brucea javanica

Brucea javanica is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, historically used in traditional Chinese medicine for a range of ailments, especially dysentery, malaria, fevers, intestinal inflammation, and cancer[2][6][3][4]. The fruit and seeds are the primary source for extracts and oils, notably the formulation known as Brucea javanica oil, which has been clinically used to treat various cancers including pancreatic, lung, breast, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal, and gastric cancers[1][6]. Its mechanism of action is multifaceted, involving inhibition of cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and induction of cell apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells[5]. Major bioactive constituents isolated from Brucea javanica include quassinoids (brusatol, bruceine D), triterpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds show anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory (by inhibition of NF-κB pathway), anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties[1][8][2][3]. While shown effective in observational clinical use (especially in China), higher-quality trials are needed. Toxicity data are limited, though most plant parts appear relatively safe except for possible skin irritation with contact and specific adverse effects for some constituents like bruceine D[1][2].

Brand names

brucea javanica oil

Other names

ya tan tzebrucea amarissimabrucea sumatranagonus amarissimusrhus javanica