Home Ingredients Mankai® (Wolffia globosa Duckweed)
Metabolic Health

Mankai® (Wolffia globosa Duckweed)

Wolffia globosa
Evidence Level
Limited
4 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Mankai® is a cultivated strain of Wolffia globosa, a tiny aquatic plant in the duckweed (water lentil) family, grown by the Israeli company Hinoman in water with fertilizer in greenhouse basins. It has been studied as a fresh plant drink, as frozen cubes in a shake and as a dried powder that is 40 to 50 percent protein, and it is unrelated to spirulina, chlorella and lentils. In adults with type 2 diabetes, a fresh Mankai drink after dinner for 2 weeks lowered the post-meal glucose peak compared with water. A single test meal raised blood essential amino acids and vitamin B12, though plant B12 levels vary by batch. Most other findings come from a diet trial in which Mankai was one of several added foods. In 2021 EFSA could not establish the safety of the dried powder, mainly because of the manganese it adds, and the powder is very high in vitamin K, which matters for warfarin users.

Studied Dose Diet trial: 100 g of frozen Mankai cubes a day as a shake (about 20 g dry) for 6 to 18 months. Glucose trials: a shake replacing dinner, or 200 mL of fresh plant (about 10 g dry) after dinner for 2 weeks. Protein test: one meal with 30 g of Mankai protein.
Active Compound Whole Wolffia globosa plant of the Mankai strain. Dried, it is 40 to 50 percent protein, 27 to 35 percent fiber and 7 to 10 percent fat in the maker's EU specification, and it supplies all nine essential amino acids. It also contains beta-carotene, folate, iron, manganese, vitamin K1 (2 to 12 mg per 100 g dry) and vitamin B12 forms measured at about 2.8 micrograms per 100 g dry weight, plus about 200 phenolic compounds.

Benefits

Post-meal blood sugar after an evening Mankai drink

In 40 adults with type 2 diabetes, 200 mL of fresh Mankai after dinner for 2 weeks lowered the post-meal glucose peak by about 19 percent and the glucose area by about 20 percent versus water on continuous monitors; about two thirds responded. In 20 adults with abdominal obesity, a Mankai shake replacing dinner gave a lower peak than a matched yogurt shake.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Essential amino acids absorbed from a Mankai meal

In 36 men, a single test meal of Mankai with 30 g of protein raised blood histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan about as much as soft cheese or peas over 3 hours. Branched-chain amino acids rose too, but less than after cheese. This was one meal; muscle and body composition were not studied.

Supported by Trial 3

Vitamin B12 content of the plant

Testing by maker and university scientists found active B12 forms (hydroxo, adenosyl, methyl and cyano cobalamin) and no inactive pseudo B12, at about 2.8 micrograms per 100 g dry weight. Batches in the EU dossier ranged from 4.4 to below 0.4 micrograms per 100 g. After a single Mankai meal, blood B12 rose more than after cheese or peas.

Supported by Trial 3

Serum B12, iron and folate during a green Mediterranean diet

In an 18 month trial, a low-meat green Mediterranean diet with a daily Mankai shake, green tea and walnuts raised serum B12 by 15.4 percent versus 5.2 to 9.9 percent on other diets, and serum folate rose more than on both. At 6 months hemoglobin rose slightly more than in the other groups, and serum iron more than with exercise alone. Mankai was one of several diet changes, so these results cannot be credited to it alone.

Supported by Trial 4

Liver and visceral fat in a diet pattern that included Mankai

In the same trial of 294 adults with abdominal obesity or high blood lipids, the green Mediterranean diet about doubled the loss of liver fat and visceral fat seen on a Mediterranean diet with similar weight loss. That diet also added green tea and cut red meat, so Mankai's share is unknown; no trial of Mankai alone has measured these.

Supported by Trial 4

Mechanism of action

1

A later, flatter glucose rise

In both glucose trials the peak after Mankai came later and the rise was shallower than after water or a yogurt shake matched for carbohydrate, protein and calories. The trials did not test why, so the cause, whether fiber, the plant's protein or something else, has not been established.

2

B12 made by bacteria living inside the plant

Plants neither make nor need B12. A genetic study of the bacteria inside Mankai found a minority carrying near-complete B12-type production pathways and many others salvaging precursors, suggesting the vitamin comes from a cooperating bacterial community. EFSA notes that micronutrient levels depend on cultivation conditions.

3

Polyphenols

About 200 phenolic compounds were detected in Mankai, and in the diet trial several blood and urine polyphenol metabolites the authors related to Mankai rose more on the green Mediterranean diet. Whether these compounds cause any health effect in people has not been shown.

Clinical trials

1
Fresh Mankai After Dinner for 2 Weeks in Type 2 Diabetes: Crossover RCT
PubMed

Randomized crossover trial at two Israeli sites; 200 mL of raw fresh Mankai plus 100 mL water (40 kcal, about 10 g dry matter) or 300 mL water after dinner for 2 weeks each, 4 day washout, no other diet or drug changes; continuous glucose monitoring; grants listed from the German Research Foundation and Israeli ministries; the paper's conflict statement is paywalled, and co-author I. Shai discloses advising Hinoman's nutrition committee in other Mankai papers (Tsaban et al. 2024, Diabetes Obes Metab)

45 adults with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 6.5 to 8.5 percent) enrolled; 40 completed with full monitoring data (69 percent men, average age 64).

Compared with water, Mankai lowered the post-meal glucose peak by 19.3 percent (24.3 versus 30.1 mg/dL, P < .001), delayed the peak by 20 percent and lowered the net glucose area by 20.1 percent (P = .03); only about two thirds of participants responded. The triglyceride to HDL ratio fell versus water (P = .05). The water comparator had no calories, and each period lasted 2 weeks.

2
Mankai Shake Versus Matched Yogurt Shake at Dinner: Crossover RCT
PubMed

Randomized controlled crossover trial; a Wolffia globosa Mankai green shake or a yogurt shake matched for carbohydrate, protein and calories replaced dinner on 6 test days, with flash glucose monitoring over 2 weeks; participants came from the green Mediterranean arm of DIRECT PLUS; grants listed include the California Walnut Commission and German and Israeli agencies (Zelicha et al. 2019, Diabetes Care)

20 adults with abdominal obesity, average age 51, average fasting glucose about 111 mg/dL.

After the Mankai shake the glucose rise was lower (13.4 versus 19.3 mg/dL, P = 0.044), peaked later and returned to baseline sooner, and the glucose area up to 180 minutes was lower (P = 0.037). Next-morning fasting glucose was slightly lower (83.2 versus 86.6 mg/dL, P = 0.041) and satiety slightly higher; sleep duration did not differ. Each comparison was a single replaced meal.

3
Mankai Versus Cheese or Peas: Amino Acid and B12 Response to One Meal
PubMed

Randomized controlled trial of single test meals matched for 30 g protein (soft cheese, cooked green peas or cooked Mankai) after a 3 day stable diet and 12 hour fast, with blood drawn over 3 hours; registered NCT03020225, whose posted results list no adverse events; grants from the Israel Ministry of Health and the German Research Foundation (Kaplan et al. 2019, Clin Nutr)

36 men aged over 30 (the registry also required a large waist or abnormal blood fats), randomized to three groups.

Blood histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan rose after Mankai (p < 0.05 versus baseline) by amounts similar to cheese and peas. Branched-chain amino acids rose, but more after cheese (p < 0.05 between groups). Blood vitamin B12 rose more after Mankai than after cheese (p = 0.007) or peas (p = 0.047).

4
DIRECT PLUS: Green Mediterranean Diet With Mankai, Green Tea and Walnuts (Diet-Pattern Trial)
PubMed

18 month randomized trial (NCT03020186) of healthy dietary guidelines, a Mediterranean diet with 28 g walnuts a day, or a green Mediterranean diet that also added 3 to 4 cups of green tea and a shake of 100 g frozen Mankai cubes (about 20 g dry) a day while cutting red meat, all with physical activity; Hinoman, Wissotzky Tea and the California Walnut Commission supplied foods, the walnut commission funded part of the work, Hinoman is listed among funders of the iron analysis, and the senior author advises Hinoman's nutrition committee; results summarized from several papers of this one trial (Yaskolka Meir et al. 2021, Gut)

294 adults with abdominal obesity or high blood lipids (88 percent men, average age 51, BMI 31).

Weight loss at 6 months was similar on the two Mediterranean diets (6.2 versus 5.4 kg), while waist and C-reactive protein fell more on the green version; LDL cholesterol, diastolic pressure and insulin resistance fell more only versus healthy dietary guidelines. Over 18 months, liver fat fell 38.9 versus 19.6 percent and visceral fat 14.1 versus 6.0 percent. Serum B12 rose 15.4 versus 9.9 percent and serum folate rose more; at 6 months hemoglobin rose slightly more, and serum iron rose more than with exercise alone. Mankai was one of several changes, so its own effect is unknown.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

No adverse events were listed in the registry results of the single-meal protein trial, and EFSA noted that three human studies submitted by the maker reported none related to Mankai, although none was designed to assess safety.
In 2021 EFSA could not establish the safety of Wolffia globosa powder as an EU novel food, mainly because it adds manganese: supplement use alone (2.33 mg a day) could raise adult manganese intake by about 39 percent. A maker-submitted 90 day rat study showed treatment-related changes at higher doses, while a separate rat study by Ajinomoto found no adverse effects.
Allergy: EFSA considered allergic reactions possible because the powder is 40 to 50 percent protein, although no allergy reports were found in the literature.
Oxalate: the dried powder contained 230 to 637 mg of oxalic acid per 100 g, which EFSA compared with about 700 mg per 100 g in spinach.

Important Drug interactions

Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants: the dried powder contained 2 to 12 mg of vitamin K1 per 100 g, and EFSA warned that supplement use (up to 2.4 mg a day) may counteract these drugs. Talk to your prescriber before starting or stopping Mankai, and keep intake steady.
Diabetes medicines: a fresh Mankai drink lowered post-meal glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes, consistently across glucose-lowering drug groups. Monitor blood sugar and tell your clinician if you add it.
No formal drug interaction studies of Mankai have been published. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplement you take.

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Frequently asked questions about Mankai® (Wolffia globosa Duckweed)

What is Mankai?

Mankai is a strain of Wolffia globosa, a tiny aquatic plant in the duckweed family, grown in controlled greenhouse basins by Hinoman in Israel and sold as a fresh plant, frozen cubes and dried powder. The dried plant is 40 to 50 percent protein. In the US, FDA ceased to evaluate Hinoman's GRAS notice (GRN 000984) in 2021 at Hinoman's request, a request FDA had recommended, so it ended without a 'no questions' letter.

Is Mankai a reliable source of vitamin B12?

It contains active B12 forms, measured at about 2.8 micrograms per 100 g dry weight, and the researchers estimate a cup of shake (about 20 g dry) gives about 21 percent of recommended intake. Batches in the EU dossier varied widely, some below detection, and no trial has tested it in people with low B12. If you eat a vegan diet, ask a clinician about B12 testing.

How is Mankai different from spirulina, chlorella or lentils?

They are different organisms. Spirulina is a cyanobacterium and chlorella a single-celled alga, while Mankai is a flowering plant. Lentils are legume seeds, and water lentil is only a common name for duckweeds. Research on one cannot be applied to the others.

Can I take Mankai if I use warfarin?

Check with your prescriber first. The dried powder contained 2 to 12 mg of vitamin K1 per 100 g, far more than most leafy vegetables, and EFSA warned that supplement amounts may counteract coumarin anticoagulants. Sudden changes in vitamin K intake can affect INR.

How much Mankai was used in studies?

The long diet trial used 100 g of frozen cubes a day blended into a shake, about 20 g dry. A glucose trial used 200 mL of fresh plant, about 10 g dry, after dinner for 2 weeks. Follow the product label and ask a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Mankai safe to take as a supplement?

Safety data are limited. In 2021 EFSA concluded that the safety of dried Wolffia globosa powder could not be established, mainly because supplement use alone could raise adult manganese intake by about 39 percent. It also flagged a high vitamin K1 content and possible allergic reactions. The human trials were not designed to test safety, although none reported related side effects. Ask a clinician before using it.

What is Mankai used for?

Mankai is researched primarily for Metabolic Health. In 40 adults with type 2 diabetes, 200 mL of fresh Mankai after dinner for 2 weeks lowered the post-meal glucose peak by about 19 percent and the glucose area by about 20 percent versus water on continuous monitors; about two thirds respond…

Does Mankai interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants: the dried powder contained 2 to 12 mg of vitamin K1 per 100 g, and EFSA warned that supplement use (up to 2.4 mg a day) may counteract these drugs. Talk to your prescriber before starting or stopping Mankai, and keep intake steady. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Mankai?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Mankai as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 4 study summaries and 14 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(14 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Tsaban G, Aharon-Hananel G, Shalem S, Zelicha H, Yaskolka Meir A, Pachter D, Goldberg DT, Kamer O, Alufer L, Stampfer MJ, Wang DD, Qi L, Blüher M, Stumvoll M, Hu FB, Shai I, Tirosh A. The effect of Mankai plant consumption on postprandial glycaemic response among patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized crossover trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024;26(10):4713-4723. doi: 10.1111/dom.15840.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized crossover trial in 45 adults with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 6.5 to 8.5 percent) at two Israeli sites; 40 completed with full continuous glucose monitoring data. Participants drank 200 mL of raw fresh Mankai plus 100 mL water (40 kcal, about 10 g dry matter) or 300 mL water after dinner for 2 weeks each, with a 4 day washout and no other changes. Mankai lowered the post-meal glucose peak by 19.3 percent (24.3 versus 30.1 mg/dL, P < .001), delayed it by 20 percent and lowered the net glucose area by 20.1 percent (P = .03); only about two thirds responded. The triglyceride to HDL ratio fell versus water (P = .05). Results held across diabetes drug groups. Grants listed in Europe PMC are from the German Research Foundation and Israeli ministries; the paper's conflict statement is paywalled; co-author I. Shai discloses advising Hinoman's nutrition committee in other Mankai papers.
  2. Zelicha H, Kaplan A, Yaskolka Meir A, Tsaban G, Rinott E, Shelef I, Tirosh A, Brikner D, Pupkin E, Qi L, Thiery J, Stumvoll M, Kloting N, von Bergen M, Ceglarek U, Blüher M, Stampfer MJ, Shai I. The Effect of Wolffia globosa Mankai, a Green Aquatic Plant, on Postprandial Glycemic Response: A Randomized Crossover Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care. 2019;42(7):1162-1169. doi: 10.2337/dc18-2319.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized controlled crossover trial in 20 adults with abdominal obesity (average age 51, fasting glucose about 111 mg/dL) drawn from the green Mediterranean arm of DIRECT PLUS. A Mankai green shake or a yogurt shake matched for carbohydrate, protein and calories replaced dinner, with flash glucose monitoring over 2 weeks (6 test days). The Mankai shake gave a lower glucose peak (rise 13.4 versus 19.3 mg/dL, P = 0.044) that came later and resolved sooner, a lower glucose area up to 180 minutes (P = 0.037), slightly lower next-morning fasting glucose (83.2 versus 86.6 mg/dL, P = 0.041) and slightly higher satiety; sleep did not differ. Grants listed in Europe PMC include the California Walnut Commission and German and Israeli agencies.
  3. Kaplan A, Zelicha H, Tsaban G, Yaskolka Meir A, Rinott E, Kovsan J, Novack L, Thiery J, Ceglarek U, Burkhardt R, Willenberg A, Tirosh A, Cabantchik I, Stampfer MJ, Shai I. Protein bioavailability of Wolffia globosa duckweed, a novel aquatic plant - A randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2019;38(6):2576-2582. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.12.009.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized trial in 36 men given one of three single test meals matched for 30 g protein: soft cheese, cooked green peas or cooked Mankai, described as a newly developed high-protein Wolffia globosa strain. Over 3 hours, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan rose after Mankai by amounts similar to cheese and peas; branched-chain amino acids rose more after cheese. Blood vitamin B12 rose more after Mankai than after cheese (p = 0.007) or peas (p = 0.047). Registered as NCT03020225, whose posted results list no adverse events in any group. Grants listed in Europe PMC: Israel Ministry of Health and the German Research Foundation. A letter to the editor and an author reply were published (Clin Nutr 2019;38(5):2463-2464).
  4. Sela I, Yaskolka Meir A, Brandis A, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Zeibich L, Chang D, Dirks B, Tsaban G, Kaplan A, Rinott E, Zelicha H, Arinos S, Ceglarek U, Isermann B, Lapidot M, Green R, Shai I. Wolffia globosa-Mankai Plant-Based Protein Contains Bioactive Vitamin B₁₂ and Is Well Absorbed in Humans. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3067. doi: 10.3390/nu12103067.PubMedUsed to support: Lab and trial analysis by Hinoman Ltd. and university scientists (three authors are Hinoman employees and the senior author advises its nutrition committee). Mankai contained 2.8 plus or minus 0.5 micrograms of B12 per 100 g dry weight, stable across seasons, as hydroxo, adenosyl, methyl and cyano cobalamin, with no pseudo B12 detected. The authors estimate one cup of shake (about 20 g dry matter) supplies about 21 percent of recommended B12 intake. In DIRECT PLUS (294 participants, 18 months), serum B12 rose 5.2 percent on healthy dietary guidelines, 9.9 percent on the Mediterranean diet and 15.4 percent on the green Mediterranean diet with 100 g frozen Mankai a day (p = 0.025 between extreme groups); that diet also added green tea and walnuts and cut meat.
  5. Yaskolka Meir A, Tsaban G, Zelicha H, Rinott E, Kaplan A, Youngster I, Rudich A, Shelef I, Tirosh A, Brikner D, Pupkin E, Sarusi B, Blüher M, Stümvoll M, Thiery J, Ceglarek U, Stampfer MJ, Shai I. A Green-Mediterranean Diet, Supplemented with Mankai Duckweed, Preserves Iron-Homeostasis in Humans and Is Efficient in Reversal of Anemia in Rats. J Nutr. 2019;149(6):1004-1011. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxy321.PubMedUsed to support: DIRECT PLUS 6 month iron analysis in 294 nonanemic adults with abdominal obesity or high blood lipids, randomized to physical activity alone or with a Mediterranean diet or a low-meat green Mediterranean diet that added green tea (800 mL a day) and a 100 g Mankai shake. Hemoglobin rose 0.23 g/dL on the green diet versus falls of 0.1 g/dL in the other groups (P < 0.001), and serum iron, transferrin saturation and folic acid rose versus the activity-only group; iron status did not differ between the activity and Mediterranean groups. In iron-deficient rats, Mankai iron restored hemoglobin similarly to ferrous gluconate. Europe PMC lists Hinoman Ltd. among the funders. Diet-pattern result: Mankai was one of several changes.
  6. Yaskolka Meir A, Rinott E, Tsaban G, Zelicha H, Kaplan A, Rosen P, Shelef I, Youngster I, Shalev A, Blüher M, Ceglarek U, Stumvoll M, Tuohy K, Diotallevi C, Vrhovsek U, Hu F, Stampfer M, Shai I. Effect of green-Mediterranean diet on intrahepatic fat: the DIRECT PLUS randomised controlled trial. Gut. 2021;70(11):2085-2095. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323106.PubMedUsed to support: Main DIRECT PLUS liver paper (NCT03020186): 294 adults with abdominal obesity or high blood lipids randomized for 18 months to healthy dietary guidelines, a Mediterranean diet with 28 g walnuts a day, or a green Mediterranean diet that also added green tea (3 to 4 cups a day) and a shake from 100 g frozen Mankai cubes, all with physical activity. With similar weight loss on both Mediterranean diets, liver fat fell 38.9 percent on the green version versus 19.6 percent on the Mediterranean diet and 12.2 percent on guidelines. Hinoman, Wissotzky Tea and the California Walnut Commission supplied foods; the senior author advises Hinoman's nutrition committee.
  7. Tsaban G, Yaskolka Meir A, Rinott E, Zelicha H, Kaplan A, Shalev A, Katz A, Rudich A, Tirosh A, Shelef I, Youngster I, Lebovitz S, Israeli N, Shabat M, Brikner D, Pupkin E, Stumvoll M, Thiery J, Ceglarek U, Heiker JT, Körner A, Landgraf K, von Bergen M, Blüher M, Stampfer MJ, Shai I. The effect of green Mediterranean diet on cardiometabolic risk; a randomised controlled trial. Heart. 2021;107(13):1054-1061. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317802.PubMedUsed to support: DIRECT PLUS 6 month cardiometabolic results (294 adults, 88 percent men). Weight loss was similar on the green Mediterranean and Mediterranean diets (6.2 versus 5.4 kg), while waist circumference (minus 8.6 versus 6.8 cm) and C-reactive protein fell more on the green version, and LDL cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) fell more than on healthy dietary guidelines (reported between extreme groups); waist differences were significant only in men. The green diet added green tea and a Mankai shake and cut meat, so the effect of Mankai alone is not isolated. The senior author advises Hinoman's nutrition committee.
  8. Zelicha H, Kloting N, Kaplan A, Yaskolka Meir A, Rinott E, Tsaban G, Chassidim Y, Bluher M, Ceglarek U, Isermann B, Stumvoll M, Quayson RN, von Bergen M, Engelmann B, Rolle-Kampczyk UE, Haange SB, Tuohy KM, Diotallevi C, Shelef I, Hu FB, Stampfer MJ, Shai I. The effect of high-polyphenol Mediterranean diet on visceral adiposity: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial. BMC Med. 2022;20(1):327. doi: 10.1186/s12916-022-02525-8.PubMedUsed to support: DIRECT PLUS 18 month MRI analysis: visceral fat fell 14.1 percent on the green Mediterranean diet versus 6.0 percent on the Mediterranean diet and 4.2 percent on guidelines, independent of weight loss, with similar weight change on the two Mediterranean diets (minus 3.9 and 2.7 percent). The methods describe 100 g frozen Mankai cubes as about 20 g dry Mankai and the strain as over 45 percent protein by dry weight. Supported by the California Walnut Commission; Hinoman supplied Mankai; the senior author advises Hinoman's nutrition committee.
  9. Zelicha H, Keller M, Meir AY, Rinott E, Tsaban G, Kaplan A, Hoffmann A, Blüher M, Ceglarek U, Isermann B, Stumvoll M, Shelef I, Hu FB, Stampfer MJ, Kovacs P, Shai I. Effect of green mediterranean diet on serum folate and its interaction with genetic variation in folate metabolism: The DIRECT PLUS 18-month dietary randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2026;63:106701. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2026.106701.PubMedUsed to support: DIRECT PLUS 18 month folate analysis: serum folate rose 1.2 ng/mL on the green Mediterranean diet (with a Mankai shake and green tea) versus 0.41 on the Mediterranean diet and 0.1 on guidelines (p < 0.05), and higher Mankai intake was associated with larger folate rises (p = 0.003). Folate deficiency was rare at baseline. Diet-pattern result.
  10. Yaskolka Meir A, Tuohy K, von Bergen M, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Heinig U, Zelicha H, Tsaban G, Rinott E, Kaplan A, Aharoni A, Zeibich L, Chang D, Dirks B, Diotallevi C, Arapitsas P, Vrhovsek U, Ceglarek U, Haange SB, Rolle-Kampczyk U, Engelmann B, Lapidot M, Colt M, Sun Q, Shai I. The Metabolomic-Gut-Clinical Axis of Mankai Plant-Derived Dietary Polyphenols. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1866. doi: 10.3390/nu13061866.PubMedUsed to support: About 200 phenolic compounds were detected in Mankai, and in a gut bioreactor Mankai increased bacterial genes for breaking down phenolic compounds. In DIRECT PLUS, several plasma and urine polyphenol metabolites the authors related to Mankai rose more in the green Mediterranean group. Two authors are Hinoman scientists and the senior author advises its nutrition committee.
  11. Dutta R, Obayomi O, Yosef AF, Ghazaryan L, Chalifa-Caspi V, Lapidot M, Gillor O. A cooperative cobalamide biosynthesis guild in the endosphere of the edible aquatic plant Wolffia globosa Mankai. Environ Microbiome. 2026;21(1):103. doi: 10.1186/s40793-026-00917-4.PubMedUsed to support: Lab study, not a human trial. Plants neither make nor need B12; genome analysis of bacteria living inside Mankai found that only a minority carried near-complete cobamide (B12-type) production pathways, while many others salvaged precursors, suggesting B12 in the plant comes from a cooperating bacterial community. One author is from Hinoman's research department; the authors declare no competing interests.
  12. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods, Food Allergens (NDA), Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, De Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pelaez C, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Cubadda F, Frenzel T, Heinonen M, Maradona MP, Marchelli R, Neuhäuser-Berthold M, Poulsen M, Schlatter JR, van Loveren H, Kouloura E, Knutsen HK. Safety of Wolffia globosa powder as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J. 2021;19(12):e06938. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6938.PubMedUsed to support: EFSA opinion on Wolffia globosa powder submitted by Hinoman (the patented Mankai strain), grown in water with fertilizer in sealed basins in greenhouses, washed with hot water and dried. Specification: 40 to 50 percent protein, 27 to 35 percent fiber, 7 to 10 percent fat, phylloquinone 20 to 120 mg/kg; oxalic acid measured at 230 to 637 mg/100 g; cobalamin in tested batches from 4.4 to below 0.4 micrograms/100 g. EFSA warned that supplement use could supply up to 2.4 mg/day of vitamin K1, a risk with coumarin anticoagulants; that supplement use alone could raise adult manganese intake by about 39 percent; that allergic reactions are possible; and that a 90 day rat study showed treatment-related changes (no-adverse-effect level 6.5 g/kg a day). It concluded the safety of the powder could not be established, because of manganese.
  13. Kawamata Y, Shibui Y, Takumi A, Seki T, Shimada T, Hashimoto M, Inoue N, Kobayashi H, Narita T. Genotoxicity and repeated-dose toxicity evaluation of dried Wolffia globosa Mankai. Toxicol Rep. 2020;7:1233-1241. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.09.006.PubMedUsed to support: Toxicology study of dried Mankai by Ajinomoto scientists, who state they plan to develop it as a food product. Dry Mankai, described as over 40 percent protein, was not genotoxic in bacterial and cell tests, and rats fed up to 20 percent of their diet for 90 days (about 13 to 15 g/kg a day) showed no treatment-related adverse effects. Animal and lab data only.
  14. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Food Additive Safety. GRAS Notice No. GRN 000984 (Wolffia globosa, Hinoman Ltd.): response letter ceasing evaluation. FDA GRAS Notice Inventory. 2021;Letter dated 8 October 2021, accessed 2026. https://www.fda.gov/media/153919/download.SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed (FDA letter, accessed 2026). Hinoman notified FDA that Wolffia globosa is GRAS as an ingredient at up to 5 percent in foods such as baked goods, beverages, sauces and dairy analogs. After discussing whether the uses were a food or a food ingredient, FDA recommended that Hinoman ask it to cease the evaluation, because the notice mixed uses and forms inside and outside the purview of its Office of Food Additive Safety; FDA granted that request in a letter dated 8 October 2021, so the notice did not receive a no-questions letter.