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Eucommia Ulmoides Extract

Also known as: Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Hardy rubber tree, Du Zhong, Eucommia ulmoides

Overview

Eucommia ulmoides extract is derived primarily from the bark and leaves of the *Eucommia ulmoides* tree, native to China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over two millennia, mainly for its purported benefits in hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney protection. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and lignans. Recent research has focused on its effects on gut microbiota modulation, blood pressure regulation, and bone health. The evidence base includes in vivo animal studies and some controlled trials, but human clinical data remain limited. Systematic reviews specifically on *Eucommia ulmoides* extract are scarce, though polysaccharides from the plant have been reviewed for pharmacological activities. It is categorized as a botanical extract and a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

Benefits

Eucommia ulmoides extract shows promising preclinical evidence for several health benefits: - **Blood pressure reduction:** Animal studies, particularly in hypertensive models, indicate that *Eucommia ulmoides* bark extract can significantly lower blood pressure after several weeks of treatment. These studies also noted improvements in kidney histopathology, suggesting a protective effect on renal function. The evidence for this benefit is strong in animal models, but human clinical trials are needed for confirmation. - **Bone health:** Research in senescence-accelerated mice demonstrated that *Eucommia ulmoides* leaf extract improved markers of osteoporosis. This effect is likely mediated through the modulation of gut microbiota and the inhibition of osteoclast formation, which are cells responsible for bone resorption. This benefit is supported by preclinical data. - **Gut microbiota modulation:** Extracts of *Eucommia ulmoides* have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as *Lactobacillus bulgaricus*, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These changes in gut microbiota composition and function may contribute to broader systemic health benefits, including improved intestinal morphology and function. This is a key mechanism identified in multiple animal studies. - **Growth performance and intestinal health:** In studies on weanling piglets, *Eucommia ulmoides* leaf extract improved growth rates, reduced the incidence of diarrhea, enhanced intestinal villus height, and increased microbial diversity compared to control groups and even antibiotics. This highlights its potential for improving gut health and overall performance in certain animal populations.

How it works

Eucommia ulmoides extracts primarily exert their effects through the modulation of gut microbiota composition. They increase populations of beneficial bacteria and elevate levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in turn influence systemic inflammation and metabolic pathways. Beyond gut modulation, bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and lignans may directly inhibit osteoclastogenesis, thereby supporting bone health. They also appear to regulate blood pressure through kidney protection and direct vascular effects. While precise human molecular targets are still under investigation, the extract's components interact with pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone remodeling.

Side effects

Animal studies using *Eucommia ulmoides* extract have reported no significant adverse effects at doses found to be efficacious. However, human safety data are extremely limited, and while traditional use suggests a favorable safety profile, this is not rigorously documented by modern clinical trials. No common or rare side effects have been well-documented in the reviewed controlled trials. Data regarding drug interactions are largely lacking; therefore, caution is advised when combining *Eucommia ulmoides* extract with conventional medications, particularly antihypertensive drugs or those affecting bone metabolism, until more comprehensive data become available. Contraindications and specific considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with pre-existing medical conditions) have not been established due to the insufficient human clinical research.

Dosage

Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for *Eucommia ulmoides* extract derived from human clinical trials. Animal studies typically administer extracts standardized to active components orally for several weeks to observe effects. Extrapolation of these animal dosages to humans is not yet validated and should not be attempted without further research. Traditional use doses vary widely and lack standardization or scientific validation for specific health outcomes. Factors such as bioavailability and absorption of the extract's components, particularly polysaccharides, are not well characterized, which can significantly influence efficacy. Furthermore, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been established, emphasizing the need for caution and further research before widespread use.

FAQs

Is Eucommia ulmoides effective for hypertension?

Animal studies show promise in reducing blood pressure, but human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and establish appropriate dosages for hypertension in humans.

Can it improve bone health?

Preclinical data suggest potential benefits for bone health, possibly by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts). More research, especially in humans, is required.

Is it safe?

Traditional use and animal studies suggest a favorable safety profile. However, human clinical safety data are insufficient, and potential drug interactions are not well-documented.

How long until effects appear?

Animal studies indicate that effects, such as blood pressure reduction or bone health improvements, typically appear after several weeks of continuous administration.

Research Sources

  • https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fsn3.1779 – This animal study in senescence-accelerated mice demonstrated that an aqueous leaf extract of *Eucommia ulmoides* altered gut microbiota composition, increased short-chain fatty acid production, inhibited osteoclast formation, and ultimately ameliorated osteoporosis. The research provides strong preclinical evidence for bone health benefits linked to gut microbiota modulation.
  • https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0223002 – This controlled trial in weanling piglets compared different forms of *Eucommia ulmoides* leaf extract. It found that the leaf extract significantly improved growth performance, intestinal morphology (e.g., villus height), and gut microbiota diversity compared to controls and even antibiotics, suggesting its potential for improving gut health and growth in livestock.
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.967649/full – This animal study, conducted on hypertensive mice, showed that *Eucommia ulmoides* bark extract reduced blood pressure and mitigated kidney injury. The study linked these beneficial effects to the extract's ability to modulate the gut microbiota, providing mechanistic insight into its cardiovascular benefits.
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1421662/full – This review article summarizes recent advances in the extraction, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of *Eucommia ulmoides* polysaccharides. It highlights their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, indicating growing research interest in these specific compounds and calling for more clinical trials to validate their therapeutic potential.