Abstract

In this article, the chemistry, sources, contents, pharmacology, and clinical studies of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) are reviewed. DNJ is a polyhydroxylated piperidine alkaloid azasugar or iminosugar commonly found in the leaves of Morus (mulberry) species, notably Morus alba. The chemical structure of DNJ resembles that of glucose except that the oxygen atom of the pyranose ring in glucose is replaced with an imino group (−NH−). The pyranose ring has a hydroxymethyl (−CH2OH) moiety and three hydroxyl (−OH) groups. Also known as moranoline or duvoglustat, DNJ has a molecular formula of C6H13NO4 and a molecular weight of 163 g/mol. Major pharmacological properties of DNJ from mulberry are anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer activities. Other properties of DNJ are hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and nephroprotective activities. Most clinical studies of DNJ are focused on its anti-diabetic and related activities. Other clinical studies of DNJ included its effect on serum triglyceride, starch digestion and absorption, stable angina pectoris, and atherosclerotic lesion. Further research on DNJ is suggested.

Key words: 1‐Deoxynojirimycin, DNJ, Morus alba, pharmacological properties, clinical studies