Mulberry Leaf Extract (DNJ)
Also known as: Morus alba leaf, white mulberry leaf, 1-deoxynojirimycin, DNJ, Reducose
White mulberry leaf contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an iminosugar that inhibits alpha-glucosidase in the gut and slows the breakdown of starch and sucrose. Randomized crossover trials show that 200–250 mg of a DNJ-standardized extract taken before a meal lowers the post-meal glucose and insulin rise by about a third. It is used in blood-sugar, carb-control, and weight-management products, typically taken just before carbohydrate-containing meals.
Research summary
DNJ competitively inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase, blunting the rate of glucose release from dietary carbohydrate.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mg | 250–500 mg | — | — |
200–250 mg of a 5% DNJ extract (10–12.5 mg DNJ) before a meal reduced glucose and insulin responses in a crossover trial; 250 mg per meal is the branded recommendation. Products deliver 250–500 mg per day depending on how many meals are covered. Take 5–15 minutes before eating carbohydrates. A 12-week trial of 6 mg DNJ three times daily improved a post-meal glucose marker.
Standardization: ≥1% DNJ (Reducose 5% DNJ)
Source material: leaf extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Mild, slightly grassy taste; works in capsules, tablets, gummies, and stick packs.
Formulation notes
Additive glucose lowering with diabetes medications and acarbose. Gas or bloating possible from undigested carbohydrate.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
- Understanding the Impact of Different Doses of Reducose(®) Mulberry Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose and Insulin Responses after Eating a Complex Meal: Results from a Double-Blind, Randomised, Crossover Trial. (Thondre, 2024)PubMed
- Effect of mulberry leaf extract with enriched 1-deoxynojirimycin content on postprandial glycemic control in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism. (Asai, 2011)PubMed
- Phynova — Reducose mulberry leaf extractSupplier
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