Rutaecarpine

English name: Rutaecarpine
CAS number: 84-26-4
Molecular formula: C18H13N3O
Molecular weight: 287.32
EINECS Number: 635-907-6

Rutaecaprine is an alkaloid isolated from the Evodia rutaecarpa tree.  Evodia is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as "Wu-Chu-Yu", a multi-purpose herb which has been used for a  wide variety of ailments in traditional oriental medicine.

Though Rutaecarpine is linked primarily to the Evodia tree, other plants within the Rutaceae family produce Rutaecarpine.  Other species including the Hortia, Phellodendron, Zanthoxylum, Vepris, Tetradium, Metrodorea, Spiranthera, Bouchardatia, and Fagara are known to contain the alkaloid. 

Native to China and Korea, Evodia rutaecarpa's fruit is the part of the tree most commonly used. The bitter-tasting fruit and the bark of the roots are used commonly for relief from pain caused by headaches, stomach afflictions, and some bleeding disorders.  The active pain-relieving constituents of the plant are derived from its primary alkaloids, evodiamine and rutaecarpine.  


The Benefits of Rutaecarpine

Animal research has indicated that Rutaecarpine inhibits the cycloocxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme which causes inflammation and sensations of pain within the body.  COX-2 inhibitors, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, are used to combat inflammation.  Other COX-2 inhibitors include ibuprofen, celecoxib, and etoricoxib.