The Evodia Fruit and Rutaecarpine
As we navigate through our busy daily lives, many of us enjoy a favorite caffeinated beverage. One study of 37,602 consumers found that 85% of people in the United States drink at least one caffeine-laden beverage per day. And many drink even more. It’s no wonder that we are a nation of sleep-deprived souls. The team here at Do Good For Your Body is no different. In fact, we disliked having to stop drinking regular coffee early in the day so much that ten years ago, we were determined to find a way to enjoy it all day long. We knew that whatever we designed, it had to work without being addictive or sedating in any way. So, it was our love of coffee that led us to discover Rutaecarpine and the Evodia Fruit.
What is Evodia?
Evodia is a tree that is native to China and Korea. It is a tree of medium size, usually growing to a height of about twenty-five feet. The dark green leaves are long and shiny, with white flowers that bloom in early summer. During late summer or early fall, the tree produces small, reddish-brown fruit known as Evodia fruit. The fruit is harvested just before it is fully ripened and used for medicinal purposes, mainly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is classified as a “hot” herb, meaning that it reduces inner coldness. It’s also considered a strong-acting herb in TCM, as it is powerful in small doses.
What is Evodia Used For?
Evodia fruit, known as Wu-Chu-Yu in China, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. It was often used to treat disruption of the digestive tract, headaches, and postpartum hemorrhage. Rutaecarpine is an extract derived from Evodia fruit. It has been the subject of increasing studies over the past twenty years due to its anti-inflammatory effects. It has been studied in metabolism, insulin resistance, the cardiovascular system, and, most recently, Alzheimer’s Disease.
Rutaecarpine and Caffeine
To understand how Rutaecarpine affects caffeine, you need to understand a bit about how the body metabolizes caffeine. As you know, caffeine is a stimulant that affects the Central Nervous System. Once it enters your system, it’s absorbed by your body very quickly. For most people, caffeine delivers a quick burst of energy anywhere from within fifteen minutes to two hours. It also has a relatively long half-life. If your average cup of coffee has 100mg of caffeine and you drink it at 7 a.m., your body metabolizes about half that amount in four to five hours. Imagine how that builds up if you have another cup at 10 a.m. and then another cup in the afternoon?
The body processes caffeine in much a similar way as alcohol. They both use the same cellular pathway known as the microsomal oxidizing system, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of human cells. Caffeine molecules are broken down by an enzyme known as P450 CYP1A2. As this enzyme processes a caffeine molecule, it goes through a series of molecular changes, eventually winding up as methylated and unmethylated uric acids. These acids are then expelled through the body’s renal system. And of course, all of this takes time, hence the long half-life.
Rutaecarpine has been shown in animal models to support the body’s ability to metabolize caffeine.
Say What?
Ok, we know that was a lot of science. What does it mean for you? Well, if you rely on caffeine to power through the day, quite a lot! Have you ever known that you were going to be up late finishing some project, or maybe driving home from a friend’s house late at night? The chances are high that you thought to yourself at least once, “It’s ok, I’ll have some coffee to get me through.” And success! You make it home safely, or you finish your project a little earlier than you thought. You can’t wait to get to bed, except that once you settle in under the covers, you find yourself staring at the ceiling, too wired to get any shuteye.
Imagine if that wasn’t a problem anymore. What if you knew that you could rely on the energetic kick of caffeine to help you power through that late afternoon slog without consequence? Or that you can now enjoy that much-loved cup of coffee after dinner and be confident you will sleep like a baby shortly thereafter? That is the freedom having Daily De-Caffeinate at your disposal gives you.
Daily De-Caffeinate contains 100mg of Rutaecarpine as its active ingredient. Now you can consume caffeine all day long, even late into the afternoon and evening. Just remember to take a dose of Daily De-Caffeinate at least two hours before bedtime. This time frame gives the Rutaecarpine time to support the breakdown of caffeine. Now, your body can do what it does best…metabolize the caffeine and remove it from your system so you can get a restful night’s sleep.
Are There Any Adverse Effects?
There are no reported side effects from Evodia fruit, which is the natural source of Rutaecarpine. There are some things to take into consideration. There has been no testing of Rutaecarpine use on pregnant or breastfeeding patients, so avoid use if you are in either situation. Also, because Rutaecarpine supports the breakdown of caffeine, it may also reduce some drug levels metabolized by the same enzyme. Besides Theophylline, other drugs affected by P450 CYP1A2 might include clozapine, fluvoxamine, haloperidol, propranolol, etc. If you have concerns, check with your physician.
A Word About Caffeine Withdrawal
Because Rutaecarpine reduces caffeine levels in the body, some people may experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal happens when a substance the body is used to having is suddenly taken away. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headache, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Rutaecarpine, you can reverse them by drinking a caffeinated beverage.
Go Ahead, Grab Some ZZZZZZZZZ’s
Before you go to bed, let us summarize. The Evodia fruit has been used safely as an herbal supplement for literally thousands of years. It’s been used to treat digestive issues, headaches, and many other conditions. It has also been heralded for its anti-inflammatory properties. Rutaecarpine, the active ingredient in Daily De-Caffeinate, is derived from this ancient herbal supplement. Taking Daily-Decaffeinate just two hours before bedtime works with the body’s natural enzymes to metabolize any caffeine in your system. It is a natural acting sleep aid that allows you to sleep well while still enjoying all your favorite caffeinated beverages all day long.
