Evodiamine

Evodiamine

Evodiamine is a chemical compound extracted from the plant Evodia rutaecarpa. It is classified as an alkaloid and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

History

The use of Evodia rutaecarpa in traditional Chinese medicine dates back to the Han Dynasty. The plant, and by extension evodiamine, was used to treat a variety of ailments, including abdominal pain, headache, postpartum hemorrhage, and dysentery.

Chemical Structure

Evodiamine is a quinazolinocarboline alkaloid. Its chemical structure includes a quinazoline nucleus, which is a bicyclic compound consisting of a benzene ring fused to a pyrimidine ring.

Pharmacology

Evodiamine has been studied for its potential pharmacological effects. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and thermogenic properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Evodiamine has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that promote inflammation. This suggests that evodiamine may have potential as a treatment for inflammatory diseases.

Anti-Obesity Effects

Research has indicated that evodiamine may help to prevent obesity by increasing the body's basal metabolic rate. This is thought to be due to its thermogenic effects, which cause the body to produce more heat and therefore burn more calories.

Anti-Cancer Effects

Evodiamine has been found to inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells in laboratory studies. This includes breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine whether evodiamine could be used as a treatment for cancer in humans.

Safety and Toxicity

While evodiamine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, its safety and toxicity in humans have not been thoroughly studied. As such, it is important to use evodiamine with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

See Also

• Evodia rutaecarpa
• Alkaloid
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Pharmacology