Ailanthus altissima
Ailanthus altiussima, commonly known as the Tree of Heaven, is a fast-growing deciduous species native to China. Despite its name, it is often considered an invasive weed. However, in traditional medicine, its bark and leaves possess significant bioactive properties, used historically to treat skin conditions and various inflammatory ailments.
- Scientific name: Ailanthus altissima
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Ailanthus altissima, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Sapindales and the family Simaroubaceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Ailanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Simaroubaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ailanthus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across various regions within the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be identified within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found growing in Austria and Belgium. The species also extends through the territories of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, its geographical reach encompasses Germany within the Middle European region.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ailanthus altissima has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ailanthone, lignans.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ailanthone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ailanthus altissima has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitumor, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ailanthus altissima has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bleeding, Gastric Cancer, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, ascariasis.
- Total uses
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bleeding | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastric Cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-allergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-malarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascariasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epilepsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteosarcoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |