Review on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of genus <i>Euodia</i>

<italic>Euodia rutaecarpa</italic> (Juss.) Benth., commonly known as Wu Zhu Yu in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a widely used medicinal plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. With a rich history spanning thousands of years, it is primarily valued for its fruits, which have been utilized in East Asia to treat a variety of ailments. <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic> exhibits a broad range of pharmacological effects, including the ability to inhibit gastrointestinal motility, relieve diarrhea, prevent ulcers, and exert anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern pharmacological studies have further revealed its anti-tumor activity, immune-modulating effects, and potential role in weight management. Given its diverse therapeutic applications, there has been a significant increase in research related to <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic> in recent years. According to the investigation, research on <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic> began as early as 1915. This review systematically examines the latest research progress on the bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications of <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic>. It comprehensively summarizes the bioactive compounds identified in this plant genus, including 58 indolo quinazoline alkaloids, 85 quinolone alkaloids, and 21 limonoid components. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of the specific mechanisms underlying the pharmacological activities of <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic>. Finally, the review discusses the limitations of current research, such as the risk of neurotoxicity, and outlines future research directions, including toxicity optimization through structural modification and the development of novel drug delivery systems. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the in-depth development of <italic>E. rutaecarpa</italic> and offers innovative perspectives for the research paradigm of multi-target natural medicine.