- Research suggests that Evodia rutaecarpa (wu zhu yu) might have some health benefits, like fighting cancer, improving Alzheimer’s symptoms, helping with weight loss, and stopping diarrhea. However, most of the evidence comes from animal or cell studies—there aren’t many human trials yet.
- Traditionally, it’s been used to treat digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, but there isn’t much scientific proof to back this up.
- There could be some risks, though. For example, using it during pregnancy might not be safe. It could also interact with caffeine or affect blood clotting.
- In Western countries, it’s mostly sold as a dietary supplement and is often taken for weight loss or general health reasons.
Euodiae Fructus, commonly known as Wuzhuyu or Medicinal Evodia Immature Fruit, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried, nearly mature fruit of the Evodia rutaecarpa plant. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), valued for its ability to warm the body, relieve pain, and soothe digestive woes.
Whether you’re curious about natural remedies or exploring ways to manage cold-related ailments, this article breaks down what Euodiae Fructus is, its potential benefits, and the risks you should know before using it.
What Is Euodiae Fructus?
Euodiae Fructus comes from the Evodia rutaecarpa plant, a shrub native to East Asia, particularly China. In TCM, it’s classified as a “warming” herb—think of it like a cozy blanket for your insides, designed to chase away cold and restore balance. The fruit is harvested just before it fully ripens, typically between August and November, then dried to preserve its medicinal properties1.
A Quick Look at Its Features:
- Appearance: Small, round, or slightly five-sided fruits (2–5 mm in diameter), with a dark yellow-green to brown surface dotted with tiny oil glands and a star-shaped crack on top.
- Taste and Smell: Spicy, bitter, and aromatic—imagine a sharp, peppery kick with a lingering warmth.
- Where It Grows: Primarily in humid, hilly regions of China like Guizhou, Hunan, and Sichuan, with top-quality fruits from places like Tongren in Guizhou and Huaihua in Hunan boasting a glossy, oil-rich sheen2.
Historically, ancient texts like Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Jing) praised it for warming the body, easing pain, and clearing dampness. Today, it’s still used in TCM and even popping up in Western supplements—though with a few caveats we’ll get to later3.
Benefits and Uses of Euodiae Fructus
Euodiae Fructus has a rich history in TCM, backed by centuries of use, and modern science is starting to peek into its potential. Here’s what it’s known for, from traditional wisdom to cutting-edge research.
Traditional Uses in TCM
In TCM, Euodiae Fructus is like a heat lamp for your organs, targeting cold and stagnation. It’s traditionally used to45:
- Ease stomach pain from cold: Think of that sharp ache after eating something icy—it’s said to warm your gut and melt the discomfort away.
- Stop vomiting and diarrhea: Whether it’s from a chilly stomach or travel sickness, it helps settle things down.
- Warm cold hands and feet: If your extremities feel like ice blocks, it’s believed to boost circulation.
- Relieve menstrual cramps: Especially when cold or poor energy flow is to blame.
- Soothe headaches: Particularly those tied to cold or liver imbalances, as noted in classics like The Grand Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu).
Its spicy, bitter nature is thought to move energy (Qi) and dry out excess dampness, making it a go-to for cold-related woes.
What Modern Research Says
Science is catching up, uncovering compounds like evodiamine and rutaecarpine in Euodiae Fructus that might explain its effects. Here’s what studies suggest—though keep in mind, many are still in the lab or on animals, not humans yet:
- Anti-cancer potential: Lab research shows evodiamine can trigger cell death in gastric cancer cells (source). It’s early days, but promising!
- Brain health: Animal studies hint it might improve memory and learning in Alzheimer’s models, possibly by targeting multiple brain pathways (source).
- Heart benefits: Rutaecarpine may relax blood vessels and prevent clotting, which could support cardiovascular health6.
- Weight loss: A small human trial found it helped obese women lower their BMI when paired with a low-calorie diet and another herb, Ephedra sinica (source).
- Anti-diarrheal effects: Animal tests back its traditional use, showing it can calm an upset gut (source).
A Word of Caution: These findings are exciting, but most studies aren’t on humans yet. So, while the lab results light a spark, we need more research to fan it into a flame.
Summary: Euodiae Fructus has a long TCM history for treating cold – related issues like stomach pain and menstrual cramps. Modern research shows potential in areas like anti – cancer, brain and heart health, but most studies are on lab or animals, needing more human research.
Risks and Precautions
Euodiae Fructus isn’t all sunshine and warmth—it’s got a spicy edge and a touch of toxicity. Here’s what to watch out for7:
- Mild Toxicity: It’s labeled “slightly toxic” in TCM. Overdo it, and you might feel dry mouth, tiredness, or a dip in energy. Think of it like too much hot sauce—great in moderation, rough if you overpour.
- Not for Pregnancy: It could stimulate the uterus, raising miscarriage risks, so pregnant women should steer clear (source).
- Drug Interactions: It might speed up caffeine’s effects or thin your blood, which could be risky before surgery—stop using it two weeks prior (source).
- Allergic Reactions: Some folks report stomach upset or sensitivity, especially on an empty stomach (source).
- Who Should Skip It: If you’re prone to “heat” in TCM—like fevers or chronic inflammation—or if you’re frail, this herb’s fiery nature might not suit you.
Bottom Line: Always chat with a healthcare pro, especially a TCM expert, before diving in. It’s potent stuff!
Summary: Euodiae Fructus has a spicy side and some toxicity. It can cause issues like dry mouth if overused, is risky for pregnant women, may interact with drugs, cause allergic reactions, and isn’t suitable for those with “heat” in TCM. Consult a healthcare pro before using.
How to Use Euodiae Fructus
Curious about trying it? Here’s how it’s typically prepared and taken—safely, of course.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Decoction: Boil 2–5 grams of dried fruit in water for a warming tea—often mixed with herbs like ginger to soften its bite.
- Powder: Ground into a fine dust for pills or external use (e.g., mixed with vinegar and dabbed on your feet for mouth sores—yes, really!).
- Herbal Formulas: Found in classics like:
- Wu Zhu Yu Tang: For cold stomach and vomiting.
- Si Shen Wan: For chronic diarrhea from cold8.
In the West
- Supplements: Sold as capsules or extracts, often pitched for weight loss or general wellness. Check labels and consult a doctor first.
Pro Tip: Dosage matters—stick to 2–5 grams daily for internal use9, and never tweak it without guidance. TCM pros often pair it with other herbs to balance its intensity.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are quick answers to the most common ones about Euodiae Fructus:
What’s Euodiae Fructus good for?
It’s traditionally used for cold-related stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and chilly hands or feet10. Research hints at perks like cancer-fighting potential and weight loss, but we need more human studies.
Is it safe to use?
Safe in small doses under supervision—it’s got mild toxicity. Skip it if you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or prone to “heat” conditions11.
How do you take it?
In TCM, it’s boiled into tea or powdered. In the West, it’s in supplements. Always follow a pro’s advice on amount and method.
Can it really help with weight loss?
Maybe! A small study showed promise12, but it’s not a magic bullet—more research is needed.
The Bottom Line
Euodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) is like a warm hug from an ancient healer—rooted in centuries of TCM wisdom and now catching modern science’s eye. From soothing a cold stomach to hinting at bigger benefits like heart health or cancer defense, it’s a fascinating herb. But its potency and slight toxicity mean it’s not a casual kitchen spice—use it wisely, with expert input.
Whether you’re drawn to its traditional roots or curious about its future in health, Euodiae Fructus offers a blend of history and hope—just handle it with care.
Trusted Source
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9931992/ ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%90%B4%E8%8C%B1%E8%90%B8/16171427 ↩︎
- http://szyyj.gd.gov.cn/zyyfw/ysbj/content/post_4436355.html ↩︎
- https://yibian.hopto.org/db/?yno=270 ↩︎
- http://www.a-hospital.com/w/%E5%90%B4%E8%8C%B1%E8%90%B8 ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6257227/ ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_10888885098983801871(Wang Baokai, Deputy Chief Physician, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University) ↩︎
- https://www.baidu.com/bh/dict/ydyp_15392454008123835057?contentid=ydyp_15392454008123835057&query=%E5%90%B4%E8%8C%B1%E8%90%B8&sf_ch=ch_search_5713&sf_ref=search&subTab=%E7%94%A8%E8%8D%AF%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E&from=dicta&isPageHome=1 ↩︎
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1509032/full ↩︎
- https://www.cmro.gov.hk/files/gcmti/research/mmi/15_WZY_sc.pdf ↩︎
- 朱兰兰,黄伟,黄幼异,et al.基于功效和物质基础的吴茱萸毒性研究思考[J].中国药物警戒, 2011, 8(6):4.DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672-8629.2011.06.015. ↩︎
- KobayashiY.吴茱萸碱的辣椒辣素样减肥作用[J].国际中医中药杂志, 2002, 24(3):175-176. ↩︎
