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Evodia

Also known as: Evodia, Euodia rutaecarpa, Wu Zhu Yu, Evodia rutaecarpa

Overview

Evodia, scientifically known as *Evodia rutaecarpa*, is a traditional herbal medicine derived from the fruit of a plant in the Rutaceae family. It is also commonly referred to as Wu Zhu Yu in traditional Chinese medicine. This botanical supplement contains several bioactive alkaloids, primarily evodiamine (EVO) and rutaecarpine, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects. Evodia is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in managing digestive system disorders, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and certain cardiovascular conditions. Its key characteristics include anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, glucose metabolism modulating, and antioxidant properties. While research on Evodia and its components is maturing, with an increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the quality of evidence varies. Some high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses exist, particularly concerning its anti-obesity effects, but a significant portion of the research remains preclinical or animal-based.

Benefits

Evodia offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily driven by its active compounds, evodiamine and rutaecarpine. Its most prominent effect is its anti-obesity potential; meta-analyses indicate that Evodia components, especially evodiamine, can significantly reduce body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in overweight and obese individuals, with statistically significant effects observed in human trials. For digestive system diseases, a systematic review suggests therapeutic effects on various disorders, including modulation of gut motility and inflammation. Furthermore, preclinical studies highlight its role in glucose metabolism, where evodiamine and rutaecarpine improve glucose tolerance, inhibit gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis, and regulate insulin signaling pathways, suggesting potential benefits for type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia. Secondary benefits include cardiovascular protection through modulation of lipid profiles and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as antioxidant activity mediated by its polysaccharides. Most human data focus on overweight/obese adults, while preclinical data support its potential in diabetic and cardiovascular disease models. While effect sizes vary, statistically significant reductions in metabolic parameters have been reported. Benefits in human studies are typically observed over weeks to months.

How it works

Evodia's therapeutic effects are primarily mediated by its active compounds, evodiamine and rutaecarpine, which exert their actions through several biological pathways. These compounds activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial enzyme that enhances energy metabolism and reduces mTOR signaling, a pathway involved in adipogenesis and insulin resistance. They also inhibit insulin-stimulated mTOR-S6K activation and IRS1 serine phosphorylation, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) by Evodia components contributes to the inhibition of gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis. The plant's polysaccharides also contribute to its antioxidant effects by inhibiting α-glucosidase, which reduces oxidative stress and glucose absorption. While bioavailability is considered moderate, even low doses have shown efficacy in animal models, though human pharmacokinetics require further investigation.

Side effects

Overall, Evodia and its components appear to be safe at the doses studied in clinical trials, with no significant increase in adverse events reported compared to control groups. Unlike some related compounds, specific and severe side effects directly attributable to Evodia are not well-documented in high-quality randomized controlled trials. Some common effects reported with related ephedra-containing products, such as decreased appetite and increased energy, might be perceived as therapeutic effects rather than adverse events, and their direct relevance to Evodia is not fully established. Preclinical data generally suggest low toxicity. However, comprehensive data on drug interactions and contraindications for Evodia are not well characterized. Therefore, caution is advised when combining Evodia with other medications, particularly those affecting metabolic or cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, sufficient safety data are lacking for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children, and its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.

Dosage

The minimum effective doses for Evodia are not yet firmly established in human clinical settings. While animal studies suggest that even low doses can modulate metabolism, human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have utilized varying dosages, and meta-analyses have not provided standardized dosing recommendations. However, some research on related compounds indicates dose-response relationships for weight management effects. Optimal dosing strategies, including specific dosage ranges for different purposes, require further rigorous clinical trials. Considerations for timing of administration and the specific formulation (e.g., whole extract versus isolated alkaloids) also need to be clarified. Additionally, the absorption and bioavailability of Evodia's active compounds may be influenced by co-administration with other substances that affect metabolic pathways. Currently, there are no clearly defined upper limits or safety thresholds established for human consumption, emphasizing the need for more research to guide safe and effective use.

FAQs

Is Evodia safe for weight loss?

Current evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that Evodia can contribute to weight reduction without a significant increase in adverse effects in the short term. However, long-term safety data are still limited and require further research.

How quickly does Evodia work?

Benefits related to weight management and glucose metabolism, as observed in human studies, typically begin to appear within weeks to a few months of consistent use.

Can Evodia be combined with other supplements or medications?

There is no definitive data on combining Evodia with other supplements or medications. Due to potential interactions, caution is advised, especially with metabolic or cardiovascular drugs.

Is Evodia effective for diabetes?

Preclinical data show promising results for Evodia's role in improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. However, robust clinical evidence in humans with diabetes is still emerging and more research is needed.

Research Sources

  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1397247/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhou et al. (2024) investigated the therapeutic effects of evodiamine on digestive diseases and metabolic parameters. The study, which included both animal and human data, concluded that evodiamine shows promising effects with low toxicity, despite some heterogeneity in study designs. It highlights evodiamine's potential in managing various digestive disorders.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39018943/ – Cho et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs on ephedra-containing medications, which are related to Evodia. The findings indicated statistically significant reductions in BMI, body weight, and waist circumference in overweight/obese adults, with no significant increase in adverse events. This study provides insights into the weight management potential of related compounds, though direct applicability to Evodia requires further study.
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1509032/full – Hao et al. (2025) provided a narrative review synthesizing pharmacological studies on Euodiae Fructus (Evodia). The review primarily focused on preclinical data, demonstrating that Evodia components regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and exhibit antioxidant effects in animal models. While comprehensive for preclinical findings, it underscores the need for more human randomized controlled trials.

Supplements Containing Evodia

Revolution Thermogenic Push by Corr-Jensen Labs
73

Revolution Thermogenic Push

Corr-Jensen Labs

Score: 73/100
White Flood by Controlled Labs
53

White Flood

Controlled Labs

Score: 53/100
ThermoGain by MuscleTech
43

ThermoGain

MuscleTech

Score: 43/100
Animal Cuts by Animal
73

Animal Cuts

Animal

Score: 73/100
Animal Rage Slaughter Melon by Animal
75

Animal Rage Slaughter Melon

Animal

Score: 75/100
Animal Rage Orange Juiced by Animal
75

Animal Rage Orange Juiced

Animal

Score: 75/100
Animal Rage by Animal
65

Animal Rage

Animal

Score: 65/100
High Energy Fat Burner by Cellucor
35

High Energy Fat Burner

Cellucor

Score: 35/100
High Energy Fat Burner by Cellucor
38

High Energy Fat Burner

Cellucor

Score: 38/100