Last verified: 3 days ago
Reducose
Also known as: Mulberry leaf extract, Morus alba extract, 1-deoxynojirimycin, DNJ, white mulberry extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Mulberry leaf extract that meaningfully blunts blood sugar and insulin spikes after carb-heavy meals.
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What it does
Reducose is a standardized extract of white mulberry (Morus alba) leaves, concentrated to 5% of its active compound, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). It works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
200-400 mg daily (standard dose range from clinical trials)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Reducose is a standardized extract of white mulberry (Morus alba) leaves, concentrated to 5% of its active compound, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). It works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the gut, which slows the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates — resulting in lower blood sugar and insulin spikes after meals. In a double-blind clinical trial in healthy adults, the standard dose reduced post-meal blood glucose rise by 14% and insulin rise by nearly 24% compared to placebo.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a diabetes treatment or cure. Won't replace medication for people with type 2 diabetes. No evidence it causes meaningful weight loss on its own. Not proven to lower fasting blood sugar long-term in humans based on available clinical data. Animal and cell studies suggest broader effects, but those haven't been confirmed in human trials yet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces post-meal blood glucose rise by up to 22% when taken with carbohydrates.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Standard to double dose (per clinical trial)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Lowers post-meal insulin spike by roughly 24% in healthy adults.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Standard to double dose (per clinical trial)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Well-tolerated with no significant side effects at doses tested in humans and animals.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Up to 4000 mg/kg/day in rats (no adverse effects); standard human doses well-tolerated
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Inhibits sucrase-isomaltase enzymes in the gut, slowing carbohydrate digestion.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 100-750 mg per study
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — mechanism is primarily local gut action (enzyme inhibition in the intestine), so systemic absorption of DNJ may be less relevant than its effect at the gut level.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human evidence comes from a single clinical trial in healthy, normal-weight adults — results may not apply to people with diabetes or obesity
- The 2024 dose-response paper abstract was truncated; full findings are not available in the provided data
- One study was conducted in horses, not humans — do not extrapolate those doses or conclusions directly
- Cell and rat studies show promising anti-diabetic effects, but these have not been replicated in human clinical trials
- Products may vary in DNJ concentration — look for standardized 5% DNJ on the label to match studied formulations
Products Containing Reducose
See how Reducose is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Reducose do?
Mulberry leaf extract that meaningfully blunts blood sugar and insulin spikes after carb-heavy meals.
What is the effective dose of Reducose?
200-400 mg daily (standard dose range from clinical trials)
Is Reducose safe?
Most human evidence comes from a single clinical trial in healthy, normal-weight adults — results may not apply to people with diabetes or obesity
What doesn't Reducose do?
Not a diabetes treatment or cure.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-11-06