# Rutaecarpine (Indolopyridoquinazoline Alkaloid)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rutaecarpine
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Rutaecarpine alkaloid, Indolopyridoquinazolinone alkaloid, Wu Zhu Yu alkaloid, Evodia alkaloid, RUT, IPQA alkaloid, Tetradium ruticarpum alkaloid

## Overview

Rutaecarpine is an indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloid extracted from Tetradium ruticarpum (formerly Evodia rutaecarpa) that demonstrates antithrombotic and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties. This compound works through multiple mechanisms including [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) protection and antiplatelet activity that exceeds aspirin potency on a molar basis.

## Health Benefits

• May support [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) by protecting against [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) dysfunction (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 37468737)
• Demonstrates antithrombotic effects approximately twofold more potent than aspirin on a molar basis (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 10930986)
• Shows potential for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel disease management through Nrf2 pathway activation (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 31874248)
• Protects endothelial cells from [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-induced damage (preliminary cell culture evidence, PMID: 40427497)
• May influence drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by inducing metabolic enzymes (preliminary evidence, PMID: 21468923)

## Mechanism of Action

Rutaecarpine protects [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) by preventing dysfunction in neuronal cells, supporting [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) health through enhanced cellular energy production. The compound exhibits antithrombotic activity through antiplatelet mechanisms that are approximately twofold more potent than aspirin on a molar basis. Its indolopyridoquinazoline structure allows interaction with multiple cellular pathways involved in thrombosis and neuronal protection.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for rutaecarpine comes primarily from preliminary animal studies with limited human clinical data available. Animal research demonstrates significant antithrombotic effects with potency exceeding aspirin by twofold on a molar basis (PMID: 10930986). Neuroprotective studies in animal models show [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) protection benefits for [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) (PMID: 37468737). Human clinical trials with specific dosing protocols and safety profiles are needed to establish therapeutic applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Rutaecarpine is a pure alkaloid compound (not a food or nutritional ingredient), therefore it has no macronutrient, micronutrient, fiber, or protein content in the conventional nutritional sense. It is an indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloid with molecular formula C18H13N3O and molecular weight of 287.32 g/mol. It is the primary bioactive constituent isolated from Evodia rutaecarpa (Wu Zhu Yu) fruit, typically present in the dried fruit at concentrations ranging from approximately 0.01–0.1% by dry weight depending on species and extraction method. As a pure compound, it is used in research and supplement contexts at doses of 1–30 mg/kg in animal studies. Bioavailability: rutaecarpine demonstrates poor oral bioavailability (~10–20% estimated in rodent models) due to extensive first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); it is rapidly metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP1A1 enzymes into hydroxylated metabolites (e.g., 3-hydroxyrutaecarpine, 10-hydroxyrutaecarpine), some of which retain partial biological activity. It is lipophilic (LogP approximately 2.8), with limited water solubility (~0.05 mg/mL), which constrains absorption. No vitamins, minerals, fiber, or caloric value are associated with this compound.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available. Animal studies used doses of 200 microg/g intravenously and 25-50 microg/g for various models, but these cannot be extrapolated to human use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for rutaecarpine in humans is limited due to lack of comprehensive clinical studies. Given its potent antithrombotic effects exceeding aspirin, potential interactions with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs could increase bleeding risk. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established through human studies. Individuals with bleeding disorders or scheduled for surgery should exercise caution due to the compound's antiplatelet activity.

## Scientific Research

Currently, no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses exist for rutaecarpine. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies using animal models (mice and rats) and cell culture systems, with researchers noting that rutaecarpine's potential 'must be assessed further for toxicity' (PMID: 10930986).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Evodia rutaecarpa (Wu Zhu Yu) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat headache, abdominal pain, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery, and amenorrhea. The herb remains clinically used in China and is classified as a versatile medicinal plant within the Rutaceae family.

## Synergistic Combinations

Nrf2 activators, AMPK activators, [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) support compounds, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) herbs, traditional Chinese medicine formulas

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How potent is rutaecarpine compared to aspirin?

Rutaecarpine demonstrates antithrombotic effects approximately twofold more potent than aspirin on a molar basis according to animal studies. This suggests rutaecarpine may be effective at lower doses than aspirin for similar antiplatelet benefits.

### What plant does rutaecarpine come from?

Rutaecarpine is extracted from Tetradium ruticarpum, formerly known as Evodia rutaecarpa, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. This indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloid is one of the primary bioactive compounds isolated from the fruit of this plant.

### Does rutaecarpine help with cognitive function?

Preliminary animal evidence suggests rutaecarpine may support cognitive function by protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction in neuronal cells. However, human clinical studies are needed to confirm cognitive benefits and establish effective dosing protocols.

### Can rutaecarpine be taken with blood thinners?

Rutaecarpine should be used cautiously with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications due to its potent antithrombotic effects. The combination could potentially increase bleeding risk, requiring medical supervision and possible dose adjustments of blood-thinning medications.

### What is the chemical structure of rutaecarpine?

Rutaecarpine belongs to the indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloid family, characterized by a complex ring structure containing indole, pyridine, and quinazoline components. This unique molecular structure contributes to its biological activity and distinguishes it from other alkaloid compounds.

### What is the current state of clinical research on rutaecarpine in humans?

Most research on rutaecarpine has been conducted in animal models and laboratory studies, with limited human clinical trials published to date. While preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for cognitive function, inflammatory bowel disease, and blood flow, these findings require confirmation through well-designed human studies before definitive health claims can be made. The strength of evidence remains in the preclinical stage, meaning supplementation decisions should be made cautiously and preferably under professional guidance.

### Who should avoid taking rutaecarpine supplements?

Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (such as warfarin or clopidogrel) should avoid rutaecarpine due to its documented antithrombotic effects that could potentiate bleeding risk. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid rutaecarpine as safety data in these populations is lacking. People with clotting disorders or those scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use, given the ingredient's blood-thinning properties.

### What is the typical dosage range for rutaecarpine in supplement form?

There is no established safe or effective human dosage for rutaecarpine, as clinical dose-ranging studies in humans have not been conducted. Most supplement products use doses extrapolated from animal research, typically ranging from 200–600 mg daily, but these lack scientific validation in human populations. Anyone considering rutaecarpine supplementation should start with lower doses and seek guidance from a healthcare practitioner to determine appropriate intake.

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