Improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of Eucommia ulmoides

Chinese researchers summarized findings on the main active compounds, biological functions and pharmacological effects of different parts of Eucommia ulmoides (hardy rubber tree). Their review was published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness.

• E. ulmoides is widely cultivated in China and is considered a valuable tonic Chinese medicine.
• It has a long history of medicinal use, as well as great economic value and comprehensive development potential.
• The comprehensive utilization rate of E. ulmoides is still very low, and only its bark is used for medicine.
• On the other hand, E. ulmoides leaves have been used as food ingredients in Japan in recent years.
• The researchers conducted this review to improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of E. ulmoides.
• Their findings suggest that other parts of E. ulmoides can be used as a replacement for the bark of E. ulmoides to some extent, besides their respective applications.
• Besides bioactive components, E. ulmoides also has plenty of beneficial properties, such as antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, osteoprotective and hepatoprotective activities, among others.
• The unique and extensive physiological functions of different parts of E. ulmoides indicate a huge potential for development.

The researchers believe that exploring the many applications of E. ulmoides is an effective way to protect this medicinal plant and improve its utilization rate.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Xing YF, He D, Wang Y, Zeng W, Zhang C, Lu Y, Su N, Kong YH, Xing XH. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS FOR COMPREHENSIVE UTILIZATION OF EUCOMMIA ULMOIDES OLIVER. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2019;8(2):177–188. DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2019.03.013