Introduction
Mulberry extract — derived primarily from the leaves and fruits of Morus alba — has emerged as a versatile plant‑derived ingredient widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations. In this guide, we explore its chemical profile, industry applications, formulation considerations, and procurement insights for manufacturers, product developers, and ingredient buyers.
What Is Mulberry Extract?
Mulberry extract can be obtained from different parts of the Morus alba plant — most commonly the leaves and fruits. Its composition includes polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and plant alkaloids such as 1‑deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a compound often standardized in commercial extracts. These compounds contribute to its functional ingredient profile in botanical and nutraceutical applications. ResearchGate+1
Key Constituents
- Anthocyanins: Especially in fruit extracts, known for natural coloring and antioxidant activity. PMC
- DNJ (1‑Deoxynojirimycin): An alkaloid mainly found in leaf extracts, commonly standardized for metabolic‑related formulations. 製造業向け情報検索サイト イプロスものづくり
- Polyphenols & Flavonoids: Broad class of plant compounds that support botanical ingredient positioning. ResearchGate
Industry Applications
Mulberry extract’s versatility makes it suitable for multiple product categories. Below is an overview of typical industry uses and formulation contexts.
1. Dietary Supplements
In the nutraceutical market, mulberry leaf extract powder is frequently used as a standardized botanical ingredient in capsules, tablets, and blend powders. It’s valued for its compatibility with:
- Capsule and tablet formulations
- Herbal supplement blends
- Botanical combination ingredients
Formulators appreciate its botanical identity and ability to anchor product positioning in plant‑based supplement offerings.
📌 Formulation Tip: Specify extract standardization (e.g., DNJ %, total polyphenols) on Certificates of Analysis (COA) to support quality claims and raw material differentiation in B2B contexts. 製造業向け情報検索サイト イプロスものづくり
2. Functional Foods & Beverages
Mulberry extract is also used in functional foods, including:
- Powder blends and nutrition bars
- Beverage mixes and ready‑to‑drink functional beverages
- Herbal teas and botanical infusions
In functional foods, the extract is valued for clean‑label positioning and natural visual cues (e.g., color and plant origin) that appeal to health‑oriented consumers and formulators alike. Green Jeeva
3. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Topical cosmetic products may incorporate mulberry extract for its botanical identity and natural pigment profile. Depending on the extraction method and formulation, it can contribute to:
- Skin brightening and tone‑evening cosmetics
- Serums, creams, and masks with plant extract blends
- Natural colorants for cosmetic formulations MakingCosmetics+1
When used in cosmetics, adherence to regulatory compliance and INCI labeling standards is necessary.
Regulatory & Safety Considerations
Food & Dietary Ingredient Status
Mulberry leaf extract has been evaluated in various regulatory contexts. For example, a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice (GRN No. 992) was submitted to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for white mulberry leaf extract use as a food ingredient, though the FDA ceased its evaluation at the notifier’s request due to outstanding data needs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1
This highlights that while mulberry extract can be used in food applications in many jurisdictions, ingredient safety documentation and due diligence remain essential for food product inclusion. Good industry practice is to secure robust COA, specification sheets, and third‑party test reports for inclusion in supplier documentation.
Cosmetic Ingredient Standards
When used in cosmetics, mulberry extract is typically listed under INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) and must comply with global cosmetic regulatory frameworks. Ingredient safety and patch‑testing data should be part of supplier documentation.
How to Specify Mulberry Extract for B2B Procurement
For ingredient buyers and formulation teams, specifying mulberry extract effectively can streamline sourcing and quality verification. Key procurement considerations include:
1. Standardization & Specifications
- Active component standardization (e.g., DNJ %, anthocyanin content)
- Moisture limits
- Particle size & mesh specification
- Heavy metals and microbiological limits
Standardization not only supports formulation consistency but also contributes to SEO via technical specification terms frequently used by professionals when conducting online searches for ingredients.
2. Certifications & Testing
To meet global market entry requirements, prioritize suppliers that can provide:
- COA (Certificate of Analysis)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- ISO / HACCP / GMP / Kosher / Halal certifications
- Organic certifications (if applicable) ACE Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
These documents help demonstrate traceability, quality assurance, and compliance, increasing confidence for buyers and quality auditors.
3. MOQ, Lead Times & Supply Chain
Discuss minimum order quantities (MOQ), sampling options, and lead times with suppliers early in the sourcing process. Many botanical extract suppliers offer pre‑purchase samples for laboratory testing and pilot formulation work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (H2)
Q1: What parts of the mulberry plant are used to make extract?
A1: Mulberry extract is commonly produced from the leaves and fruits of Morus alba. Leaves are often used for standardized DNJ content, while fruit extracts are rich in anthocyanins. PMC
Q2: How is mulberry extract standardized in bulk raw materials?
A2: Standardization typically focuses on DNJ content for leaf extracts or anthocyanin levels for fruit extracts, depending on the application and formulation goals.
Q3: Can mulberry extract be used in food and beverage formulations?
A3: Yes, mulberry extract is used in functional food applications. However, suppliers should provide appropriate COA and compliance documentation for food use in specific markets.
Q4: What certifications should I check before sourcing mulberry extract?
A4: Look for COA, MSDS, ISO/HACCP/GMP, and any relevant organic or clean‑label certifications to support global procurement requirements.
Q5: How should mulberry extract be labeled in cosmetics?
A5: In cosmetic products, mulberry extract must be labeled in accordance with INCI naming conventions and comply with relevant cosmetic regulatory standards in target markets.
Conclusion
Mulberry extract stands out as a valuable botanical ingredient with wide applicability across dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations. For ingredient buyers and product developers, understanding its chemical profile, standardization practices, regulatory considerations, and procurement requirements is key to successful formulation and supply chain decisions.
References & Further Reading
- PubMed: Sub‑chronic toxicity & phytochemical exploration of mulberry extract. PMC
- FDA GRAS Notices: White mulberry leaf extract (GRN 992). FDA CFSAN
- Research on mulberry phytochemicals and functional food potential. ResearchGate
- Industrial supplier specifications for botanicals and cosmetic applications. ACE Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
About AIHerba®: Trusted Industrial Supplier
AIHerba (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.) specializes in high-purity mulberry extract with:
- DNJ-standardized, batch-tested extracts
- COA, SDS, and full traceability
- Bulk supply and OEM/ODM services for supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics
Contact: 📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
Website: 🌐 aiherba.com