Mulberry leaf extract 1% 1-DNJ(HPLC)

What is Mulberry Leaf Extract

Mulberry leaf extract 1% 1-DNJ(HPLC), Mulberry leaf extract is a derivative of mulberry leaves, which have been used for medicinal purposes in China for many years. Mulberry leaves are extremely nutrient rich and contain a wide range of vitamins and active ingredients which are beneficial to human health.

The predominant active ingredient in mulberry leaf extract is 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ).

This functional molecule has been demonstrated to help with the regulation of blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the biochemical properties of 1-DNJ within mulberry leaves have been suggested to have many beneficial effects to those with diabetes. Some of the key functions of mulberry leaf derived DNJ are:

• Delaying sugar absorption and stabilising post-meal blood glucose levels.
• Stabilising fasting blood glucose levels.
• Improving symptoms of insulin resistance.

Human clinical trials have shown that a single oral dose of DNJ enriched supplements supressed post-meal-blood glucose spikes and insulin levels. These finding have been replicated in rodent models of diabetes. Using these models, researchers have shown that mulberry lead extract reduced dysfunction glucose processing in diabetic rats.

Studies using similar diabetic rodent models also highlighted a powerful antioxidant effect of mulberry leaf extract. In fact, researchers found that mulberry leaf extract was able to reverse free-radical induced vascular dysfunction and damage.

Other studies have also shown that mulberry leaf extract supplementation reduced oxidative stress in a mouse model of obesity.

These improvement to glucose processing, blood glucose levels and insulin regulation have body wide health benefits. Neuroscientists now understand that sugar, glucose and dysfunctional insulin regulation can have a huge impact on brain health and function. This suggests that mulberry leaf extract containing 1-DNJ may be able to confer some unique brain benefits.

There are limited human studies which investigate the efficacy of mulberry leaf supplementation. However, researchers have tested the compound in a number of cellular and animal models. These models have revealed that mulberry leaf extract may confer additional health benefits such as, cancer prevention, immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotective properties.

Brain Benefits and Mode of Action

May Prevent of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Diabetes and dysregulation of glucose processing and insulin within the body can be damaging the blood vessels over time. This includes the small, fine blood vessels in the brain.

This type of damage can have a negative impact on the ‘white matter’ of the brain. White matter is densely packed with a fatty substance called myelin. Myelin enwraps axons, the elongation processing which neurons use to communication, in order to allow electrical signals to flow more quickly.

Damage to white matter in the brain can cause disruption to neuronal communication and results in a condition called vascular cognitive impairment. This condition is commonly seen in patients with type-2 diabetes, and is characterised by deficits in memory, learning, focus and other cognitive abilities.

Mode of action: Mulberry leaf extract 1-DNJ has been well documented to inhibit an enzyme called α-glucosidase. This enzyme is responsible for converting ingested sugars and other carbohydrates into glucose. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, mulberry leaf extract reduces the amount of carbohydrates which are turned into glucose. Subsequently, this avoids any excessive spike in blood glucose levels, which can have a negative effect on brain vasculature.

May Prevent Glucose-Induced Memory Loss and Inflammation

While there aren’t any clinical studies which have investigate whether mulberry leaf extract can reverse memory loss or cognitive damage, it is possible that the supplement may exert this function.

Excess sugar is harmful in the body, and research has shown that blood sugar spikes can be incredibly harmful to brain health. In fact, just one blood sugar spike can slow cognitive function, disrupt attention and impair memory. Some studies in rodents have indicated that a high-sugar diet may cause an increase in inflammation in brain areas such as the hippocampus, a brain region which is critical for memory.

Mode of action: We previously discussed the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of mulberry lead extract. By decreasing inflammation, mulberry leaf extract may play an important role in preserving memory and cognitive function. Mulberry leaf extract also aids in keep blood glucose levels stable after eating and during periods of fasting. By encouraging more stable blood glucose levels, mulberry leaf extract may actually help to prevent blood sugar spikes which can be so damaging to the brain.

How to Take

Mulberry leaf extract 1-DNJ is orally bioavailable and can be taken in capsule or powder form.

For healthy individuals, mulberry leaf extract 1-DNJ usually has no negative side effects.

The supplement is easily metabolised, so does not create an undue pressure on the kidneys or liver. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies have shown that mulberry leaf extract 1-DNJ does not accumulate within the body or cause toxicity.

If you already have a diagnosis of diabetes, you should discuss taking this supplement with your doctor before adding it to your treatment regimes. People with diabetes may find mulberry leaf extract extremely beneficial in managing their condition. However, since the supplement can have such a powerful influence on blood sugar, it may interact with any current insulin-related treatments.

Mulberry leaf extract 1-DNJ may also increase the side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, and may interact with anti-depressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and drugs which treat gout.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this mulberry leaf extract supplements due to a lack of clinical data.

If you take any medications or have a pre-existing health condition, it’s important to consult your doctor or medical professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.

Recommended Dose: 125mg three times daily, before meals

Since there have been no definitive clinical trials which recommend the optimal dose of 1-DNJ enriched mulberry leaf extract, we have synthesised the most common doses used within the current research.

For non-diabetics who want to ensure stable blood-glucose and insulin levels, we suggest a dose of 125mg, three times per day, ideally before meals.

Classification: Protection, Mood

We’ve classified mulberry leaf extract as a neuroprotectant because of it’s documented anti-inflammatory properties. There are some indications that mulberry leaf extracts which include 1-DNJ may prevent neuronal damage which can lead to some neurodegenerative conditions.

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