Deoxynojirimycin

Deoxynojirimycin (CAS 19130-96-2), also known as Moranolin and abbreviated as 1-DNJ, is a naturally derived iminosugar extracted primarily from mulberry leaf. It functions as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. This makes it a target active ingredient for pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulators seeking carbohydrate-metabolism modulation at the ingredient level. In pharmaceutical development, it is used as an active reference compound.

It serves as an API precursor in research targeting type 2 diabetes and glycosidase-related enzyme disorders. Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into anti-aging and skin-brightening formulations for enzyme-inhibitory activity. This activity is linked to melanogenesis pathway interference. Mulberry-derived standardized extracts containing quantified 1-DNJ concentrations are supplied to nutraceutical manufacturers for blood sugar management supplement formulations.

It also serves as a biochemical tool compound in glycobiology research, supporting assay development and enzyme characterization workflows. The material is available as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is offered in both isolated high-purity form and as standardized mulberry leaf extract with defined 1-DNJ content. Pharmaceutical and research-grade specifications are the most commonly supplied to the industry.

Purity levels typically range from 98% upward for isolated material. Extract grades are characterized by 1-DNJ assay percentage rather than absolute purity, and buyers should confirm standardization methods when sourcing.