Euonymous Alatus (Burning Bush)

Euonymus Alatus, also known as Burning Bush, is a deciduous shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea but is widely planted in the United States. It is a weedy species of shrub that is drought-tolerant and provides stunning red fall color. Burning Bush is most commonly used for digestive tract disorders, including cramps, stomach problems, and worms in the intestines. It is also used for urinary tract and genital tract disorders, and women take it to start menstruation, as birth control, and to help force out the placenta after childbirth.

There is limited scientific research on the benefits of Euonymus Alatus. One study found that it may reduce glucose absorption from the intestines after a meal. Another study found that it has potential for further spread in southeastern New Hampshire forests. A review of its phytochemistry and antidiabetic activity concluded that Euonymus Alatus is a medicinal plant used in some Asian countries for treating various conditions, including cancer, hyperglycemia, and diabetic complications.

There is not enough evidence to recommend an effective dose of Euonymus Alatus at this time. Burning Bush is considered invasive in some parts of the USA where it will out-compete native plants to form dense thickets. Some side effects are known, such as increasing the risk of sunburn if it comes in contact with the skin. The roots of the plant have been used for a wide variety of medicinal reasons, but they can cause women to have strong uterine contractions that could abort a pregnancy.

Sources:

1. Johnson, R. D. M. (2013). Population structure of Euonymus alatus (burning bush) in forests of southeastern New Hampshire and potential for further spread. University of New Hampshire. https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1793&context=thesis
2. Examine.com. (2022). Burning bush. https://examine.com/supplements/burning-bush/
3. Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Euonymus alatus. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279120
4. Maine Natural Areas Program. (n.d.). Burning bush. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/euonymus.htm
5. Roberson, E., & Cipollini, D. (2015). Effects of Winged Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), Management Strategy, and White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Spider Assemblages. HortScience, 47(8), 1029-1033. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/47/8/article-p1029.xml
6. PictureThis. (n.d.). Burning bush care. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Euonymus_alatus.html
7. Purdue Extension. (2019). Invasive plant series: Winged burning bush. https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-582-W.pdf
8. WebMD. (2012). Burning bush. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-599/burning-bush