# Kuwanon G

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/kuwanon-g
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Kuwanon-G, KG, Mulberry flavonoid G, Morus alba flavonoid, White mulberry compound G, Sang-bai-pi flavonoid

## Overview

Kuwanon G is a Diels-Alder type adduct flavonoid isolated from the root bark of Morus alba (white mulberry), composed of cyclomulberrin and dehydroprenylnaringenin moieties. It exerts its primary bioactive effects by disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity, demonstrating potent inhibition of oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans at a minimal inhibitory concentration of 8 µg/mL in vitro.

## Health Benefits

• Exhibits potent antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 8 µg/mL, with bactericidal effects at 20 µg/mL in vitro.[5] • Effective against other oral pathogens like S. sobrinus and Porphyromonas gingivalis, demonstrating cell wall damage.[5] • Acts as a bombesin receptor antagonist, suggesting potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.[1] • Potentially beneficial in oral health due to its [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity.[5] • Preliminary research indicates activity against a range of bacterial species, although human studies are lacking.[5]

## Mechanism of Action

Kuwanon G exerts antibacterial activity primarily through disruption of bacterial cell wall architecture, as evidenced by observable cell wall damage in susceptible organisms including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus sobrinus. Its bicyclic Diels-Alder scaffold is thought to intercalate with membrane-associated proteins and peptidoglycan components, compromising structural integrity and leading to bactericidal effects at concentrations of 20 µg/mL. The compound may also inhibit glucosyltransferase enzymes critical to S. mutans biofilm formation, though this specific enzymatic pathway requires further mechanistic confirmation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Kuwanon G is limited to in vitro laboratory studies, with no published human clinical trials or animal intervention studies specifically evaluating this compound. In vitro data demonstrate a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 20 µg/mL against Streptococcus mutans, a primary cariogenic pathogen. Activity has also been confirmed in vitro against S. sobrinus and Porphyromonas gingivalis, both implicated in dental caries and periodontal disease respectively. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and translating these in vitro findings to human therapeutic applications requires substantial additional research including pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Kuwanon G is not a nutritional compound but rather a prenylated flavonoid (specifically a Diels-Alder type adduct) isolated primarily from the root bark of Morus alba (white mulberry, Moraceae). It is not consumed as a macronutrient source and has no meaningful caloric, protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution. Key biochemical details: • Molecular formula: C₄₀H₃₆O₁₁; Molecular weight: ~692.7 g/mol. • Classification: Prenylated flavanone–chalcone Diels-Alder adduct; polyphenolic compound. • Natural concentration: Found in trace quantities in Morus alba root bark (typically in the range of 0.01–0.1% dry weight, varying by cultivar, harvest season, and extraction method). • Bioactive profile: Contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity; the prenyl side chains enhance lipophilicity and membrane interaction, which likely underpins its antibacterial mechanism against Streptococcus mutans (MIC ~8 µg/mL). • Bioavailability notes: As a high-molecular-weight polyphenol with moderate lipophilicity (estimated LogP ~5–6), oral bioavailability is expected to be low due to poor aqueous solubility, potential Phase II hepatic conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation), and limited intestinal absorption. No formal pharmacokinetic studies in humans have been published. Gut microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) may generate smaller phenolic metabolites with independent bioactivity. • No vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein content are associated with this isolated compound. • Co-occurring bioactives in Morus alba root bark include related prenylated flavonoids such as Kuwanon C, Kuwanon H, Morusin, Sanggenon D, and oxyresveratrol, which may contribute to synergistic biological effects when consumed as a crude extract rather than as an isolated compound.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Kuwanon G, as human trials are absent. In vitro studies used concentrations of 8-20 µg/mL. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No human safety data, toxicology profiles, or established safe dosage ranges currently exist for isolated Kuwanon G as a supplement ingredient, as research remains confined to in vitro models. Potential interactions with antibiotics or anticoagulant drugs cannot be ruled out given its bioactive flavonoid structure and structural similarity to compounds known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplemental Kuwanon G due to a complete absence of safety data in these populations. Individuals with hypersensitivity to Morus alba or related Moraceae family plants should exercise caution, as Kuwanon G is derived from mulberry root bark.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been conducted on Kuwanon G, with existing research limited to in vitro studies. The antibacterial properties are covered under PMID 12648813.[5]

## Historical & Cultural Context

Kuwanon G does not have documented traditional medicinal uses, although it is found in Morus alba, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The isolation and study of Kuwanon G is a modern scientific endeavor.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, ginger

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Kuwanon G and where does it come from?

Kuwanon G is a prenylated flavonoid of the Diels-Alder adduct class, isolated from the root bark of Morus alba, commonly known as white mulberry. It is structurally formed from the cycloaddition of cyclomulberrin and a chalcone precursor, giving it a distinctive bicyclic architecture that distinguishes it from simpler flavonoids like quercetin or kaempferol.

### How effective is Kuwanon G against Streptococcus mutans?

In vitro studies have shown Kuwanon G inhibits Streptococcus mutans growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL and achieves bactericidal effects at 20 µg/mL, making it one of the more potent naturally derived compounds tested against this cariogenic bacterium. These findings are promising for potential oral health applications, though no human studies have yet confirmed this efficacy in a clinical setting.

### Can Kuwanon G be used to treat gum disease?

Kuwanon G has demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis, including observable cell wall damage at inhibitory concentrations. However, no clinical trials have evaluated Kuwanon G for the treatment or prevention of gum disease in humans, and it should not be considered a substitute for established periodontal therapies at this time.

### Is Kuwanon G available as a supplement?

Kuwanon G is not widely available as an isolated, standardized supplement ingredient; it is primarily encountered as a trace constituent in some Morus alba root bark extracts used in traditional herbal products. The lack of established dosing guidelines, pharmacokinetic data, and human safety studies means that standardized Kuwanon G supplementation is not yet a validated practice.

### What is the difference between Kuwanon G's MIC and MBC?

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL represents the lowest concentration of Kuwanon G that visibly prevents S. mutans growth in vitro, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 20 µg/mL is the concentration required to kill at least 99.9% of the bacterial population. The relatively close MIC-to-MBC ratio suggests Kuwanon G acts as a true bactericidal agent against S. mutans rather than merely a bacteriostatic one at slightly higher concentrations.

### What is the bioavailability of Kuwanon G, and does it absorb well orally?

Kuwanon G is a prenylated flavonoid isolated from mulberry (Morus species) with limited human bioavailability data; most evidence comes from in vitro studies rather than oral absorption studies. As a polyphenolic compound, Kuwanon G's oral bioavailability is likely influenced by gut microbiota metabolism and intestinal permeability, similar to other flavonoids. Current research does not provide specific absorption rates or peak plasma concentrations in humans, making optimal oral dosing difficult to establish.

### Does Kuwanon G interact with antibiotics or antimicrobial medications?

Limited clinical data exists on direct drug interactions between Kuwanon G and conventional antibiotics, though its antibacterial mechanism differs from standard antimicrobials—it targets cell wall integrity rather than protein or DNA synthesis. Theoretically, combining Kuwanon G with antibiotics could provide additive antimicrobial effects, but potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions have not been rigorously studied in humans. Individuals taking prescription antibiotics should consult a healthcare provider before adding Kuwanon G supplementation.

### What does current clinical research evidence show about Kuwanon G's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for Kuwanon G derives from in vitro laboratory studies demonstrating potent activity against oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, with MIC values as low as 8 µg/mL. Human clinical trials specifically evaluating Kuwanon G's efficacy for oral health or periodontal disease are extremely limited or absent from published literature. While mechanistic research is promising, translating these laboratory findings into practical human health benefits requires additional clinical validation and bioavailability optimization.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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