Elaeagnus Umbellata (Elaeagnus umbellata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Elaeagnus umbellata work as an antioxidant?

Elaeagnus umbellata exerts antioxidant effects through its rich content of lycopene, beta-carotene, quercetin, kaempferol, and tannins. These compounds neutralize free radicals by donating electrons and chelating metal ions. Lycopene and beta-carotene protect cellular membranes from oxidative damage, while flavonoids like quercetin modulate inflammatory signaling pathways. The tannins provide additional astringent properties that support traditional uses for diarrhea and wound healing. Evidence level: C.

Does Elaeagnus umbellata interact with any medications?

There are currently no well-documented drug interactions for Elaeagnus umbellata in the scientific literature. The fruit has been consumed as food for centuries without reported adverse interactions. Due to limited clinical research (Evidence level C), individuals taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated extracts. Those with known allergies to Elaeagnaceae family plants should avoid this herb entirely.

What is the recommended dosage for Elaeagnus umbellata?

Elaeagnus umbellata fruit can be consumed freely as food. For medicinal purposes, the traditional adult dosage is approximately 5 grams of dried leaves prepared as tea daily. The fruit is rich in lycopene and may be eaten fresh or processed. Standardized extracts lack established dosing guidelines due to limited clinical trials. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Elaeagnus umbellata safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Elaeagnus umbellata is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in normal food amounts. The fruit has been eaten traditionally without reported adverse effects. However, medicinal doses and concentrated supplements have not been specifically studied in pregnant or breastfeeding populations. Women should consult their healthcare provider before using this herb therapeutically during pregnancy or lactation. Safety rating based on traditional use.

What are the traditional uses of Elaeagnus umbellata?

Elaeagnus umbellata has been used in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine for treating diarrhea, cough, fever, and promoting wound healing. The fruit and leaves are valued for their antioxidant properties. Tannins provide astringent effects useful for gastrointestinal complaints. Modern research supports its antioxidant capacity, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence level C). The ripe fruit is also consumed as a nutritious food.

What side effects can Elaeagnus umbellata cause?

Elaeagnus umbellata is very well tolerated when consumed in food amounts or at recommended medicinal doses. No significant adverse effects have been reported in traditional use or available literature. The primary contraindication is known allergy to plants in the Elaeagnaceae family. As with any herbal remedy, discontinue use if any unusual symptoms develop and consult a healthcare provider.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Elaeagnus umbellata, also known as autumn olive, is a deciduous shrub with potent health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects [PMID:37213692, PMID:40310599].

Background

Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. is a deciduous shrub found in sunny hedges and dappled shade, with widespread distribution across the Pir Panjal region of the Himalayas [PMID:37213692]. It is an invasive, nitrogen-fixing species in parts of the United States [PMID:31180438, PMID:20400603].

Traditional uses

It has been long used as a folk medicinal plant for its anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:33804361] and is used in traditional Asian medicine for various health benefits [PMID:33552740].

Active compounds

The berries are rich in polyphenols (primarily anthocyanins), monoterpenes, vitamin C [PMID:37213692], and lycopene, with levels 5-20 times higher than in ordinary tomatoes [PMID:32936623]. Other identified compounds include catechin [PMID:38542392], chlorogenic acid [PMID:32397979], acidic polysaccharides (EUP1 and EUP2) [PMID:37764243], and various flavonoid glycosides and a serotonin derivative in the leaves and twigs [PMID:31629867].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory effects [PMID:30788081], inhibits matrix metalloproteinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression to protect collagen and hyaluronan [PMID:38397793], and may target the VEGFR-2 pathway for antiangiogenic activity [PMID:39831267]. It also inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanogenesis [PMID:33804361] and acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor (AChE and BChE) [PMID:32397979, PMID:40002547].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DHyperglycemia

Berry extract reduced fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mice and inhibited $\alpha$-glucosidase [PMID:30788051]

Evidence DUV-mediated Photoaging

Oral administration of fruit extract (50-200 mg/kg) in hairless mice prevented epithelial thickening and decreased wrinkle and microfold formation [PMID:38397793]

Evidence DCognitive Impairment

Fruit extracts and chlorogenic acid showed neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice [PMID:32397979]

Evidence DLiver Injury

Leaf extract demonstrated hepatoprotective potential against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver injury in an animal model [PMID:40310599]

Evidence DObesity/Aging

Freeze-dried berry extracts inhibited lipid accumulation and ROS accumulation, and increased body bending and egg production in middle-aged C. elegans [PMID:38542392]

Safety & adverse effects

EU fractions were found to be noncytotoxic at concentrations of 12.5-50 $\mu$g/mL in B16-F10 melanoma cells [PMID:33804361].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, C. elegans), with some systematic reviews of plant-based cholinesterase inhibitors. There are no human clinical trials provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37213692 (2023) — Elaeagnus umbellata: A miraculous shrub with potent health-promoting benefits from Northwest Himalaya. · Saudi journal of biological sciences
2.PMID: 30788051 (2019) — Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) berry reduces fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mice. · Nutrition research and practice
3.PMID: 38542392 (2024) — Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) Berries Improve Lipid Metabolism and Delay Aging in Middle-Aged Caenorhabditis elegans. · International journal of molecular sciences
4.PMID: 38397793 (2024) — Elaeagnus umbellata Fruit Extract Protects Skin from Ultraviolet-Mediated Photoaging in Hairless Mice. · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 37764243 (2023) — The Separation, Purification, Structure Identification, and Antioxidant Activity of Elaeagnus umbellata Polysaccharides.

Elaeagnus Umbellata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Elaeagnus Umbellata