Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 245-258 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 255 with no reported toxicity (Greenway et al., 2011). The maximum tolerated dose in animal studies was found to be significantly higher than the clinical doses used in humans, indicating a wide safety margin. Specifically, the maximum tolerated dose was not less than 168 g/kg, which is 1260 times the clinical doses used in human adults. 7.3 Long-term effects and safety in clinical use Long-term use of E. ulmoides, particularly at high doses, has been associated with nephrotoxicity in animal studies. A 13-week administration led to dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, with some pathological changes in renal tissues being partly reversible after ceasing the low dosage but persisting at higher dosages. In clinical settings, E. ulmoides has been used traditionally for various ailments, and modern pharmacological research supports its efficacy in treating conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis (Wang et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2021). However, the long-term safety in clinical use remains to be fully established, necessitating further studies to ensure its safe application in prolonged treatments. In conclusion, while E. ulmoides exhibits a promising safety profile at recommended dosages, caution is advised for long-term and high-dose use due to potential nephrotoxicity. Further research is essential to fully understand the long-term safety and establish comprehensive guidelines for its clinical use. 8 Industrial Applications and Market Potential 8.1 Commercial extraction and production of E. ulmoides compounds E. ulmoides, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has garnered significant attention for its diverse bioactive compounds, including lignans, iridoids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, and terpenoids. The commercial extraction and production of these compounds involve various methods tailored to maximize yield and maintain the integrity of the active ingredients. For instance, the extraction of iridoid glycosides from E. ulmoides seeds has been optimized using ethanol and other solvents, demonstrating strong antioxidant activities (Niu et al., 2016). Additionally, the stability and conversion phenomena of these compounds under different conditions have been studied to ensure their efficacy in commercial products (Ma et al., 2022). The bark, leaves, seeds, and male flowers of E. ulmoides are utilized in different extraction processes, each part offering unique bioactive profiles suitable for various applications. The male flowers, for example, are rich in asperuloside, which has shown potential in delaying muscle aging by improving mitochondrial function (Chen et al., 2023). The leaves, on the other hand, contain compounds with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity, which are beneficial for anti-inflammatory purposes (Bai et al., 2015). 8.2 Market demand and economic impact The market demand for Eucommia ulmoides and its derivatives is driven by their extensive pharmacological properties, including antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidative, anti-osteoporosis, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities (He et al., 2014; Wang et al., 2019). These properties make E. ulmoides a valuable resource in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food industries. The economic impact of E. ulmoides is significant, particularly in regions where traditional Chinese medicine is prevalent. The plant's various parts are used to produce health supplements, herbal formulations, and functional foods, contributing to a growing market for natural and plant-based products (Zhu and Sun, 2018). The development of E. ulmoides as a feedstock for bioactive products further enhances its market potential, offering opportunities for commercial exploitation in diverse sectors. 8.3 Future prospects for pharmaceutical applications The future prospects for pharmaceutical applications of E. ulmoides are promising, given the ongoing research and development in this field. The plant's compounds have shown potential in treating a wide range of conditions, from hypertension and diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer (Zhao et al., 2022). The neuroendocrine-immune regulatory network of E. ulmoides suggests its applicability in maintaining homeostasis and treating NEI-related diseases.
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