Evodia Fructus
Also known as: Euodiae Fructus, Evodia fruit, Wu Zhu Yu, Euodia rutaecarpa
Overview
Euodiae Fructus is the dried, nearly ripe fruit of *Euodia rutaecarpa*, a plant widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including alkaloids like evodiamine and rutaecarpine, as well as terpenoids, steroids, phenols, and volatile oils. Traditionally, and in modern research, it is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular effects, alongside insecticidal and antiparasitic properties. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies support its potential, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity and varying quality of evidence.
Benefits
Euodiae Fructus exhibits several evidence-based benefits. Its anticancer properties are well-supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, where compounds like evodiamine inhibit proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including colon, leukemia, and lung cancers. The strength of this evidence is strong in preclinical models, but clinical translation is pending. It also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects; a 70% ethanol extract (EFE) reduced inflammatory markers and improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in mouse models by downregulating JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways, suggesting potential for inflammatory skin conditions. Furthermore, extracts show dose-dependent antiparasitic and insecticidal activity against mosquitoes and nematodes. Neuroprotective, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial effects have also been reported, though these require further clinical validation.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Euodiae Fructus are primarily mediated by its bioactive alkaloids, such as evodiamine and rutaecarpine, which modulate multiple cellular signaling pathways. In its anticancer actions, these compounds induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis by affecting cell cycle progression and survival pathways. For anti-inflammatory effects, Euodiae Fructus suppresses the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators, largely through the inhibition of JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, these alkaloids are known to be biologically active in vivo. Metabolomic studies suggest its influence on purine and glycerophospholipid metabolism, contributing to both its therapeutic actions and potential toxicities.
Side effects
While traditionally considered safe in prescribed doses, animal studies indicate potential cardiotoxicity under specific conditions, particularly in models exhibiting Yin deficiency. This raises a significant safety concern that requires further investigation before widespread clinical use. Common side effects in humans are not well-documented in clinical trials, but traditional use suggests mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. There are no well-established drug interactions, but caution is advised due to its broad effects on multiple signaling pathways and metabolism. Contraindications and data for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children) are largely lacking. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should exercise particular caution given the animal toxicity data. The overall safety profile is complex and warrants careful consideration and further research.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing regimen for Euodiae Fructus established through high-quality randomized controlled trials. Traditional use varies widely, and extracts are often standardized based on their alkaloid content, such as evodiamine. Experimental studies utilize a range of extract concentrations, but these findings are not directly translatable to human clinical dosages without further research. Specific recommendations regarding timing of administration, optimal formulation, and duration of use are currently unclear and require robust clinical investigation. Due to potential cardiotoxicity observed in animal models, establishing safe upper limits and therapeutic windows is crucial before clinical recommendations can be made.
FAQs
Is Euodiae Fructus safe?
Traditional use suggests general safety, but animal studies indicate potential cardiotoxicity. Clinical safety data are insufficient, so caution is advised, especially for individuals with cardiovascular concerns.
Does it work for cancer?
Strong preclinical evidence shows anticancer effects in various cell lines and animal models. However, robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.
Can it treat inflammation?
Yes, preclinical models demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis by modulating key signaling pathways.
How fast do effects appear?
Preclinical studies show effects within days to weeks, depending on the condition. Clinical timelines for observable effects in humans are currently unknown and require further research.
Research Sources
- https://html.rhhz.net/YYTRCW/html/2023/1/1678252400049-1864145283.htm – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies, involving 1736 patients, demonstrated various pharmacological effects of Euodiae Fructus compounds, including anticancer properties. However, it noted significant heterogeneity in study designs, with most being preclinical or small clinical trials, limiting the overall quality of evidence for broad clinical application.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10764943/ – This study, using in vitro and in vivo models (NC/Nga mice and HaCaT cells), found that a 70% ethanol extract of Euodiae Fructus (EFE) significantly reduced atopic dermatitis symptoms. The mechanism involved the downregulation of JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways, providing strong preclinical evidence for its anti-inflammatory potential in skin conditions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1028046/full – This untargeted metabolomics study in rats with Yin deficiency identified cardiotoxic metabolic signatures induced by Euodiae Fructus. The findings suggest potential cardiotoxicity under specific physiological conditions, highlighting a crucial safety concern that needs further investigation for human relevance.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1509032/full – This research, encompassing in vitro insecticidal and antiparasitic assays, demonstrated the bioactivity of Euodiae Fructus extracts and isolated compounds. It showed efficacy against mosquitoes and parasitic nematodes, indicating its potential as a natural pest control agent, though clinical applications are not yet explored.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9931992/ – This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activities of Euodiae Fructus, including its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects. It summarizes various preclinical findings but emphasizes the need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate these effects and establish safety profiles in humans.
