thuja orientalis

Thuja orientalis is an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), used in traditional East Asian medicine. Extracts from the leaves, twigs, and seeds are used for a variety of indications, such as treating gout, rheumatism, diarrhea, chronic tracheitis, and hair loss. In preclinical studies, its extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and possible hair-growth-promoting effects. Mechanistically, Thuja orientalis may exert its effects by reducing Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and eotaxin, inhibiting expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in inflammatory models, and acting as a 5α-reductase inhibitor, which might be relevant in androgenetic alopecia. The plant contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids and diterpenes. No large, high-quality clinical trials for single-ingredient Thuja orientalis products have been published.

Other names

thujaoriental arborvitaeplatycladus orientalisChinese cedarbiota