Eurycoma harmandiana

Eurycoma harmandiana

Eurycoma harmandiana, a plant traditionally used in certain Asian cultures but with no specific traditional uses documented, has shown potential in modern scientific research. Studies have demonstrated its roots contain quassinoids like chaparrinone and canthin-6-one alkaloids, which exhibit antiviral activity against viruses such as HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, these compounds show PDE-5 inhibitory activity, with molecular docking suggesting potential interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteases. However, the scientific evidence is currently limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Eurycoma harmandiana, but further investigation is warranted due to the preliminary nature of current studies.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Eurycoma harmandiana roots and their quassinoids, particularly chaparrinone, showed potent antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 in in-cell ELISA assays. D PMID
  • The study found that canthin-6-one alkaloids from Eurycoma harmandiana roots exhibited PDE-5 inhibitory activity. D PMID
  • Molecular docking and simulation studies suggest canthin-6-one 9-O-beta-glucopyranoside from Eurycoma harmandiana may interact with SARS-CoV-2 proteases. D PMID
  • The study compared micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) and conventional HPLC for analyzing canthin-6-one alkaloids in Eurycoma spp. extracts, finding both methods comparable but with HPLC slightly superior for low-concentration samples. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Eurycoma harmandiana?

Eurycoma harmandiana (Eurycoma harmandiana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Eurycoma harmandiana?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Eurycoma harmandiana; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Eurycoma harmandiana roots and their quassinoids, particularly chaparrinone, showed potent antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 in in-cell ELISA assays.

How strong is the evidence for Eurycoma harmandiana?

The strongest finding for Eurycoma harmandiana carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Eurycoma harmandiana safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Eurycoma harmandiana in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Eurycoma harmandiana interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Eurycoma harmandiana in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Eurycoma harmandiana a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) proteases PLpro and Mpro/ 3CLpro: molecular docking and simulation studies of three pertinent medicinal plant natural components. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Activity of Canthin-6-One Alkaloids and the Roots of Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma harmandiana. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Evaluating the in Vitro Efficacy of Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma harmandiana against Common Cold Human Coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 Using In-Cell Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Analysis of canthin-6-one alkaloids derived from Eurycoma spp. by micellar liquid chromatography and conventional high-performance liquid chromatography: a comparative evaluation. literature abstract metadata