Why source from Japan
Japanese historic sericulture infrastructure repurposed for kuwa-cha and supplement extract; FFC notifications support metabolic-health retail positioning.
Key spec
Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) 0.1-0.3% in dried leaf; chlorogenic acid 1-3%; rutin 0.5-2%; quercetin glycosides.
Typical end-product
Kuwa-cha (mulberry-leaf tea), blood-sugar-support FFC supplements, Kampo-positioned wellness products.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 3 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg dried leaf; 1–10 kg standardised extract
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Nagano, Gunma, Kumamoto, Iwate
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- May – September (multiple harvests per year)
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist (post-meal blood-sugar moderation); food product status
- INCI name
- Morus Alba Leaf Extract
- Japanese name
- 桑の葉
- Romaji
- Kuwa-no-ha
About this ingredient
Mulberry leaf (Morus alba) — a Kampo herbal raw material with FFC notifications referencing post-meal blood-sugar moderation, anchored in the leaf's deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) content. Japanese cultivation, historically tied to the silk industry, has been re-purposed for kuwa-cha (mulberry-leaf tea) and DNJ-standardised supplement extracts. Nagano (the historic silk region), Gunma, and Kumamoto produce commercial supply; small-volume specialty producers in mountainous Tōhoku also contribute. Distinct from the existing mushroom and bamboo-leaf functional entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist (post-meal blood-sugar moderation); food product status |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food consideration; CosIng comparable for cosmetic extract |
| United States | DSHEA NDI for supplements; GRAS by traditional use |
| China | NMPA / TCM context; well-precedented import |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Mulberry Leaf (Kuwa) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Amazake (Sweet Koji Beverage)
甘酒
MOQ from 50–200 L (bottled) / 20–50 kg (concentrate).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Japanese Reishi Mushroom
日本産霊芝
Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderma japonicum source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Sencha Extract
煎茶エキス
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier EU regulatory path
Mulberry Leaf (Kuwa) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Amazake (Sweet Koji Beverage)
甘酒
MOQ from 50–200 L (bottled) / 20–50 kg (concentrate).
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
イチョウ葉エキス
Flavone glycoside 24-26%; terpene lactone 6-9%; ginkgolic acid <5 ppm; bioactive: bilobalide, ginkgolide A/B/C.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
小林製薬株式会社
Chuo, OsakaEst. 1886English supportExport experienceISO 9001GMP (pharmaceutical)Kuwa-no-ha FFC supplement line
Uchida Wakanyaku Ltd.
ウチダ和漢薬株式会社
Bunkyo, TokyoEst. 1947English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical)ISO 9001Pharmaceutical-grade kuwa
Ito En Ltd.
株式会社伊藤園
ShizuokaEst. 1966English supportExport experienceISO 22000 (inferred)Kuwa-cha bottled tea
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Last updated: 2026-05-05