Wei Mao (Euonymus alatus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Wei Mao work to treat blood stasis?

Wei Mao (Euonymus alatus) contains bioactive compounds including euonymine, wilfordine, celastrol, and sesquiterpenes that promote blood circulation and resolve stasis. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory and potential antitumor properties in preclinical research. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Wei Mao invigorates blood circulation and breaks stasis, relieving pain and regulating menstruation. Current evidence is rated Level C, based primarily on animal and in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials.

Can I take Wei Mao with blood thinners or anticoagulants?

No, Wei Mao should not be combined with blood-thinning medications. As a blood-invigorating herb, Wei Mao may enhance the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. This herb is contraindicated for patients on anticoagulant therapy due to its blood-moving properties. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbal supplements before starting anticoagulant treatment.

What is the correct dosage for Wei Mao?

The standard adult dosage for Wei Mao is 5-10 grams daily when prepared as a decoction. This amount is typically divided into two doses and often combined with other herbs in a TCM formula rather than used alone. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition, individual constitution, and preparation method. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner for personalized dosing, as improper use can lead to side effects.

Is Wei Mao safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Wei Mao is contraindicated during pregnancy. This herb strongly invigorates blood circulation and resolves stasis, which may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. The active compounds, including celastrol, may pose risks to fetal development. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid Wei Mao entirely. Evidence level C, based on traditional use and pharmacological understanding of its blood-moving effects.

What conditions does Wei Mao treat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Wei Mao is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat blood stasis conditions including joint pain, amenorrhea (absent menstruation), irregular menstruation, and abdominal masses. It promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling, and relieves pain associated with stagnant blood. Preliminary research suggests potential antitumor properties, though clinical evidence remains limited (Level C). Wei Mao is typically combined with other blood-invigorating herbs in customized formulas based on individual patterns.

What side effects can Wei Mao cause?

Common side effects of Wei Mao include increased menstrual flow and digestive upset such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Because the herb strongly moves blood, it may cause heavier periods in susceptible individuals. Those with digestive sensitivity should take it with food. Side effects are more likely at higher doses or with prolonged use. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a qualified practitioner.

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

Euonymus alatus (Wei Mao) is a medicinal plant used in Asian countries for treating conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and various inflammatory disorders [PMID:27642361, PMID:32423879].

Background

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold, also known as Burning Bush, is a deciduous woody shrub or tree species from the Celastraceae family [PMID:34728316, PMID:35493714].

Traditional uses

It has been used for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries to treat urticaria, dysmenorrhea, wounds, dysentery, blood stasis, rheumatism, arthritis, hyperglycemia, and tumors [PMID:32423879, PMID:31731472, PMID:37152296].

Active compounds

The plant contains over 100 chemical constituents, including flavonoids (e.g., rutin, quercetin, rhamnazin-3-O-rutinoside), terpenoids (lupane-type triterpenoids), steroids (e.g., stigmast-4-en-3-one), lignans (e.g., euonymolin A), phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid), and alkaloids [PMID:27642361, PMID:31379978, PMID:39767833, PMID:39493395, PMID:27447684].

Mechanism of action

Antidiabetic effects may involve regulation of insulin signaling, insulin sensitivity, PPARγ, and aldose reductase pathways [PMID:27642361]. Neuroprotective effects are associated with upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activation of the ERK/CREB signaling pathway [PMID:38671881, PMID:36615789]. Bone protection occurs via downregulation of RANKL expression and inhibition of RANKL-mediated signaling [PMID:37764779]. Other mechanisms include inhibition of α-glucosidase [PMID:20368936], downregulation of TGF-β1 in kidney protection [PMID:23227790], and blocking of TβR1-Smad2/3 and TNF-α-NF-κB pathways in liver fibrosis [PMID:30787972].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes and Complications

Extracts demonstrated hypoglycemic activity and protection against diabetic nephropathy (lowering HbA1c and urine protein) and diabetic retinopathy (inhibiting angiogenesis) in animal models [PMID:27642361, PMID:23227790, PMID:34728316].

Evidence DCognitive Impairment/Alzheimer's

Leaf and twig extracts mitigated memory deficits and behavioral impairments in scopolamine-induced and 5xFAD transgenic mouse models [PMID:38671881, PMID:32456069, PMID:38472795].

Evidence DOsteoporosis

Ethanolic extract inhibited osteoclast differentiation and alleviated estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in vivo [PMID:37764779].

Evidence DLiver Fibrosis

Ethanol extracts and specific monomers (catechin, kaempferol) alleviated liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice [PMID:30787972].

Evidence DImmunosuppression

Leaf extract enhanced immunostimulatory effects and increased NK cell activity in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats [PMID:37152296].

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with several comprehensive reviews (Level C) summarizing phytochemistry and traditional use. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 27642361 (2016) — Euonymus alatus: A Review on Its Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Activity. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2.PMID: 37764779 (2023) — Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold Prevents Osteoclast Differentiation and Osteoporosis. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 32423879 (2020) — Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, separation and analysis technologies of Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold: A comprehensive review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 38671881 (2024) — Euonymus alatus Leaf Extract Attenuates Effects of Aging on Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Impairment. · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39767833 (2024) — Bioactivity Evaluation and Phytochemical Characterization of Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold Leaf Extract.

Wei Mao

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Wei Mao

Petiveria alliacea

Physalis peruviana

Curcuma phaeocaulis

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Wei Mao

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Wei Mao

Related Herbs

Petiveria alliacea

Physalis peruviana

Curcuma phaeocaulis

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources