Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Reducose

Q: Is Reducose safe for long-term use?

Current evidence from short-term randomized controlled trials suggests Reducose is safe. However, long-term safety data are limited, and more research is needed to confirm its safety over extended periods.

Q: Can Reducose replace diabetes medications?

No, Reducose is not a substitute for prescribed antidiabetic medications. It may be used as an adjunct to help manage blood sugar, but always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Q: When should Reducose be taken?

Reducose should ideally be taken immediately before meals that are rich in carbohydrates. This timing allows the active compounds to be present in the gut when carbohydrates are consumed, maximizing their effect.

Q: How soon will effects be noticed?

The effects of Reducose on postprandial blood glucose levels are acute and can be noticed within hours after ingestion, as it works by slowing carbohydrate digestion in the gut.

Q: Does it cause hypoglycemia?

It is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, as its action is localized in the gut and primarily blunts glucose spikes rather than causing a systemic drop in blood sugar.

Also known as: Reducose, white mulberry leaf extract, Morus alba, Morus alba L. leaf extract

Overview

Reducose is a proprietary botanical extract derived from the leaves of the white mulberry tree (Morus alba L.). It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to assist in the management of postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels and insulin responses. The key active compound in Reducose is 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which functions as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. This mechanism allows Reducose to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thereby blunting the rise in blood sugar after meals. While several randomized controlled trials have investigated its effects, particularly on glycemic control, specific systematic reviews on Reducose are limited. However, broader research on Morus alba leaf extracts consistently supports its blood sugar-lowering properties. It is considered a moderate-maturity research area with good quality evidence from individual RCTs.

Benefits

Reducose offers significant benefits for glycemic control, particularly for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Reducose, at doses of 200 mg, 225 mg, and 250 mg, significantly reduced the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for blood glucose by approximately 30-33% over 120 minutes compared to placebo (p < 0.01). This substantial reduction in postprandial glucose excursions is clinically meaningful for managing glycemic variability. The same study also indicated reductions in insulin iAUC, suggesting an improved insulin response. Other studies on Morus alba leaf extracts further support its efficacy in lowering blood sugar in diabetic patients. The effects are observed acutely within hours of ingestion, making it beneficial for immediate post-meal glucose management.

How it works

Reducose primarily functions as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a compound that competitively inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes located in the brush border of the small intestine. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates (like starch and disaccharides such as maltose and sucrose) into simpler sugars (glucose) for absorption. By inhibiting these enzymes, Reducose slows down the digestion and subsequent absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This action effectively blunts the rapid rise in postprandial blood glucose levels and, consequently, reduces the demand for insulin secretion. The action of DNJ is localized within the gut lumen, with minimal systemic absorption, which contributes to its favorable safety profile.

Side effects

Reducose is generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, exhibiting a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or flatulence. These symptoms are typically attributed to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include rare reports of mild digestive discomfort. Serious adverse events have not been reported in controlled studies. Caution is advised regarding drug interactions, particularly with other glucose-lowering agents, as Reducose may have additive effects. It is not recommended for individuals with known hypersensitivity to mulberry or related plants. Data on its use in pregnant or lactating women are limited, so use in these populations should be approached with caution.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Reducose extract has been identified as 200 mg, which demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials. Optimal dosage ranges from 200 mg to 250 mg per dose, based on the amounts studied in randomized controlled trials. The maximum safe dose has not been extensively established, as doses above 250 mg have not been widely studied. Reducose should be taken prior to carbohydrate-containing meals to maximize its inhibitory effect on carbohydrate digestion. It is typically administered as capsules or tablets standardized for DNJ content. Its effectiveness is dependent on co-ingestion with carbohydrates, as its mechanism of action targets carbohydrate digestion. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, but maintaining a balanced diet is generally recommended.

FAQs

Is Reducose safe for long-term use?

Current evidence from short-term randomized controlled trials suggests Reducose is safe. However, long-term safety data are limited, and more research is needed to confirm its safety over extended periods.

Can Reducose replace diabetes medications?

No, Reducose is not a substitute for prescribed antidiabetic medications. It may be used as an adjunct to help manage blood sugar, but always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

When should Reducose be taken?

Reducose should ideally be taken immediately before meals that are rich in carbohydrates. This timing allows the active compounds to be present in the gut when carbohydrates are consumed, maximizing their effect.

How soon will effects be noticed?

The effects of Reducose on postprandial blood glucose levels are acute and can be noticed within hours after ingestion, as it works by slowing carbohydrate digestion in the gut.

Does it cause hypoglycemia?

It is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone, as its action is localized in the gut and primarily blunts glucose spikes rather than causing a systemic drop in blood sugar.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11174565/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluated 200, 225, and 250 mg doses of Reducose on postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy adults. It found a significant 30-33% reduction in glucose iAUC over 120 minutes and significant insulin reduction, with no dose-response difference between the tested doses. The study was of high quality, but its short duration and healthy population limit generalizability.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/9282154 – This systematic review focused on Morus alba L. extracts for blood sugar management in diabetic patients. It included multiple RCTs that consistently showed blood glucose lowering effects, supporting the mechanism of alpha-glucosidase inhibition. While providing strong support for the ingredient, the review noted heterogeneity in extract types and doses among the included studies.
https://www.phynova.com/products/reducose/science/pcos-the-role-of-dietary-supplements-in-supporting-lifestyle-changes/ – This source discusses the role of dietary supplements in supporting lifestyle changes for PCOS, indirectly supporting the role of glycemic control supplements like Reducose in metabolic regulation. While it provides a systematic approach, its relevance to Reducose specifically is indirect, as it's a broader discussion on metabolic regulation and PCOS.