Java Brucea

Botanical

What is it

Java brucea (Brucea javanica) is a small tree native to Southeast Asia. The dried fruit (ya dan zi in Chinese) is used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for parasitic infections and warts.

How it works

Brucea javanica fruit contains quassinoids (notably bruceantin, bruceine, and bruceolide compounds), which have antiparasitic and cytotoxic activity in laboratory studies. Some research has explored quassinoid derivatives in cancer treatment, though clinical translation has been limited by toxicity. Traditional Chinese medicine uses small doses orally for dysentery and applies oil emulsion topically for warts. Modern use is limited because of the narrow therapeutic window.

Dosage

Traditional internal doses are very low (often 10 to 20 fruits per day, used briefly) due to toxicity. There is no consumer-safe self-administration dose.

When and how to take it

Traditional internal use is brief, typically for several days under practitioner supervision, not as a maintenance supplement.

2 commercial forms

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

Brucea javanica fruit (ya dan zi)

Used in traditional Chinese medicine in low doses for specific indications.

Quassinoids absorbed in small intestine; narrow therapeutic window.

Brucea oil emulsion (topical/injectable)

Used in some Chinese clinical settings for specific cancers under specialist supervision.

Some forms used as adjunctive cancer therapy in China.

Safety

Reported risks include gastrointestinal toxicity, liver damage at higher doses, and bone marrow suppression with prolonged use. Quassinoids have a narrow therapeutic window.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and in anyone with liver disease, low blood cell counts, or active cancer treatment. Should only be used under qualified practitioner supervision.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with chemotherapy agents, hepatotoxic drugs, and bone marrow-suppressing medications. Limited formal data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Java brucea safe to use as a supplement?⌄

No. Java brucea has a narrow therapeutic window and notable toxicity. It should not be self-administered.

Can it treat cancer?⌄

Brucea oil is used in some Chinese clinical settings as adjunctive cancer therapy, but it is not a substitute for evidence-based oncology care.

References

Java Brucea on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Java Brucea (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Java Brucea with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
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.