Wu-Zhu-Yu Decoction

Wu-Zhu-Yu Decoction (also known as Evodia Decoction) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that originated from Zhang Zhongjing's "Shang Han Lun" in the Eastern Han Dynasty (around 220 AD) [4, 6, 13, 19]. It is composed of four main herbs: Evodiae Fructus (Wu Zhu Yu), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang - fresh ginger), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen - ginseng root), and Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao - jujube) [1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 19, 24]. The decoction is primarily used to warm the middle jiao (digestive system) and liver, dispel cold, direct rebellious Qi downward, and stop vomiting and pain [1, 4, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22]. It is widely applied in clinical practice for conditions such as headache (including migraine), gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, epigastric pain, diarrhea), and other cold-related syndromes [1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18]. Recent research explores its mechanism of action through network pharmacology and molecular docking, identifying active ingredients like Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Nuciferin, ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1), rutaevine, limonin, and evodiamine, and their potential targets such as AKT1, MAPK1, JUN, TP53, and ESR1 [3, 11, 23]. It has also been shown to regulate 5-HT1A and 3A receptors in the brain and intestine, influencing neurotransmitters and inflammatory markers in chronic migraine [13, 17].

Brand names

TCMzoneSun Ten

Other names

Evodia DecoctionWuzhuyu Decoction