Why Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract Is Known as the “Sugar-Regulating Treasure”?
- Eva Zhan
- Mar 6
- 4 min read

1. The Story Behind Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract
Cyclocarya paliurus, also known as “Sweet Tea Tree” or “Money Leaf,” is a rare tree species belonging to the Juglandaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of southern China. The name “Money Leaf” originates from its coin-shaped leaves, symbolizing prosperity and health.
Historical records trace its use back to the Tang Dynasty, where monks brewed its leaves as a rejuvenating tea, praised for its “longevity benefits.” Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi describes it as a herb that “clears heat, lowers blood sugar, strengthens the body, and prolongs life.”
Today, Cyclocarya Paliurus is celebrated as the “Oriental Divine Leaf,” well-known for its antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects. It bridges traditional Chinese herbal wisdom with modern functional nutrition.
2. The Botanical Characteristics of Cyclocarya Paliurus
Cyclocarya paliurus belongs to the family Juglandaceae and genus Cyclocarya. It is a deciduous tree reaching up to 20 meters in height, with gray-brown bark and alternate pinnate leaves. The round or oval-shaped leaflets resemble ancient Chinese coins, and the yellow-green flowers bloom in spring, followed by winged nuts in autumn. The leaves—rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids—are the medicinal parts.
Item | Description |
Common Name | Sweet Tea Tree / Money Leaf |
English Name | Cyclocarya Paliurus |
Latin Name | Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk. |
Family / Genus | Juglandaceae / Cyclocarya |
Plant Type | Deciduous tree with pinnate leaves |
Medicinal Part | Leaf |
Habitat | Mountainous regions of southern China (400–1500 m) |
Harvest Season | Summer to autumn |
Pharmacopoeia | Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) |
Major Producing Areas | Hunan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Guangxi |
3. Active Constituents Inside Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract
Cyclocarya paliurus contains a variety of bioactive molecules that contribute to its multi-functional health benefits.
Compound Category | Source | Functions |
Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol) | Leaf | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic |
Triterpenoids (Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acid) | Leaf | Lipid regulation, hepatoprotection, metabolism support |
Polysaccharides | Leaf | Immune modulation, glucose metabolism balance |
Phenolic Acids (Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid) | Leaf | Antioxidant, antimicrobial |
Tannins | Leaf | Anti-inflammatory, astringent |
Saponins | Leaf | Lipid-lowering, cholesterol modulation |
Vitamins (C, E) | Leaf | Antioxidant, cellular protection |
Minerals (K, Mg, Zn, Se) | Leaf | Metabolic and cardiovascular support |
Organic Acids | Leaf | Detoxification, digestion aid |
Amino Acids | Leaf | Nutritional and metabolic balance |
4. Health Benefits of Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cyclocarya Paliurus is believed to clear heat and toxins, harmonize metabolism, strengthen the spleen, and nourish Qi. It mainly targets the liver and spleen meridians, making it suitable for managing hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, fatigue, and metabolic disorders.
Function | TCM Description | Common Herbal Combination |
Detoxification | Clears internal heat and toxins | Honeysuckle, Chrysanthemum |
Hypoglycemic | Regulates Qi and Yin balance | Yam, Kudzu root |
Lipid-lowering & Hepatoprotective | Reduces liver fat accumulation | Artemisia, Cassia seed |
Spleen-strengthening | Improves energy and metabolism | Codonopsis, Poria |
Anti-aging | Balances internal organs, delays senescence | Astragalus, Goji berry |
5. Unlock the Power of Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract by Science
Recent pharmacological studies reveal several major functions of Cyclocarya Paliurus extract:
Blood glucose regulation: Polysaccharides enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake (Food & Function, 2023).
Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory effects: Flavonoids inhibit NF-κB activation and reduce reactive oxygen species (Phytomedicine, 2022).
Lipid-lowering effects: Triterpenoids activate AMPK pathways to improve lipid metabolism (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024).
Liver protection: Mitigates hepatic steatosis and improves liver enzyme balance.
Anti-aging potential: Protects mitochondria and reduces oxidative cellular damage.
6. The Mechanism of Action of Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract
Cyclocarya Paliurus extract works through multiple biological pathways:
1️⃣ Activation of AMPK pathway – enhances glucose and lipid metabolism.
2️⃣ Inhibition of NF-κB signaling – reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
3️⃣ Regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling – improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.
4️⃣ Antioxidant enzyme upregulation – increases SOD and CAT activity, reducing oxidative injury.
5️⃣ Systemic effects – supports metabolic homeostasis and improves hepatic-pancreatic functions.
7. Global Application of Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract
Functional Teas: Widely consumed in China, Japan, and Korea as a natural hypoglycemic beverage.
Dietary Supplements: Used in formulations targeting blood sugar control, lipid balance, and antioxidant defense.
Pharmaceutical Research: A promising source for natural antidiabetic and hepatoprotective drug candidates.
Functional Foods: Incorporated into metabolic-regulating beverages and herbal powders.
Global Recognition: Gaining attention in Europe and North America as a botanical GLP-1 regulator alternative.
8. Market Trends of Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract
According to Grand View Research (2024):
The global Cyclocarya Paliurus extract market is projected to reach USD 450 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.1%.
Growth drivers include rising awareness of metabolic health and natural hypoglycemic agents.
Emerging product categories: functional drinks, glucose-control capsules, and liver support formulas.
Key markets: China, Japan, the United States, and Germany.
Technological advances: ethanol–water extraction and membrane purification for polysaccharide enrichment.
9. NovoHerb Cyclocarya Paliurus Extract for Your Health and Business
Cyclocarya Paliurus embodies the harmony of traditional Chinese herbal wisdom and modern science.
At NovoHerb, we source leaves from high-altitude regions, using low-temperature extraction and standardized quality testing to ensure stability and potency.
For consumers: Supports natural regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, relieves oxidative stress, and promotes healthy aging.
For partners and brands: Cyclocarya Paliurus is a powerful ingredient for functional teas, dietary supplements, and metabolic wellness products — a perfect fusion of cultural heritage and scientific innovation.
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