Reducose® (as Reducose®)
Also known as: Reducose®, mulberry leaf extract, white mulberry extract, Morus alba extract
Overview
Reducose® is a proprietary aqueous extract derived from *Morus alba* (white mulberry) leaves, standardized for bioactive compounds, particularly 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It is primarily used to reduce postprandial blood glucose and insulin spikes, supporting metabolic health and glycemic control. Reducose® functions by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the gut, which slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby lowering the glycemic index of carbohydrate-containing foods. This blunts post-meal glucose and insulin responses without causing hypoglycemia. It is available in powder and capsule forms and has been the subject of several independent clinical trials. Evidence suggests potential benefits for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
Benefits
Reducose® reduces postprandial blood glucose levels by up to 42% and postprandial insulin levels by approximately 41% following carbohydrate intake. By lowering glycemic response, it may improve insulin sensitivity and support metabolic health. Potential benefits for healthy aging through modulation of NAD:NADH ratio and activation of sirtuin and PARP pathways have been proposed, though clinical evidence for longevity effects is preliminary. It may benefit individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome. It may also be a potential adjunct in dietary management for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) due to effects on insulin and androgen levels, although direct evidence with Reducose® is limited. The magnitude of glucose and insulin reduction is clinically meaningful, potentially reducing risk factors associated with postprandial hyperglycemia.
How it works
Reducose® primarily works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine, which delays carbohydrate digestion and absorption. This action modulates postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses, reducing metabolic stress on pancreatic beta cells. The known molecular targets are alpha-glucosidase enzymes, particularly those breaking down maltodextrin and sucrose. The active compounds act locally in the gut lumen, and systemic absorption is minimal, reducing systemic side effects.
Side effects
Reducose® is generally regarded as safe based on clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or flatulence due to delayed carbohydrate digestion. No significant uncommon or rare side effects have been reported in available studies. Caution is advised when using Reducose® with antidiabetic medications due to additive glucose-lowering effects. It is not recommended for individuals with known allergies to mulberry or related plants. The safety of Reducose® in pregnant or lactating women and children has not been established.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Reducose® is 250 mg per serving. The optimal dosage is 250 mg per dose taken immediately before or with carbohydrate-containing meals to maximize inhibition of carbohydrate digestion. While the maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, clinical studies have used 250 mg without adverse effects. It is available as a powder or capsule; the powder form may be mixed with food or beverages. Reducose® acts locally in the gut, so bioavailability is not a limiting factor. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Is Reducose® safe for daily use?
Yes, clinical trials indicate it is safe at recommended doses with minimal side effects.
Can Reducose® cause hypoglycemia?
No, glucose levels do not drop below baseline, avoiding hypoglycemia or "sugar crashes".
How quickly does it work?
Effects on postprandial glucose are seen within hours after ingestion.
Is it effective for all types of carbohydrates?
Yes, it is effective for both sugars (e.g., sucrose) and starches (e.g., maltodextrin).
Does it replace diabetes medications?
No, it is a supplement to support glycemic control, not a substitute for prescribed medication.
Research Sources
- https://www.phynova.com/products/reducose/science/pcos-the-role-of-dietary-supplements-in-supporting-lifestyle-changes/ – This source discusses the potential role of dietary supplements, including Reducose®, in supporting lifestyle changes for individuals with PCOS. It suggests that Reducose® may be a potential adjunct in dietary management for PCOS due to its effects on insulin and androgen levels.
- https://biogredia.com/wp-content/uploads/REDUCOSE-WHITE-PAPER.pdf – This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of Reducose®, including its mechanism of action, benefits, and safety profile. It highlights clinical trial data demonstrating its efficacy in reducing postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels.
- https://www.phynova.com/products/reducose/science/healthy-ageing-why-limiting-glucose-response-is-important-for-ageing-well/ – This source discusses the importance of limiting glucose response for healthy aging and suggests that Reducose® may play a role in this process. It proposes potential benefits for healthy aging through modulation of NAD:NADH ratio and activation of sirtuin and PARP pathways.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38333854/ – This recent clinical trial confirms Reducose®'s glucose-lowering effect in a controlled trial with a standardized mulberry leaf extract high in active ingredients. The study reinforces its mechanism as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor and its metabolic benefits.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293681/ – This study investigates the effects of mulberry leaf extract on postprandial glucose and insulin responses. The results suggest that mulberry leaf extract can effectively reduce postprandial glucose levels, supporting its use as a dietary supplement for glycemic control.