Amazing Rubber Tree Bark for Skeletal Health, Hormone Support and Anti-Aging Effects
Eucommia, also known as Du Zhong in Chinese or Eucommia ulmoides in Latin, is an herb that has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is the bark of a tree that produces latex. This gives a clue as to its functions.
In TCM it is known as both a Kidney tonic and to a lesser degree a Liver tonic as well.* It is considered both Yin and Yang Jing.*
Bone, Cartilage, Tendon, and Ligament Support
Eucommia is known to support bone health.* It has been shown to initiate bone formation functions like creation of osteoblasts.* One rat study found improved bone density and femur strength.*
Part of this may be triggered by Eucommia helping to release growth hormone secretagogues.*
Its reputation makes it a top herb for athletes. These effects go beyond the bones, affecting the connective tissues like tendons and ligaments as well.*
You can think of it in terms of Eucommia helping to build and strengthen your structure.*
These areas mean that Eucommia can be especially helpful in healing from injuries.*
Both Phytoandrogenic and Phytoestrogenic
Modern research shows that Eucommia has hormonal effects across a wide spectrum.* It has androgenic activity based on the triterpenoids it contains.* Meanwhile, estrogenic activity was brought on by the isoflavonoids.*
What these researchers found was that there were synergistic effects on both testosterone and estradiol in the presence of Eucommia extract.* That it enhanced the receptor activity.* These effects did not occur with either cortisol or progesterone receptors though.
This study specifically used an ethanol (alcohol) extract of Eucommia, meaning this tincture will have similar effects.
For example, “The outcome of these animal studies further indicates that E. ulmoides potentiates the effect of testosterone on the androgen receptor.”*
That research is quite preliminary but even the little bit is done, shows some of the amazing potentials of Eucommia.
These hormones are both active in bone health as well, showing one other mechanism by which it may be helping there.
(Some of our customers get scared by anything with phytoestrogens. My feeling is this fear is a bit overblown. Many herbs that are highly recommended for older guys have some estrogenic properties such as Ginseng, Horny Goat Weed, and Eucommia. And besides estrogen is needed to be healthy in guys as covered in this article.)
Eucommia Brings a Wide Range of Other Benefits
Eucommia acts as a vasorelaxant.* This helps to support cardiovascular health.* One rat study found “improved vascular remodeling and reduced mean arterial blood pressure.”*
Eucommia has strong antioxidant properties.* Extracts were shown to increase the actions of the body’s main antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, glutathione and more.*
It was shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well.*
A specific compound, aucubin, was found to have photoaging protective effects against UV irradiation on the skin.*
Eucommia has some antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.*
There were also some neuroprotective effects shown in rat and in vitro studies.*
There’s also some antiobesity effects, however these were shown more in a tea made of Eucommia leaves, than with the bark extract.*
Eucommia contains at least 204 different compounds including:
• Lignans
• Iridoids
• Phenolics
• Sterols
• Flavonoids
• Terpenes
• Polysaccharides
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fatty Acids
• And Others
Quality and Processing
The Eucommia bark used in this tincture is sourced from China.
Good quality Eucommia will show the latex between the cut pieces of bark. This was tinctured for over six weeks in a menstruum made with:
- Organic Cane Alcohol 40% ABV
- Filtered Fresh Spring Water
After pressing the bark, they are calcined and ground down into a fine, then further extracted with distilled water and a gentle evaporation process until crystals are formed. These purified “salts” are added back into the tincture to finish the process.
A preliminary search showed that this is the ONLY spagyric extract of Eucommia available online.
Recommended Dosage
Our recommended starting dose is one squirt (about 30 drops) once per day. You may modify this up or down as you best see fit.
Contraindications
Eucommia appears to be a very safe herb with no known toxicity or side effects.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.