# Eucommia (Eucommia ulmoides) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eucommia **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 6 / 10 **Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine **Also Known As:** Eucommia ulmoides, Duzhong, Tochu, Chinese rubber tree, Hardy rubber tree, Gutta-percha tree, Du Zhong ## Overview Eucommia ulmoides is a traditional Chinese medicinal bark containing chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid that supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through ACE inhibition and nitric oxide enhancement. Clinical studies demonstrate its ability to reduce blood pressure by approximately 7.5/3.9 mmHg in hypertensive patients. ## Health Benefits • [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction: Clinical trial showed 7.5/3.9 mmHg reduction in systolic/diastolic pressure (moderate evidence, PMID: 22214253) • Chronic kidney disease support: Small trial (n=17) demonstrated significant blood pressure reduction in CKD patients (preliminary evidence, PMID: 40575587) • Potential osteoarthritis relief: Two ongoing RCTs investigating pain reduction (evidence pending, NCT03744611) • Stroke recovery: Animal studies show [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through gut microbiota modulation (preliminary evidence, PMID: 41288788) • Bone health: Meta-analysis of 18 rat studies suggests [osteoporosis](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) benefits (animal evidence only) ## Mechanism of Action Eucommia's chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release. The bark's lignans and iridoids enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, promoting vasodilation. Additional compounds like aucubin modulate calcium channels and support renal function through anti-[inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. ## Clinical Summary A randomized controlled trial demonstrated Eucommia extract reduced systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 7.5 mmHg and diastolic by 3.9 mmHg in hypertensive patients over 8 weeks. A smaller preliminary study in 17 chronic kidney disease patients showed significant blood pressure improvements with daily supplementation. Current evidence is moderate quality with limited large-scale trials. Most studies used standardized bark extracts containing 3-5% chlorogenic acid at doses of 500-1000mg daily. ## Nutritional Profile Eucommia ulmoides bark (Du Zhong) is not consumed as a food source for macronutrients but contains a well-characterized array of bioactive compounds. Macronutrient content is negligible in typical therapeutic doses (3–15g dried bark). Key bioactive constituents include: (1) Lignans — pinoresinol diglucoside (0.1–0.5% dry weight), medioresinol, syringaresinol, identified as primary antihypertensive agents; (2) Iridoids — aucubin (~0.07–0.12% dry weight) and geniposide, contributing to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and renal-protective effects; (3) Chlorogenic acid — a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative present at approximately 0.5–1.2% dry weight, contributing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and vasodilatory activity; (4) Gutta-percha (trans-polyisoprene) — a unique rubber-like polymer comprising 6–10% of bark dry weight, biologically inert but structurally distinctive; (5) Flavonoids — quercetin and rutin detected at trace levels (<0.05% dry weight); (6) Phenylpropanoids — including coniferin and syringin; (7) Minerals — bark contains modest calcium (~180–220 mg/100g dry weight), potassium (~300–400 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (~50–80 mg/100g dry weight), and trace zinc and iron; (8) Dietary fiber — approximately 20–30% of dry bark weight as structural polysaccharides, though not consumed in fiber-relevant quantities in herbal doses. Bioavailability notes: Pinoresinol diglucoside requires [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) conversion to aglycone forms for absorption; chlorogenic acid has moderate oral bioavailability (~30%); iridoid glycosides show variable absorption dependent on gut flora; standardized extracts (often to 1% pinoresinol diglucoside or 5% total iridoids) are used in clinical preparations to ensure consistent dosing. ## Dosage & Preparation Clinically studied dosages include: Bark extract standardized to 8% pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside at 500 mg three times daily (1.5 g/day) for hypertension; Leaf extract tablets for approximately 33 days in kidney disease studies (exact dose unspecified). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Eucommia is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users. It may enhance the effects of ACE inhibitors and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, requiring medical supervision. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. No significant drug interactions have been documented, though caution is advised with anticoagulant medications. ## Scientific Research Human clinical evidence is limited to small-scale studies, with a randomized placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 22214253) showing [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction using standardized bark extract (8% pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside). An exploratory trial (PMID: 40575587) in 17 participants found significant blood pressure improvements, particularly in those with mild chronic kidney disease. Two multicenter RCTs for osteoarthritis are underway but results are pending (NCT03744611, PMID: 31852118). ## Historical & Cultural Context Eucommia ulmoides (Duzhong) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, documented in ancient texts like Shennong Bencao Jing, primarily for strengthening bones and tendons, tonifying kidney and liver yin, and treating hypertension. It is also integral to Japanese Kampo medicine as Tochu, where leaves and bark are prepared as tea for similar health applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Hawthorn, Hibiscus, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much eucommia should I take for blood pressure? Clinical studies used 500-1000mg of standardized eucommia bark extract daily, typically divided into two doses. Most effective extracts contained 3-5% chlorogenic acid and showed blood pressure benefits after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. ### What compounds in eucommia lower blood pressure? Chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid are the primary active compounds responsible for eucommia's blood pressure effects. These compounds work by inhibiting ACE enzyme activity and enhancing nitric oxide production in blood vessels. ### Can eucommia help with kidney disease? Preliminary evidence from a small study of 17 chronic kidney disease patients showed eucommia significantly reduced blood pressure, which is beneficial for kidney health. However, larger trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness specifically for kidney protection. ### Is eucommia safe with blood pressure medications? Eucommia may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications, particularly ACE inhibitors, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction. Medical supervision is recommended when combining eucommia with antihypertensive drugs to monitor for hypotension. ### How long does eucommia take to work for blood pressure? Clinical trials showed blood pressure reductions beginning after 4 weeks of daily eucommia supplementation, with maximum effects observed at 8 weeks. Consistent daily dosing of 500-1000mg is necessary to achieve therapeutic benefits. ### What is the most effective form of eucommia supplement? Eucommia is available as dried bark powder, water extracts, and standardized extracts, with water decoctions and extracts being traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Standardized extracts may offer more consistent dosing of active compounds like chlorogenic acid and geniposidic acid, though clinical trials have used various formulations with similar efficacy. The choice between forms often depends on convenience and individual absorption, as bioavailability data comparing specific forms is limited. ### Who should avoid taking eucommia supplements? Eucommia is generally well-tolerated, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited safety data in these populations. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Eucommiaceae family should avoid eucommia, and those with unstable blood pressure or severe kidney disease should seek medical guidance before supplementing. People taking blood pressure-lowering medications should discuss eucommia use with their doctor to prevent potential additive effects. ### What does research show about eucommia for joint and bone health? Two randomized controlled trials are currently investigating eucommia's potential for osteoarthritis pain relief, though results have not yet been published, making evidence-based recommendations premature. Eucommia has been used traditionally in Asian medicine for musculoskeletal support, but robust clinical evidence specifically for joint and bone health remains pending. Once ongoing trials conclude, clearer guidance on eucommia's effectiveness for osteoarthritis will become available. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*