Evodiae Fructus Extract
Also known as: Euodia rutaecarpa, Evodiae Fructus, Wu-Zhu-Yu, Tetradium ruticarpum
Overview
Evodiae Fructus is the dried, unripe fruit of the plant *Tetradium ruticarpum* (syn. *Euodia rutaecarpa*), a traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicinal herb. It is commonly known as Wu-Zhu-Yu in Chinese medicine. This botanical is primarily used to address gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and emesis, among other conditions. Its therapeutic properties are attributed to a rich composition of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids like evodiamine and rutaecarpine, terpenoids such as limonin, and various flavonoids. While it has a long history of traditional use, modern scientific research is ongoing, with preclinical studies suggesting anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and gastrointestinal protective effects. The quality of evidence is variable, with a need for more rigorous clinical trials to fully establish its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Evodiae Fructus has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical studies. Its primary effects include significant anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and gastrointestinal protective properties. For instance, research indicates that Evodiae Fructus extract can reduce atopic dermatitis-like symptoms by suppressing inflammatory mediators in both in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting its potential in managing inflammatory skin conditions. The alkaloid evodiamine, a key component, has shown anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Secondary effects observed include potential benefits for neuroprotection and cardiovascular health. While these findings are promising, the strength of evidence is largely based on laboratory and animal studies, and human clinical trials are needed to quantify effect sizes and establish clinical significance. Individuals with gastrointestinal issues or inflammatory conditions may potentially benefit, but the time course of benefits is not yet established.
How it works
Evodiae Fructus exerts its therapeutic effects through various biological pathways and interactions with multiple body systems. Its anti-inflammatory actions are believed to involve the modulation of key signaling pathways, such as the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways, which play crucial roles in immune responses and inflammation. The active compounds interact with the immune, nervous, digestive, and circulatory systems. For its anti-cancer properties, evodiamine, a prominent alkaloid, has been identified to target topoisomerases I and II, enzymes essential for DNA replication and repair in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth and inducing cell death. However, the bioavailability of evodiamine is noted to be poor due to extensive metabolism, which may impact its systemic efficacy.
Side effects
While generally considered safe when used appropriately, excessive consumption of Evodiae Fructus can lead to adverse effects. Common side effects reported include stomach pain, vomiting, and blurred vision. More serious, albeit uncommon, side effects can involve potential liver and kidney damage, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use, highlighting the importance of careful dosing and monitoring. Specific risk factors include pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, where caution is strongly advised. Evodiae Fructus may also interact with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering their efficacy or increasing their toxicity. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Users should be vigilant for any signs of adverse reactions and consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have underlying health issues or are taking other medications.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Evodiae Fructus is not definitively established in modern clinical settings, as most usage is based on traditional practices. In traditional medicine, it is typically administered at a dosage range of 2–5 grams per day. The minimum effective dose and maximum safe dose are not well defined, and excessive use is known to lead to toxicity, including potential liver and kidney damage. There are no specific timing considerations mentioned for its administration. Traditionally, Evodiae Fructus is often processed, for example, with licorice water extract, which may influence its properties. A significant factor to consider is the poor bioavailability of its active compound, evodiamine, due to metabolism, which might necessitate higher doses or specific formulations to achieve therapeutic levels. No specific cofactors are established as required for its efficacy. It is crucial to adhere to traditional guidelines or consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing.
FAQs
What are the primary traditional uses of Evodiae Fructus?
Traditionally, Evodiae Fructus is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and vomiting, among other conditions, in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine.
Are there any significant side effects to be aware of?
Common side effects include stomach pain, vomiting, and blurred vision. Excessive use can lead to more serious issues like potential liver and kidney damage.
Can Evodiae Fructus interact with other medications?
Yes, it may interact with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering their effects. Consult a healthcare provider if taking other medications.
What is the recommended dosage?
In traditional medicine, a typical dosage is 2–5 grams per day. However, the optimal and maximum safe doses are not well defined, and professional guidance is recommended.
Is Evodiae Fructus safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
No, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of sufficient safety data. It is best to avoid use during these periods.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10764943/ – This study investigated the effects of Evodiae Fructus extract (EFE) on atopic dermatitis. It found that EFE significantly reduced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in both in vitro and in vivo models by suppressing inflammatory mediators, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory skin conditions.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2021.10762?text=fulltext – This research focused on the anti-cancer properties of evodiamine, a key component of Evodiae Fructus. The study demonstrated that evodiamine exhibits anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects in various cancer cell lines, indicating its potential as an anti-cancer agent by targeting topoisomerases.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1509032/full – This article discusses the broader pharmacological effects of Evodiae Fructus, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and gastrointestinal protective properties. It highlights the involvement of JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways in its anti-inflammatory actions and notes potential benefits for neuroprotection and cardiovascular health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1336777/full – This source, while not directly cited for toxicity in the provided text, generally discusses research related to Evodiae Fructus. It contributes to the overall understanding of the plant's properties, including potential adverse effects, and reinforces the need for careful dosing and monitoring due to possible organ damage with excessive use.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9931992/ – This review provides an overview of Evodiae Fructus, including its traditional uses and chemical constituents. It mentions the typical traditional dosage range of 2–5 grams per day and discusses common side effects such as stomach pain, vomiting, and blurred vision, emphasizing the importance of appropriate usage.
