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Mulberry Leaf Extract (Morus Alba Leaf Extract): 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) from the Leaf

Mulberry Leaf Extract (INCI: Morus Alba Leaf Extract) is obtained by CONIUNCTA® from the leaf of the White Mulberry tree (Morus Alba). The basis is a water-based extraction, standardized in three carrier variants: Glycerin, Propylene Glycol and Pentylene Glycol. For formulators in cosmetics and food, this extract is of particular interest due to its characteristic marker compound 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which is documented in the data sheet as a compound belonging to the iminosugars. This article classifies the documented markers, the carrier variants and the documented fields of application. What is mulberry leaf extract? Mulberry leaf extract, internationally referred to as mulberry leaf extract or white mulberry leaves extract, is a plant extract obtained from the leaf of Morus Alba. At CONIUNCTA®, this is an aqueous-glycerolic or aquatic-glycolic extract with an extract content of approximately 30%. The drug-extract ratio (DER) of the native extract fraction is 1:10 relative to dried leaf material. Specifically, 1 kg of CONIUNCTA® extract contains the hydrophilic components of approximately 35 g of dried, or approximately 220 g of fresh, leaf material. In other words: for those wondering what mulberry extract means in a formulation context, this is a liquid, standardized preparation that provides the phytochemical profile of the leaf in a processing-friendly carrier system. The extract is a clear liquid with a characteristic color, described in the product data sheet as amber to light brown. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and other documented compounds The primary marker of the extract is 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a representative of the iminosugars. According to the data sheet (source: Asano et al. 2001), the literature content in dried leaf material ranges between 0.05 and 0.3%. Based on the DER of 1:10 and an extraction efficiency of 70 to 90%, this results in an indicative content in the product of 12 to 95 µg/mL. The data confidence is rated as pharmacopoeia or peer-reviewed level. In addition to DNJ, the data sheet documents two further compounds: Mulberroside A, a stilbene glycoside, with a content of 0.1 to 0.5%, and Rutin with 0.1 to 0.3%. Mulberroside A is named in the data sheet as a skin-brightening marker, though without a quantitative concentration figure in the finished product. For all markers: the values stated are data sheet figures; the exact batch-specific values can be found in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Documented activity profile for cosmetic formulations For cosmetic use, the data sheet lists the properties "skin conditioning" and "antioxidant" for DNJ. Based on the phytochemical profile and published literature, the following claim areas are supported: Anti-ageing Balancing Elasticity support Glow / radiance Conditioning Important for practice: these claim areas are tied to the documented profile, and substantiation of any claimed effect in the final product is the responsibility of the party placing it on the market in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 655/2013. The data sheet names "general skin health" as the application target. The extract is classified as suitable for cosmetic products in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and, due to the water-based extraction without essential oils, is free of fragrance allergens per Annex III. It is also suitable for vegan formulations. Use in functional foods In the food sector, the data sheet describes DNJ as a "nutritional antioxidant, traditional dietary ingredient". The stated application targets are "metabolic health" and "oxidative stress reduction". For food applications, only the glycerin carrier variant is designated as suitable. The recommended use concentration here is between 0.5 and 2% in functional foods and beverages. As a calculation example, the data sheet states: at an extract usage of 1.3%, this results in a calculated 0.15 to 1.2 µg/mL DNJ in the formulation. Comparing the three carrier variants The extract is available in three standardization media, which differ in their respective INCI declaration and application possibilities: Glycerin variant (INCI: Glycerin, Morus Alba Leaf Extract): Glycerin forms the carrier system at around 70%. This is the only variant designated for food applications and is also suitable for all cosmetic formulations. Propylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua/Water, Propylene Glycol, Morus Alba Leaf Extract): an aqueous-glycolic preparation for cosmetic formulations. Pentylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua/Water, Pentylene Glycol, Morus Alba Leaf Extract): an aquatic-glycolic preparation; all three variants are suitable for cosmetic applications. All variants are water-based extracted and are presented as a clear liquid. The recommended use concentration in cosmetics is generally 2 to 5%; the claim table in the data sheet indicates a use level of 1 to 3%. The relative density is in the range of 1.03 to 1.06; specific pH and refractive index values can be found in the batch-related CoA. Processing, storage and manufacturing with AVE technology Manufacturing takes place using the CONIUNCTA® AVE technology (Adaptive Vacuum Extraction), a vacuum-assisted high-shear homogenization process with cell disruption, heat treatment, fine filtration and standardized dilution. The extract is not classified as a hazardous substance in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008; H- and P-statements are not required. It contains no known endocrine disruptors and is not a PBT/vPvB substance. When stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container, the shelf life is 24 months. Note the following point from the data sheet: depending on storage time and temperature, color changes may occur; possible turbidity or precipitation can be resolved through filtration without affecting product quality. Sourcing, documentation and portfolio Mulberry Leaf Extract is part of our portfolio of classic plant extracts; the glycerin variant is part of our glycerin extracts. All product-related data sheets (TDS, SDS, CDS) as well as batch-specific certificates of analysis are provided via our technical documentation. This allows markers, specifications and regulatory information to be transferred directly into your own formulation and dossier work. Would you like to review samples, data sheets or batch values? View Mulberry Leaf Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop and inquire via the contact channels listed there. Always refer to the respective Certificate of Analysis for the exact, batch-related values. CONIUNCTA® – Raw materials, data and services for future-proof formulations.