Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing chlorogenic acids and lignans that support bone health and cardiovascular function. Its bioactive compounds inhibit bone resorption while promoting collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation through NF-κB pathway modulation.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Du Zhong is derived from the bark of the Eucommia ulmoides tree, native to China. The bark is harvested and dried for use in traditional medicine.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research on Du Zhong includes studies on its potential to support cardiovascular health and improve bone density. Some clinical trials suggest benefits for hypertension management.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides) bark is not consumed as a macronutrient source but contains a rich array of bioactive compounds. Key bioactive constituents include: Lignans - pinoresinol diglucoside (approximately 0.3-1.2% dry weight), the primary active lignan responsible for many therapeutic effects; Iridoids - aucubin and geniposidic acid (0.5-2.0% dry weight), contributing to anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions; Chlorogenic acid (0.1-0.5% dry weight), a phenolic antioxidant with cardiovascular benefits; Du Zhong rubber/gutta-percha (up to 6-10% in bark), trans-polyisoprene polymer unique to this plant; Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives (0.05-0.2% dry weight); Polysaccharides (approximately 3-8% dry weight) with immunomodulatory properties; Ulmoprenol and other triterpenoids (trace amounts, ~0.01-0.05%); Micronutrients: potassium (~400-600 mg/100g dry bark), calcium (~200-350 mg/100g), magnesium (~80-120 mg/100g), zinc (~2-4 mg/100g), manganese (~1-3 mg/100g); Protein content is minimal (~2-4% dry weight, primarily structural proteins); Fiber content approximately 15-25% dry weight (largely insoluble). Bioavailability notes: Pinoresinol diglucoside undergoes gut microbiome conversion to bioavailable aglycone forms; chlorogenic acid bioavailability is estimated at 15-30%; water extraction (decoction) yields higher iridoid and polysaccharide content, while ethanol extraction favors lignans and flavonoids; standardized extracts are typically normalized to 10-15% total iridoids or 0.1% pinoresinol diglucoside.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Du Zhong's primary bioactive compounds include chlorogenic acids, geniposidic acid, and lignans like pinoresinol diglucoside. These compounds inhibit osteoclast activity while stimulating osteoblast differentiation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. The herb also modulates the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and enhances nitric oxide production for cardiovascular benefits.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical studies on Du Zhong are limited but promising. A 12-week trial with 80 postmenopausal women showed 15% improvement in bone mineral density markers compared to placebo. Animal studies demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects and 25-30% reduction in arthritis-related joint damage. Human cardiovascular studies are preliminary, with one small trial showing modest blood pressure reductions in 40 participants over 8 weeks.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.