Why source from Japan
Japanese FFC framework supports specific structure-function claims for tochū-cha; domestic cultivation supply chain provides traceability for export.
Key spec
Asperuloside content 0.5-2%; pinoresinol diglucoside 0.1-0.5%; chlorogenic acid 1-3%.
Typical end-product
Caffeine-free RTD beverages, blood-pressure-support FFC products, herbal supplement blends.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg dry leaf; 1–10 kg extract
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Nagano, Yamagata, Hokkaido (limited)
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- Leaves: July – September; Bark: spring (older trees)
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist (blood pressure / triglyceride support); food product status
- Japanese name
- 杜仲
- Romaji
- Tochū
About this ingredient
Tochū-cha (eucommia leaf tea) and the bark are core herbal materials in TCM and Kampo. Modern functional positioning emphasises asperuloside and pinoresinol diglucoside, with FFC notifications in Japan referencing blood-pressure and triglyceride support. Domestic Japanese cultivation is concentrated in Nagano and Yamagata; the leaf-based supply for tea and supplements is largely Japan-domestic, while the bark draws on both Japanese and Chinese sourcing. Increasingly used in caffeine-free RTD beverage applications.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist (blood pressure / triglyceride support); food product status |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food consideration; verify EFSA Union list inclusion |
| United States | DSHEA supplement positioning; herbal monograph references in USP |
| China | TCM herbal; NMPA classification depends on use case |
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
Tochū (Eucommia Bark / Leaf) 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
Tochū (Eucommia Bark / Leaf) 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
Sencha Extract
煎茶エキス
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd.
オリザ油化株式会社
Ichinomiya, AichiEst. 1954English supportExport experienceAsperuloside-standardised extract
Ito En Ltd.
株式会社伊藤園
ShizuokaEst. 1966English supportExport experienceISO 22000 (inferred)Tochū-cha RTD bottled
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Last updated: 2026-05-04