Key Facts
• In 2025, Makino Botanical Garden in Kochi discovered Aomojin extract breaks down fat.
• Aomojin is a tree from the laurel family, native to Kochi’s mountains.
• The garden collaborated with bath product maker Bathclin for over 10 years.
• The extract directly reduces body fat, unlike previous fat absorption inhibitors.
• Patent for this discovery was granted in May 2025.
• This marks the first patent obtained by Makino Botanical Garden.
• Researcher Michiyo Matsuno led the study and highlighted the extract’s potential.
• Potential applications include bath products, creams, and sprays.
• Commercialization plans are still under development.
Summary
Makino Botanical Garden in Kochi, Japan, has made a groundbreaking discovery: an extract from the fruit of the Aomojin tree, a native species, can directly break down body fat. This innovation, developed in collaboration with Bathclin over a decade, has earned the garden its first patent in May 2025. Unlike previous plant-based compounds that only inhibit fat absorption, Aomojin extract actively reduces fat. Researcher Michiyo Matsuno expressed hope for its potential applications, including bath products, creams, and sprays. While commercialization plans remain undecided, this discovery could revolutionize weight management solutions.
