Evodia, Wu zhu yu, gosyuyu
Evodia is the fruit of the Evodia rutaecarpa . It has an ancient history of use in Asia as a medicinal plant and is has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in western cultures over the past decade. It is also grown as an ornamental plant and used for landscaping purposes.
E. rutaecarpa grows to a height of about ten meters and is deciduous. It produces long, shinny leaves during the growth season and has clusters of small white flowers that enhance its use as an ornament plant. The plant produces a fruit which is picked when red, though it is not fully ripe until it darkens significantly in the fall.
E. rutaecarpa is native to the northern areas of Korea and China and is cultivated globally. It grows best in areas that provide adequate sunlight with well-drained soil.
Alkaloids including evodiamine, rutaecarpine evocarpin (1), 1-methyl-2-[(4Z,7Z)-4,7-tridecadienyl]-4(1H)-quinolone and 1-methyl-2-[(6Z,9Z)-6,9-pentadecadienyl]-4(1H)-quinolone, synephrine.  ,  , 
Most Frequently Reported Uses
Dried fruit: 1.5–12.0gm daily as a decoction. Place dried fruit in water – boil 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink, up to 3 times daily.
Most Common Dosage
Standardized E. rutaecarpa is commonly used in weight loss formulations. Dosages vary with manufacturer and are normally proprietary information.
Standardized toWhile proprietary products may differ slightly, the average product is standardized to 10-20% evodiamine
Evodiamine and rutaecarpine, alkaloids found in E. rutaecarpa, have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. The mechanisms include inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, inhibition of iNOS expression and NF-kappaB activation.,Another laboratory study found that evodiamine inhibited NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthetase (iNOS) expression in microglial cells.
An in vitro study found that evodiamine and rutaecarpine may be effective for IgE-induced allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and rhinitis. The two constituents inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-4 protein expression in cells induced by IgE-antigen complex, further supporting the use of anti-inflammatory compounds found in E. rutaecarpa.
Evodiamine, an alkaloid found in E. rutaecarpa, exhibits antitumor activities against the human tumor cells, including multidrug-resistant tumor cells. A proposed mechanism is evodiamine’s ability to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis.,
E. rutaecarpa (standardized to evodiamine content) is sometimes used in weight loss supplements, commonly in a blend of ingredients to help support thermogenesis. E. rutaecarpa contains synephrine, which is commonly used in weight loss supplements. In laboratory animal studies, evodiamine has been reported to have vanilloid receptor agonistic activities comparable to capsaicin, increasing thermogenesis (heat loss and heat production) and dissipating food energy, preventing the accumulation of perivisceral fat and the resulting body weight increase.
Laboratory animal studies have found that water extracts of E. rutaecarpa fruit may be beneficial in gastrointestinal ulcers, supporting the traditional use of eviodia for digestive problems. The gastroprotective mechanisms maybe due to the strengthening action on gastric mucosal lining and the promotion of nitric oxide synthesis in local gastric mucosa.
Interaction with other Herbs
Interaction with Drugs
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals taking ACE inhibitors.
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals taking MAO inhibitors due to the potential for MAO-B inhibition.
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals taking cardiac medications, including antihypertensives and antiarrhythmics 
Based on laboratory studies, use with caution if taking theophylline. Theophylline levels were significantly lowered when using E. rutaecarpa extracts in laboratory animals.
Based on pharmacology, use with caution if taking antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants, such as aspirin or warfarin.
E. rutaecarpa has been reported safe in recommended doses.
E. rutaecarpa may have antiplatelet activity, so caution is advised in those with bleeding disorders.
E. rutaecarpa contains small amounts of synephrine, so use with caution in individuals with heart conditions, such as hypertension or arrhythmias.
Discontinue if allergy occurs.
Do not use in pregnancy or lactation.