# Reducose (Mulberry leaf extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/reducose
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Morus alba extract, White mulberry leaf extract, Mulberry leaf powder, Sang Ye extract, DNJ mulberry extract, 1-deoxynojirimycin extract, Reducose®

## Overview

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](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) spikes by over 40% within 2 hours of carbohydrate consumption.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces postprandial [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) effects and support NAD+/[sirtuin](/ingredients/condition/longevity) pathways (Preliminary evidence from mechanistic studies)

## Mechanism of Action

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.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial with 38 participants demonstrated that Reducose reduces postprandial [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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.

## Dosage & Preparation

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.

## Safety & Drug 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Synergistic Combinations

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

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much Reducose should I take before meals?

Clinical studies used 200mg of Reducose taken 15 minutes before carbohydrate-containing meals. This dosage provided the documented 40% reduction in post-meal glucose spikes in research trials.

### Can Reducose replace diabetes medication?

No, Reducose should not replace prescribed diabetes medications. It works as a complementary approach to reduce post-meal glucose spikes but does not provide the comprehensive glucose control of established diabetes treatments.

### How quickly does Reducose work after taking it?

Reducose begins working within 15-30 minutes of consumption as it inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine. Peak effects on glucose reduction occur within 1-2 hours after carbohydrate intake.

### What foods work best with Reducose supplementation?

Reducose is most effective with starchy carbohydrates like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes since it inhibits enzymes that break down complex starches. It has less impact on simple sugars that don't require enzymatic digestion.

### Are there any side effects from taking Reducose daily?

Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, or loose stools due to undigested carbohydrates. These effects typically diminish with continued use as gut bacteria adapt to the increased fiber load.

### Does Reducose work better with certain types of carbohydrates?

Reducose has been studied primarily with mixed meals and general carbohydrate consumption, showing a 22-29% reduction in glucose iAUC over 120 minutes. While the research demonstrates effectiveness across mixed meal scenarios, the ingredient appears most beneficial when consumed before meals containing significant carbohydrate content, as the mechanism relies on slowing glucose absorption during digestion.

### Is Reducose safe to take with blood sugar medications like metformin?

While Reducose reduces postprandial glucose and insulin levels, combining it with diabetes medications requires medical supervision due to the potential for additive blood sugar-lowering effects. Anyone taking prescription medications for blood glucose management should consult their healthcare provider before adding Reducose to avoid hypoglycemia risk.

### What makes Reducose different from other mulberry leaf extracts on the market?

Reducose is a branded, standardized mulberry leaf extract with clinical evidence demonstrating >40% reductions in postprandial blood glucose and insulin secretion at 2 hours post-meal in human RCTs. This level of quantified efficacy and branded standardization distinguishes it from generic mulberry leaf extracts that may lack comparable clinical validation.

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