Botanical Overview
Evodia rutaecarpa, commonly known as Evodia or Wu Zhu Yu, is a plant in the Rutaceae family primarily found in East Asia, including China and Korea. The fruit, root, and leaves are the parts traditionally used medicinally.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying, featuring bitter and pungent tastes. It has an ascending directionality and is tonifying to the qi system in traditional frameworks.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Cholinergic
- Gastroprotective
- Vasodilator
Indications
Western
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Menstrual pain
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Migraine
- Vascular insufficiency
TCM
- Cold in the stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Hot flashes
Syndromes
- Stomach coldness
- Liver qi stagnation
- Blood deficiency causing internal wind
Ayurveda
Not extensively documented.
Unani
Not extensively documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include the alkaloids evodiamine and rutaecarpine, volatile oils, and limonoids. These constituents contribute to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-9 g daily
- Tincture standardized to evodiamine content
- Powder: 2-6 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Pregnant or lactating women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. It may cause gastrointestinal irritation and interact with antihypertensive and anticoagulant medications. Contraindicated in bleeding disorders.
Astrological Correspondences
Not established confidently in available sources.
Selected References
- Pharmacological effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and its bioactive components evodiamine and rutaecarpine – Y. Li et al., 2011
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia – Evodiae Fructus – Wu Zhu Yu, 2020
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 1999
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects – B. Duke, 2011