Skip to main content

Eucommia

Scientific Name(s): Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.
Common Name(s): Du zhong (Chinese), Eucommia, Hardy rubber tree, Tochu (Japanese)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 1, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

E. ulmoides (du zhong) has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and obesity. Clinical trial data are lacking to recommend use for any indication.

Dosing

Clinical trial data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. E. ulmoides is commercially available as a combination product or alone as a capsule, tablet, powder, or tea, primarily for treating hypertension.

Contraindications

Avoid use in individuals hypersensitive to any components of E. ulmoides. The herb may be contraindicated in patients diagnosed with estrogen-dependent cancers.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

One clinical study of E. ulmoides documented moderately severe headache, dizziness, edema, and onset of a cold.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

Botany

E. ulmoides is a deciduous and dioecious woody species native to China and is the only species of the family Eucommiaceae. E. ulmoides is distributed throughout the valleys, hills, and mountains of central and eastern China, growing to 10 to 15 m in height. The oval-shaped leaves are 8 to 16 cm in length and arranged alternately with a serrated margin. The plant's small, green flowers are typically in bloom from March to May, and the fruits ripen between June and November.(Chen 1995, Miyanaga 2004, Yao 2012)

History

Use of the E. ulmoides plant in traditional Chinese medicine began as early as 2,000 years ago.(Yao 2012) The plant's bark and leaves contain the lignan pinoresinol diglucoside, which has potent antihypertensive properties. In folk medicine, the dried and heated outer portion of the stem has been used for supporting muscle and lung function, lowering blood pressure, preventing miscarriages, improving tone of the liver and kidneys, and increasing longevity.(Takamura 2007, Xu 2010) In traditional Chinese medicine, the seed oil is commonly used to treat hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain in the lumbar region, and hip pain.(Zhang 2010) The leaves have been used in foods. An aqueous leaf extract known as du zhong tea is popular in China and Japan for treating hypertension and as a functional health food.(Hsieh 2000, Zhang 2010)

The whole plant, except the transport tissue xylem, contains an isomer of natural rubber (Eucommia rubber) that is of high economic value and used as a raw material in the organic chemical industry. Commercial cultivation of E. ulmoides started in the 1980s, and utilization and overexploitation have threatened the existence of the species in the wild.(Chen 1995, Sun 2013, Yao 2012)

Chemistry

E. ulmoides produces more than 30 active compounds in its bark and leaves.(Miyanaga 2004) More than 70 components have been identified in E. ulmoides.(Luo 2010)

The dominant fatty acid components in E. ulmoides seed oil are linolenic (57%), linolelaidic (13%), oleic (16%), palmitic (10%), and stearic (4%) acids. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the seed oil is 70%, and the fraction of monounsaturated versus saturated fatty acids is 17% and 13%, respectively.(Zhang 2010) Approximately 27% of the seed oil is edible.(Chen 1995) Iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids have been isolated from E. ulmoides, and many pharmacologic activities have been attributed to the lignans and iridoids. Antihypertensive activity is associated with pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucopyranoside and geniposidic acid. Anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anticancer activities are associated with genipin and geniposide. Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimutagenic activity are associated with chlorogenic acid. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity are associated with the flavonoids, which include baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A.(Chai 2012)

Natural rubber is classified into cis-1,4-polyisoprene and trans-1,4-polyisoprene.(Takeno 2008, Zhang 2011) Industrially, cis-1,4-polyisoprene is used in more than 40,000 products. E. ulmoides accumulates trans-1,4-polyisoprene in its leaves, bark, roots, and fruit coatings and is used for such diverse products as telegraph cables, conveyors, golf balls, chewing gums, and root canal filling materials.(Takeno 2008, Warneke 2007, Zhang 2011)

The antihypertensive compound (+)-pinoresinol-di-beta-D-glucopyranoside was evaluated in rats and determined to be highly lipophilic, with 95% eliminated in plasma within 24 hours.(Wang 2012)

Uses and Pharmacology

Numerous animal and in vitro studies evaluating effects of E. ulmoides on diabetes, inflammation, and obesity have been published. A few small clinical trials have evaluated use for treatment of hypertension.

Antifungal activity

In vitro data

Two antifungal peptides from the bark of E. ulmoides inhibited 8 plant pathogenic fungi from cotton, wheat, potato, tomato, and tobacco, including Phytophthora infestans, Ascochyta lycopersici, Verticillium dahliae, Gibberella zeae, Alternaria nicotianae, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gossypii.(Huang 2002)

Anti-inflammatory activity

Animal and in vitro data

The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity with a protein-bound polysaccharide isolated from the stem bark of E. ulmoides was associated with blockade of complement activation through the classical and alternative pathways. Coagulation assays on the polysaccharide showed very limited anticoagulation activity when compared with heparin.(Zhu 2008, Zhu 2009)

In a systemic lupus erythematosus–like syndrome induced in mice, a E. ulmoides 2.2% bark polysaccharide extract protected the kidneys from glomerular injury by reducing immunoglobulin deposition, lowering proteinuria, and inhibiting increased production of serum autoantibodies and total immunoglobulin G.(Jiang 2011) Anti-inflammatory effects of aucubin extracted from the seeds of E. ulmoides have also been demonstrated in cardiac dysfunction mouse models.(Duan 2019, Wu 2018) In an ulcerative colitis mouse model, E. ulmoides leaf extract significantly improved symptoms (ie, bloody stool) and colonic pathology.(Murakami 2018) Inflammation in rats with induced gastric ulcers was significantly reduced by a water and ethanol extract of E. ulmoides leaves; the primary mechanism was identified as the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3beta/Nrf2 signaling pathway.(Gong 2022)

Antimicrobial activity

Experimental data

In one study, the male flower extract of E. ulmoides showed significant activity against Staphyloccus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 40 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 80 mg/mL.(Xing 2022)

Antioxidant activity

Animal and in vitro data

Studies suggest du zhong tea may reduce exposure to dietary mutagens(Sasaki 1996) and carcinogens.(Nakamura 1997) Antioxidant activity includes inhibitory effects against low-density lipoprotein,(Yen 2002) oxidative modification induced by copper, and prevention of oxidative gastric injury.(Yang 2003) Geniposide and genipin from E. ulmoides bark protected rat kidney tissue from cadmium-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting nitric oxide production.(Liu 2012) Antioxidant effects of aucubin extracted from E. ulmoides seeds were observed in cardiac dysfunction mouse models.(Duan 2019, Wu 2018)

Antiviral activity

In vitro data

E. ulmoides bark extract, specifically pinoresinol-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, demonstrated antiviral activity against 2 strains of H1N1 viruses in vitro. No activity was observed against H3N2, H9N2, or influenza B.(Li 2019)

Atherosclerosis

Animal data

In an atherosclerotic mouse model, administration of E. ulmoides leaf extract significantly reduced plaque formation in a dose-dependent manner compared with untreated controls (P=0.0023). The thickness of the intima media was also significantly reduced in the extract group (P=0.0004). No changes in serum total cholesterol levels were observed; however, decreases in inflammatory cytokine production (ie, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin 1 [IL-1]) were documented.(Hashikawa-Hobara 2020)

Bone growth stimulation

In vitro data

In vitro data demonstrated that a strontium-enhanced polysaccharide complex from E. ulmoides stimulated bone growth and integration when applied to the synthetic bone implant material polyetheretherketone.(Mengdi 2022)

Cardiac dysfunction

Animal data

Improvements in cardiac dysfunction have been demonstrated in animal models administered aucubin extracted from the seeds of E. ulmoides. The mechanism was related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic effects.(Duan 2019, Wu 2018) A 7-day regimen with aucubin significantly improved cardiac function (ie, left ventricular [LV] end diastolic dimension, LV ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening) versus vehicle (P<0.05) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction mouse model.(Duan 2019) Similarly, in a pressure-overload cardiac mouse model, aucubin administered for 25 days reduced hypertrophic responses compared with placebo (P<0.05).(Wu 2018)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

The antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of E. ulmoides leaves are associated with 3 flavonol glycosides with glycation inhibitory activity.(Hsieh 2000, Kim 2004)

Although the exact mechanism was not elucidated, powdered E. ulmoides leaves (1 g per 100 g diet) and its water extract (0.187 g per 100 g diet) lowered blood glucose and increased plasma insulin and C-peptide levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The supplement also enhanced the function of pancreatic beta cells.(Lee 2005) In a similar study of a type 2 diabetic mouse model, a 1% E. ulmoides leaf water extract reduced hyperglycemia by increasing plasma insulin levels and lowering plasma glucagon levels; hyperlipidemia was also reduced by suppressing gluconeogenesis and the biosynthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol in the liver.(He 2011, Park 2006) E. ulmoides leaf extract (500 and 1,000 mg/kg/day) administered orally to rats using fructose 15% solution as a drinking fluid over 4 weeks decreased plasma insulin levels, insulin resistance, and abnormal perivascular innervation.(Jin 2010) An aqueous extract of E. ulmoides increased expression of superoxide dismutase and alpha-actin in penile tissues of rats, which may lead to an increase in nitric oxide bioavailability, improving erectile function.(Zhang 2006)

Hepatoprotective effects

Animal data

A water E. ulmoides leaf extract decreased carbon tetrachloride–induced chronic hepatotoxicity(Hung 2006) and prevented high-fat diet−induced hepatic steatosis in rats (P<0.05).(Lee 2019) E. ulmoides polysaccharides demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in a hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model; significant improvements in ALT and AST as well as in histological injuries were observed compared with untreated controls. Mechanisms of protection included both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (ie, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) actions.(Gao 2020)

Hypertension

Animal and in vitro data

E. ulmoides leaf and bark water extracts caused an endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide–mediated vasorelaxation in rat aorta and dog carotid arteries precontracted with 1 mcM phenylephrine. Activation of potassium channels may be involved with the mechanism of vasorelaxation.(Kwan 2003) When the effects of an E. ulmoides extract on isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis were examined in a human fat cell, beta-adrenergic activity was observed.(Greenway 2011)

An E. ulmoides 1.9% lignan bark extract reduced blood pressure in rats by increasing the release of nitric oxide, modulating the renin-angiotensin system, and directly relaxing the arterial vessel.(Luo 2010) In a similar study, E. ulmoides lignan bark extract reduced arterial blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats and protected against both structural and functional renal injury. The renal protective effects may be partly due to inhibition of aldose reductase, which is involved with the pathology of hypertension and hypertensive organ injury.(Li 2012) In rats administered a water extract of Eucommia orally at 200 mg/kg, up to a 20 mm Hg drop in blood pressure was observed within 2 hours.(Greenway 2011)

Clinical data

A noncontrolled Russian trial documented a 25/14 mm Hg drop in blood pressure in human subjects with hypertension treated with E. ulmoides tea.(Greenway 2011)

An aqueous bark extract of Eucommia (standardized to 8% pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside) was evaluated for antihypertensive activity in a controlled clinical trial. Twenty healthy participants with blood pressure between 120 to 160/80 to 100 mm Hg were randomized to receive the 500 mg standardized Eucommia extract 3 times daily for 8 weeks; no difference in blood pressure and no toxicity was observed. In a second trial, 29 healthy patients with blood pressure between 120 to 160/80 to 100 mm Hg were randomized to receive Eucommia extract 1 g 3 times daily for 2 weeks. Results showed an average reduction in blood pressure of 7.5/3.9 mm Hg (P<0.008 vs placebo), and the extract was well tolerated. The standardized extract also exhibited beta-adrenergic–blocking activity.(Greenway 2011)

Neuroprotective effects

Animal and in vitro data

Neuroprotective and antioxidant activity was demonstrated with an E. ulmoides water bark and leaf extract against amyloid-beta peptide cytotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells.(Zhou 2009) The protective effects were associated with inhibiting excessive Ca2+ influx and reducing lactate dehydrogenase leakage. The major active constituents of the bark and leaves were geniposidic and chlorogenic acids. Several mechanisms of action were proposed in another study in which E. ulmoides bark extract protected against hydrogen peroxide–induced neuronal cell death in human neuroblastoma cells, including inhibition of cytotoxicity, reduction of reactive oxygen species, DNA condensation, mitochondria membrane potential stabilization, and regulation of key signaling proteins involved in cell death.(Kwon 2012) Lignans from an Eucommia leaf extract were neuroprotective for rat pheochromocytoma cells (an in vitro Parkinson disease model), particularly via activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3beta/Nrf2 pathway.(Han 2022)

An aqueous E. ulmoides extract protected mice from amyloid-beta peptide–induced learning, memory, and cognition effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.(Kwon 2011) Similarly, an E. ulmoides ethanolic extract improved motor impairment and dopamine levels in a mouse model of Parkinson disease,(Fan 2020) whereas aucubin extracted from E. ulmoides has shown anticonvulsant activity in a seizure mouse model by reducing seizure intensity and prolonging latency onset (P<0.05); mortality rate also decreased to 12.5% compared with 75% in the untreated group (P<0.05).(Chen 2019) In a zebrafish model of Alzheimer disease, an extract of E. ulmoides male flowers reduced cellular apoptosis and dyskinesia and decreased deposition of amyloid-beta protein.(Sun 2022)

Obesity

Animal data

Although the precise mechanism is unknown, E. ulmoides leaf extracts stimulated lipolysis and thermogenesis in rats by elevating epididymal white and interscapular brown adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity. Abdominal fat and body weight decreased due to suppression of appetite by inhibiting the activities of the parasympathetic nerves innervating the GI tract.(Horii 2010) Administration of Eucommia leaf extract or green leaf powder over 3 months stimulated several antiobesity and antimetabolic effects, including decreased adenosine-5′-triphosphate production in white adipose tissue, accelerated fatty acid beta oxidation in the liver, and increased use of ketone bodies and glucose in skeletal muscle.(Fujikawa 2010) Plasma levels of resistin, which induces insulin resistance, were decreased. Plasma levels of adipocytokines, which have an antiatherosclerotic effect and improve insulin sensitivity, were increased. When a 30% methanol E. ulmoides leaf fraction was administered over 4 weeks in mice, asperuloside was identified as the active component in reducing body weight, white adipose tissue weight, plasma triglyceride levels, and free fatty acid levels.(Hirata 2011)

Osteoporosis

Animal and in vitro data

A biological screening assay identified 6 estrogenic compounds from E. ulmoides capable of activating estrogen receptor–dependent transcription. In the biological screening assay, some E. ulmoides estrogenic compounds exerted high potency on transactivating estrogen receptor–alpha but lacked selectivity for estrogen receptor–beta signaling.(Wang 2011) Over a 16-week period, daily oral administration of a 10% E. ulmoides cortex extract prevented estrogen deficiency–induced bone loss and deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture, which contributes to bone strength and may reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in rats.(Zhang 2009) The activity may be related to the concentration of compounds such as lignans, phenolic acid, and flavonoids.(Li 2011, Zhang 2009)

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Animal data

E. ulmoides leaf extract (total flavonoids 70%) administered for 21 days in a polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin-resistant rat model significantly improved ovary pathology, body weight, and pancreatic changes compared with untreated controls (P<0.05).(Peng 2021)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Animal data

A male flower E. ulmoides extract tested in a collagen-induced rat model of arthritis reduced inflammation and bone resorption by osteoclasts and inhibited synoviocyte proliferation.(Zhang 2021)

Tobacco substitute

Animal data

No toxicity, mutagenicity, or immunotoxicity was documented for mice inhaling a tobacco substitute primarily composed of E. ulmoides leaves at levels up to 20 cigarettes per day over 4 weeks.(Kim 2003)

Uterine involution

Clinical data

Traditional Chinese postpartum care includes behavioral, dietary, and herbal therapy to help facilitate uterine recovery for women after delivery. In 1 clinical study of 127 postpartum women between 4 and 6 weeks postdelivery, the anteroposterior diameter of the uterus and cavity were significantly reduced with herbal supplementation of E. ulmoides during the first postpartum month.(Ho 2011)

Wound healing

Animal and in vitro data

A ginseng to E. ulmoides leaf formula ratio of 1:3 was effective in stimulating collagen synthesis and preventing decreased protein metabolism in rat granuloma.(Metori 1997) Aucubin from E. ulmoides protected against ultraviolet B–induced free radicals in a human skin fibroblast cell line by decreasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)–1 production and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Reducing MMP-1 production led to reduced degradation of the extracellular matrix by photoaging. Reducing beta-galactosidase activity led to less activity by senescent fibroblasts, producing less collagen and elastin.(Ho 2005)

A methanol extract of E. ulmoides leaves stimulated collagen synthesis in aged model rats.(Li 1998) The active ingredients of the methanol extract were identified as geniposidic acid and aucubin. A similar study in false-aged model rats administered a methanol extract of E. ulmoides leaves, with the active ingredient geniposidic acid, improved the turnover or collagen synthesis rate in the stratum corneum.(Li 1999) Over 3 weeks, granuloma formation and collagen content were improved in healthy rats administered an E. ulmoides hot water leaf extract.(Li 2000) Histochemical evaluation revealed new capillary vessels and a greater number of fibroblasts and monocytes.

Dosing

Clinical trial data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. E. ulmoides (du zhong) is commercially available as a combination product or alone as a capsule, tablet, powder, or tea, primarily for treating hypertension.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented. Theoretically, patients self-medicating with E. ulmoides may experience additive adverse effects if taking anticoagulant, antiplatelet, low-molecular-weight heparins, or thrombolytic medications. Additive adverse effects with medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight reduction may also be possible.

Adverse Reactions

One clinical study documented moderately severe headache, dizziness, edema, and onset of a cold. Serum glucose levels increased by 3±2 mg/dL from a baseline of 95±3 mg/dL. Serum creatinine increased by 0.02±0.01 mg/dL from a baseline of 0.87±0.03 mg/dL.(Greenway 2011)

In a biological screening assay, some E. ulmoides estrogenic compounds exerted high potency on transactivating estrogen receptor–alpha but lacked selectivity for estrogen receptor–beta signaling. Selective estrogen receptor–alpha activity may increase the risk of estrogen receptor–alpha breast cancers, uterotrophic activities, and thromboembolic disorders.(Wang 2011)

Toxicology

No toxicology information in humans is available. One study found no acute toxic symptoms in mice treated with 6.68 g/kg of Eucommia lignans after 14 days. The 6.68 g/kg dose is equivalent to almost 334 times the human clinical dose.(Li 2012) No acute toxicity in rats occurred with 1,200 mg/kg of E. ulmoides bark extract (standardized to 8% pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside); no toxicity was evident as determined by clinical appearance, histopathology, and serum chemistry for repeated dosing of 200, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg over 28 days.(Greenway 2011)

Index Terms

References

Disclaimer

This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.

This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.

More about du zhong

Related treatment guides

Chai X, Wang Y, Su Y, et al. A rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ten compounds in Eucommia ulmodies Oliv. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2012;57:52-61. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2011.08.02321907523
Chen LJ, Hu TW, Huang LC. A protocol toward multiplication of the medicinal tree, Eucommia ulmoides oliver. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol. 1995;31(4):193-198.
Chen S, Zeng X, Zong W, et al. Aucubin alleviates seizures activity in Li-pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice: involvement of inhibition of neuroinflammation and regulation of neurotransmission. Neurochem Res. 2019;44(2):472-484. doi:10.1007/s11064-018-2700-y30666488
Duan M, Yuan Y, Liu C, et al. Indigo fruits ingredient, aucubin, protects against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2019;371(2):348-359. doi:10.1124/jpet.119.25906931467086
Fan S, Yin Q, Li D, et al. Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. in a Parkinson's mouse model through the regulation of p38/JNK-Fosl2 gene expression. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;260:113016. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.11301632464317
Fujikawa T, Hirata T, Wada A, et al. Chronic administration of Eucommia leaf stimulates metabolic function of rats across several organs. Br J Nutr. 2010;104(12):1868-1877. doi:10.1017/S000711451000296520691136
Gao W, Feng Z, Zhang S, et al. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating ROS and the TLR-4-NF-κB pathway. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:1860637. doi:10.1155/2020/186063732566664
Gong M, Li Q, Guo H, et al. Protective effect of active components of Eucommia ulmoides leaves on gastric ulcers in rats: involvement of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. J Food Sci. 2022;87(7):3207-3222. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.1621435733355
Greenway F, Liu Z, Yu Y, Gupta A. A clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a standardized Eucommia ulmoides Oliver bark extract to treat hypertension. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):338-347.22214253
Han R, Yu Y, Zhao K, Wei J, Hui Y, Gao JM. Lignans from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaves exhibit neuroprotective effects via activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathways in H2O2-treated PC-12 cells. Phytomedicine. 2022;101:154124. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.15412435487038
Hashikawa-Hobara N, Hashikawa N, Sugiman N, et al. Oral administration of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves extract protects against atherosclerosis by improving macrophage function in ApoE knockout mice. J Food Sci. 2020;85(11):4018-4024. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.1546132990381
He K, Li X, Chen X, et al. Evaluation of antidiabetic potential of selected traditional Chinese medicines in STZ-induced diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(3):1135-1142. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.03321798327
Hirata T, Kobayashi T, Wada A, et al. Anti-obesity compounds in green leaves of Eucommia ulmoides. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2011;21(6):1786-1791. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.01.06021324693
Ho JN, Lee YH, Park JS, et al. Protective effects of aucubin isolated from Eucommia ulmoides against UVB-induced oxidative stress in human skin fibroblasts. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005;28(7):1244-1248. doi:10.1248/bpb.28.124415997107
Ho M, Li TC, Su SY. The association between traditional Chinese dietary and herbal therapies and uterine involution in postpartum women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:918291. doi:10.1155/2011/91829121584195
Horii Y, Tanida M, Shen J, et al. Effects of Eucommia leaf extracts on autonomic nerves, body temperature, lipolysis, food intake, and body weight. Neurosci Lett. 2010;479(3):181-186. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2010.05.03020580657
Hsieh CL, Yen GC. Antioxidant actions of du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) toward oxidative damage in biomolecules. Life Sci. 2000;66(15):1387-1400. doi:10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00450-111210714
Huang RH, Xiang Y, Liu XZ, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Wang DC. Two novel antifungal peptides distinct with a five-disulfide motif from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. FEBS Lett. 2002;521(1-3):87-90. doi:10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02829-612067732
Hung MY, Fu TY, Shih PH, Lee CP, Yen GC. Du-Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) leaves inhibits CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006;44(8):1424-1431. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2006.03.00916707202
Jiang L, Wang Z, Zhu HW, et al. Beneficial effect of Eucommia polysaccharides on systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome induced by Campylobacter jejuni in BALB/c mice. Inflammation. 2011;34(5):402-411. doi:10.1007/s10753-010-9247-720814813
Jin X, Amitani K, Zamami Y, et al. Ameliorative effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves extract (ELE) on insulin resistance and abnormal perivascular innervation in fructose-drinking rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;128(3):672-678. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.02.01920219664
Kim HY, Moon BH, Lee HJ, Choi DH. Flavonol glycosides from the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides O. with glycation inhibitory activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;93(2-3):227-230. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.04715234757
Kim MY, Yoo GY, Yoo WH, et al. Four-week inhalation toxicity, mutagenicity and immunotoxicity studies of Keum-Yeon-Cho (NosmoQ), tobacco substitute composition, in mice. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003;13(1):37-46. doi:10.1016/s1382-6689(02)00128-x21782647
Kwan CY, Chen CX, Deyama T, Nishibe S. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effects of the aqueous extracts of the Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaf and bark: implications on their antihypertensive action. Vascul Pharmacol. 2003;40(5):229-235. doi:10.1016/j.vph.2003.09.00115259789
Kwon SH, Kim MJ, Ma SX, et al. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark. protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;142(2):337-345. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.04.01022735663
Kwon SH, Lee HK, Kim JA, et al. Neuroprotective effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark on amyloid beta(25-35)-induced learning and memory impairments in mice. Neurosci Lett. 2011;487(1):123-127. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2010.10.04220974223
Lee GH, Lee HY, Park SA, Shin TS, Chae HJ. Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract ameliorates steatosis induced by high-fat diet in rats by increasing lysosomal function. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):426. doi:10.3390/nu1102042630781653
Lee MK, Kim MJ, Cho SY, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2005;67(1):22-28. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2004.05.01315620430
Li J, Liang X, Zhou B, et al. (+)‑pinoresinol‑O‑β‑D‑glucopyranoside from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and its anti‑inflammatory and antiviral effects against influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Mol Med Rep. 2019;19(1):563-572. doi:10.3892/mmr.2018.969630483751
Li L, Yan J, Hu K, et al. Protective effects of Eucommia lignans against hypertensive renal injury by inhibiting expression of aldose reductase. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;139(2):454-461. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.03222138658
Li Y, Metori K, Koike K, et al. Granuloma maturation in the rat is advanced by the oral administration of Eucommia ulmoides OLIVER leaf. Biol Pharm Bull. 2000;23(1):60-65. doi:10.1248/bpb.23.6010706412
Li Y, Metori K, Koike K, Che QM, Takahashi S. Improvement in the turnover rate of the stratum corneum in false aged model rats by the administration of geniposidic acid in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Leaf. Biol Pharm Bull. 1999;22(6):582-585. doi:10.1248/bpb.22.58210408230
Li Y, Sato T, Metori K, Koike K, Che QM, Takahashi S. The promoting effects of geniposidic acid and aucubin in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaves on collagen synthesis. Biol Pharm Bull. 1998;21(12):1306-1310. doi:10.1248/bpb.21.13069881644
Li Y, Wang MJ, Li S, et al. Effect of total glycosides from Eucommia ulmoides seed on bone microarchitecture in rats. Phytother Res. 2011;25(12):1895-1897. doi:10.1002/ptr.354321674630
Liu E, Han L, Wang J, et al. Eucommia ulmoides bark protects against renal injury in cadmium-challenged rats. J Med Food. 2012;15(3):307-314. doi:10.1089/jmf.2011.175622181069
Luo LF, Wu WH, Zhou YJ, Yan J, Yang GP, Ouyang DS. Antihypertensive effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. extracts in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;129(2):238-243. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.01920347950
Mengdi Z, Jiayi L, Canfeng L, Guofeng W, et al. Surface modification of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to enhance osteointergration by grafting strontium Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;211:230-237. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.04835561859
Metori K, Furutsu M, Takahashi S. The preventive effect of ginseng with du-zhong leaf on protein metabolism in aging. Biol Pharm Bull. 1997;20(3):237-242. doi:10.1248/bpb.20.2379084879
Miyanaga K, Aly UI, Tanji Y, Unno H. Aggregate characteristics of callus derived from woody plant Eucommia ulmoides. Biochem Eng J. 2004;21(2):149-153.
Murakami S, Tasaka Y, Takatori S, Tanaka A, Kawasaki H, Araki H. Effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract on chronic dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2018;41(6):864-868. doi:10.1248/bpb.b17-0087829863075
Nakamura T, Nakazawa Y, Onizuka S, et al. Antimutagenicity of Tochu tea (an aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves): 1. The clastogen-suppressing effects of Tochu tea in CHO cells and mice. Mutat Res. 1997;388(1):7-20. doi:10.1016/s1383-5718(96)00096-49025787
Park SA, Choi MS, Kim MJ, et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic action of Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliver) leaves water extract in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;107(3):412-417. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.03.03416684593
Peng MF, Tian S, Song YG, et al. Effects of total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance model rats induced by letrozole combined with a high-fat diet. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;273:113947. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.11394733617969
Sasaki YF, Chiba A, Murakami M, et al. Antimutagenicity of Tochu tea (an aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves): 2. Suppressing effect of Tochu tea on the urine mutagenicity after ingestion of raw fish and cooked beef. Mutat Res. 1996;371(3-4):203-214. doi:10.1016/s0165-1218(96)90108-19008721
Sun C, Zhang S, Ba S, et al. Eucommia ulmoides Olive male flower extracts ameliorate Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in zebrafish via regulating autophagy, acetylcholinesterase, and the dopamine transporter. Front Mol Neurosci. 2022;15:901953. doi:10.3389/fnmol.2022.90195335754707
Sun Z, Li F, Du H, Zhu J, Wang YP. A novel silvicultural model for increasing biopolymer production from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver trees. Ind Crops Prod. 2013;42:216-222.
Takamura C, Hirata T, Ueda T, et al. Iridoids from the green leaves of Eucommia ulmoides. J Nat Prod. 2007;70(8):1312-1316. doi:10.1021/np078004617691745
Takeno S, Bamba T, Nakazawa Y, Fukusaki E, Okazawa A, Kobayashi A. Quantification of trans-1,4-polyisoprene in Eucommia ulmoides by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. J Biosci Bioeng. 2008;105(4):355-359. doi:10.1263/jbb.105.35518499051
Wang H, Li MC, Yang J, et al. Estrogenic properties of six compounds derived from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and their differing biological activity through estrogen receptors α and β. Food Chem. 2011;129(2):408-416. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.04.09230634245
Wang JL, Liu EW, Zhang Y, Wang T, Han LF, Gao XM. Validation of a HPLC-tandem MS/MS method for pharmacokinetics study of (+)-pinoresinol-di-β-D-glucopyranoside from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv extract in rats' plasma. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;139(2):337-342. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.03722134102
Warneke S, Arenskotter M. Bacterial degradation of poly(trans-1,4-isoprene) (gutta percha). Microbiology (Reading). 2007;153(pt 2):347-356. doi:10.1099/mic.0.2006/000109-017259606
Wu QQ, Xiao Y, Duan MX, et al. Aucubin protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac remodelling via the β3 -adrenoceptor-neuronal NOS cascades. Br J Pharmacol. 2018;175(9):1548-1566. doi:10.1111/bph.1416429447430
Xing M, Liu S, Yu Y, et al. Antibacterial mode of Eucommia ulmoides male flower extract against Staphylococcus aureus and its application as a natural preservative in cooked beef. Front Microbiol. 2022;13:846622. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.84662235350615
Xu Z, Tang M, Li Y, Liu F, Li X, Dai R. Antioxidant properties of Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) extracts and their effects on color stability and lipid oxidation of raw pork patties. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58(12):7289-7296. doi:10.1021/jf100304t20499841
Yang J, Kato K, Noguchi K, et al. Tochu (Eucommia ulmoides) leaf extract prevents ammonia and vitamin C deficiency induced gastric mucosal injury. Life Sci. 2003;73(25):3245-3256. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2003.06.01114561529
Yao X, Deng J, Huang H. Genetic diversity in Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae), an endangered traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Conserv Genet. 2012;13(6):1499-1507.
Yen GC, Hsieh CL. Inhibitory effects of Du zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) against low-density lipoprotein oxidative modification. Food Chem. 2002;77(4):449-456.
Zhang J, Xue Z. A comparative study on the properties of Eucommia ulmoides gum and synthetic trans-1,4-polyisoprene. Poly Test. 2011;30(7):753-759.
Zhang L, Ji X, Tan B, et al. Identification of the composition of fatty acids in Eucommia ulmoides seed oil by fraction chain length and mass spectrometry. Food Chem. 2010;121(3):815-819.
Zhang R, Liu ZG, Li C, et al. Du-Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) cortex extract prevent OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats. Bone. 2009;45(3):553-559. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2008.08.12718835589
Zhang WH, Li G, Dong HS, Liu ZL, Xiong CL. The effects of eucommia ulmoides oliv on catching action of diabetic rats and myelinated nerve fibers in penile tissues. Article in Chinese. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2006;12(5):466-469.16755883
Zhang Y, Wang JY, Wang H, Chen XY, Zhang L, Yuan Y. An alcohol extract prepared from the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. promotes synoviocyte apoptosis and ameliorates bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Chin Med. 2021;16(1):113. doi:10.1186/s13020-021-00522-234742322
Zhou Y, Liang M, Li W, et al. Protective effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. bark and leaf on amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2009;28(3):342-349. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2009.05.01221784025
Zhu H, Di H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Chen D. A protein-bound polysaccharide from the stem bark of Eucommia ulmoides and its anti-complementary effect. Carbohydr Res. 2009;344(11):1319-1324. doi:10.1016/j.carres.2009.05.00119505678
Zhu H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Chen D. Isolation and characterization of an anti-complementary protein-bound polysaccharide from the stem barks of Eucommia ulmoides. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008;8(9):1222-1230. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2008.04.01218602068

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health