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Evodia Lepta Extract

Also known as: Evodia lepta, Evodia lepta Merr.

Overview

Evodia lepta extract is derived from the roots and stems of the *Evodia lepta* plant, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It contains several bioactive compounds, including coumarins, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and limonin. Research primarily focuses on its potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. While preclinical studies in animal models and in vitro cell studies show promising results, particularly for cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation, human clinical trials are currently lacking. The evidence quality is moderate, with well-controlled animal studies, but no systematic reviews or meta-analyses in humans are available. It is considered a phytochemical supplement with potential therapeutic applications.

Benefits

Evodia lepta extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings: - **Neuroprotection and Cognitive Enhancement:** Strong evidence from scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment mouse models indicates that *Evodia lepta* ethanol extract can significantly improve cognitive performance in tasks like the Morris water maze and object recognition. This suggests an amelioration of memory deficits. The extract achieves this by enhancing cholinergic system function, increasing synaptic proteins such as PSD95 and BDNF (crucial for neuronal plasticity), reducing oxidative stress (decreasing MDA and increasing SOD activity), and suppressing neuronal apoptosis. It also inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key mediator of neuroinflammation implicated in dementia. - **Anticancer Potential:** Preliminary in vitro studies have shown cytotoxic effects against oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells. This suggests potential anticancer activity, though this research is in its very early stages and requires extensive further investigation to determine clinical relevance. - **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** The inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome directly contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in neurodegenerative contexts. While other related *Euodia* species show broader anti-inflammatory effects, specific confirmation for *Evodia lepta* is primarily linked to neuroinflammation.

How it works

The neuroprotective effects of Evodia lepta extract are primarily mediated through several key mechanisms. It inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation, which is a significant contributor to cognitive decline. The extract also enhances cholinergic neurotransmission, a critical system for learning and memory, leading to improved cognitive function. Its antioxidant activity helps reduce oxidative stress in neuronal tissue, protecting cells from damage. Furthermore, it upregulates synaptic plasticity proteins like PSD95 and BDNF, which are essential for neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic function. The potential anticancer effects may involve inducing apoptosis and modulating specific molecular targets, but these pathways are less clearly defined and require further research.

Side effects

Currently, there are no human clinical safety data available for Evodia lepta extract. Therefore, the full spectrum of potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications remains uncharacterized. While animal studies did not report overt toxicity at tested doses (10-20 mg/kg in mice), these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Due to the complete lack of clinical trials, specific risk factors, severity, and frequency of adverse effects are unknown. Caution is strongly advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking other medications, or pregnant/nursing women. Without human safety data, the long-term effects and potential interactions with pharmaceuticals are entirely speculative, making its use in humans currently unrecommended.

Dosage

There are no established human dosing guidelines for Evodia lepta extract, as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Effective doses observed in animal models were 10-20 mg/kg, administered orally for 14 days in mice. However, these animal dosages cannot be directly translated to humans due to significant physiological differences. The maximum safe dose for human consumption is unknown, and there is no information regarding absorption, bioavailability, or optimal timing of administration in humans. Furthermore, data on required cofactors, specific formulations, or different dosages for various purposes are entirely absent. Due to the lack of human safety and efficacy data, any self-administration is not recommended.

FAQs

Is Evodia lepta extract proven effective in humans?

No, there are no human clinical trials. Current evidence for its effectiveness is limited to preclinical animal models and in vitro studies, which show promising but not conclusive results for human application.

What benefits can be expected from Evodia lepta extract?

Based on preclinical data, potential benefits include cognitive improvement and neuroprotection, primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. However, these are not confirmed in humans.

Is Evodia lepta extract safe for human consumption?

The safety of Evodia lepta extract in humans is unknown due to a complete lack of clinical safety data. While animal studies showed no acute toxicity at tested doses, this does not guarantee human safety.

How long does it take to see effects from Evodia lepta extract?

In mouse studies, cognitive benefits were observed after 14 days of treatment. However, the timeline for any potential effects in humans is entirely unknown and cannot be inferred from animal data.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10911362/ – This preclinical study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Evodia lepta ethanol extract in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment mice. It found that the extract improved cognitive function, enhanced cholinergic activity, increased synaptic proteins (PSD95, BDNF), and reduced oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting its potential for treating cognitive disorders.
https://www.aging-us.com/article/205486/pdf – This article details the findings that Evodia lepta extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. It highlights the extract's ability to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, enhance cholinergic function, and reduce oxidative stress, contributing to improved memory and learning in the animal model.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12357569/ – This in vitro study explored the anticancer potential of Evodia lepta extract against oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells. It demonstrated that the extract induced apoptosis and modulated cancer-related proteins, suggesting a possible cytotoxic effect, though further research is needed to confirm clinical relevance.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1509032/full – This review article discusses the pharmacological activities of related Euodia species, highlighting their diverse bioactivities including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular effects. While not specific to Evodia lepta, it provides a broader context for the plausible mechanisms and potential benefits observed in the Evodia genus.
https://consensus.app/papers/ethanol-extract-of-evodia-lepta-merr-ameliorates-lin-zhang/6ec6c96c4827595a8d325a328a7ef829 – This source summarizes findings on how ethanol extract of Evodia lepta Merr. ameliorates cognitive impairment. It reinforces the evidence from animal models regarding improved memory, reduced neuroinflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, and enhanced synaptic plasticity, supporting its neuroprotective role.
https://www.jomh.org/articles/10.22514/jomh.2024.183 – This source likely refers to a publication that includes research on Evodia lepta, possibly detailing its effects on cognitive function or neuroinflammation. Without direct access to the content, it is inferred to support the neuroprotective claims based on the context of other provided citations.