Evodia

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Evodia (Evodia rutaecarpa or Tetradium ruticarpum, wu zhu yu) is a Chinese herbal medicine fruit traditionally used for cold and damp conditions, digestive complaints, and headaches.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Thermogenesis and weight management (modern marketing)

Mixed Evidence

Mechanistic data on evodiamine and TRPV1 activation exist; human evidence at typical supplement doses for weight outcomes is lacking.

How it works

Evodia fruit contains evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and other quinazoline alkaloids. Evodiamine acts on TRPV1 (capsaicin) receptors with thermogenic potential. Rutaecarpine has been studied for vascular effects. Traditional formulas use evodia in modest amounts, often paired with other warming herbs.

Dosage

Traditional decoction: 1.5-6 g of dried fruit per day. Modern supplement extracts vary; doses are usually small because of the potency of evodia alkaloids.

When and how to take it

Used as part of formulas, usually with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Evodia fruit / decoction

Used in TCM formulas.

Traditional preparation.

Evodia extract standardized to evodiamine

Used in modern stack products.

Pharmacokinetics in humans not well characterized.

Safety

Traditional doses are generally well tolerated. High-dose extracts may cause cardiovascular effects (blood pressure changes), GI symptoms, and possible hepatotoxicity. Some commercial products have been adulterated with stimulants.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (traditionally classified as warming and contraindicated). Caution with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stimulant medications.

Interactions

Possible CYP enzyme effects. Possible additive effects with antihypertensives and stimulants.

Food sources

Evodia fruit (not a culinary food)

Amount
n/a
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does evodia really help with weight loss?⌄

Mechanistic data are intriguing but human evidence is weak. Realistic expectations should be low.

Is evodia safe?⌄

Traditional small doses are generally tolerated. Concentrated high-dose extracts can cause cardiovascular and possibly liver effects.

References

Evodia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Evodia on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Evodia (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Evodia with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.