571), and another dose-response study testing 200-250mg doses with mixed meals showing 22-29% glucose iAUC reduction. No meta-analyses are currently available, limiting evidence to proprietary RCTs.

Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial with 38 participants demonstrated that Reducose reduces postprandial blood glucose by over 40% and insulin secretion by over 40% at 2 hours post-meal. Additional studies show 22-29% decreases in glucose incremental area under the curve over 120 minutes with mixed meals. The evidence comes primarily from acute postprandial studies rather than long-term glucose control trials.

Nutritional Profile

Reducose is a standardized, patented mulberry leaf extract (Morus alba) concentrated primarily for its bioactive iminosugar alkaloids, particularly 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) at a standardized concentration of approximately 2% DNJ by weight (equivalent to ~2mg DNJ per 100mg extract). DNJ is the principal active compound responsible for alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibition in the intestinal brush border. Secondary bioactive compounds include other polyhydroxy alkaloids (fagomine, 2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-DNJ), flavonoids (rutin, isoquercitrin, astragalin at trace levels), and chlorogenic acid derivatives. As a concentrated botanical extract rather than a whole food, traditional macronutrient content (fat, protein, carbohydrate) is negligible at functional doses (typically 200mg extract per serving). Fiber content is absent in the purified extract form. Micronutrient contribution (vitamins, minerals) is not clinically significant at these doses. Bioavailability of DNJ from Reducose is enhanced relative to raw mulberry leaf due to the extraction and standardization process; DNJ is water-soluble and rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, where it competitively inhibits carbohydrate-digesting enzymes prior to systemic absorption. The extract is typically delivered in doses of 200mg (providing ~4mg active DNJ), shown to be effective in clinical trials when consumed with carbohydrate-containing meals.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied doses range from 200-250 mg of Reducose® extract (standardized to 5% DNJ), equating to 10-12.5 mg DNJ per dose, taken before carbohydrate-rich meals. Lower doses (200-225 mg) showed similar efficacy to 250 mg in mixed-meal challenges. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Chromium picolinate, Berberine, Cinnamon extract, Alpha-lipoic acid, Gymnema sylvestre

Safety & Interactions

Reducose appears well-tolerated in clinical studies with no serious adverse events reported. It may enhance the effects of diabetes medications, potentially requiring dose adjustments under medical supervision. Gastrointestinal effects like bloating or gas may occur due to undigested carbohydrates reaching the colon. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.