Ailanthus altissima
What's the taxonomical classification of Ailanthus altissima?
Ailanthus altissima belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales. This plant is specifically categorized under the family Simaroubaceae, which places it within the genus Ailanthus. Ultimately, its unique biological identity is defined by its specific classification as the species altissima.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Ailanthus |
| Species | altissima |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Ailanthus altiissima has large, pinnately compound leaves that typically reach 1 to 3 feet in length and consist of 10 to 40 pairs of lanceolate leaflets arranged oppositely along a central rachis. The leaflets are characterized by an entire margin and a smooth, somewhat shiny surface texture. The tree exhibits a fast-growing, upright growth habit with bark that becomes deeply furrowed and grayish as the specimen matures. Small, yellowish-green flowers appear in dense panicles during the summer months. These flowers are eventually replaced by numerous small, winged samaras that facilitate wind dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of East Asia, specifically spanning across China, Taiwan, and parts of Japan. Due to its ability to thrive in various climates, it has been widely introduced to other continents including North America and parts of Europe. In these non-native regions, it often colonizes disturbed areas, roadsides, and urban environments. Its rapid growth and high tolerance for different soil types allow it to spread aggressively through these new territories. Consequently, it is frequently categorized as an invasive species in many areas outside of its original range.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
Ailantus altissima contains medicinal compounds found in its bark, leaves, and roots that are utilized to treat various ailments. The bark is frequently harvested to create decoctions used for managing fever and inflammatory conditions. Leaves from the tree are often prepared as poultices or infusions to address skin irritations and digestive issues. Additionally, the roots are sometimes processed for their potential antimicrobial and antipyretic properties. These diverse parts provide a wide range of phytochemicals used in traditional herbal medicine practices.
What are the pharmacological activities of Ailanthus altissima?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, antiviral, and HIV-1 fusion inhibition properties. The bioactive compounds within its extracts demonstrate a significant ability to reduce swelling and modulate immune responses. Research indicates that these phytochemicals can effectively inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells and prevent tumor growth. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antiviral effects by targeting specific stages of viral replication. Most notably, it has been shown to interfere with the life cycle of the virus through HIV-1 fusion inhibition.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the dried bark of Ailantanthus altiussima (Mill.) Swingle has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments such as asthma, epilepsy, spermatorrhea, bleeding, and ophthalmic diseases. Approximately 221 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, quassinoids, phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids, and volatile oils, have been isolated from the plant. The crude extracts and active compounds exert a wide range of pharmacological activities, specifically antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, herbicidal, and insecticidal activities. Modern pharmacological studies show that the plant possesses potential to treat cancer and gastrointestinal inflammation. While the plant is safe at a conventional dose, it exhibits toxicity at higher doses due to the presence of quassinoids.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anticancer
- antitumor
- antiviral
- HIV-1 fusion inhibition
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds including ailanthone, corilagin, quassinoids, triterpenoids, and 2-dihydroailanthone. The presence of quassinoids is particularly significant due to their diverse biological activities. Among these, ailanthone and its derivative 2-dihydroailanthone are often studied for their potent inhibitory properties. Triterpenoids within the species also contribute to its complex chemical profile and therapeutic potential. Additionally, the compound corilagin adds to the specialized phytochemical makeup of the plant.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", approximately 221 chemical compounds have been isolated and characterized from the dried bark of Ailanthus altissima. These compounds include alkaloids, quassinoids, phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. Among these isolated substances, the quassinoid ailanthone is identified as the most typical. The crude extracts and active compounds of the plant have been reported to exert activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, herbicidal, and insecticidal. While the plant is safe at a conventional dose, it exhibits toxicity at higher doses due to the presence of quassinoids.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ailanthone
- corilagin
- quassinoids
- triterpenoids
- 2-Dihydroailanthone
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bowel disorders, colonic inflammation, colonic injury, inflammatory responses, and ulcerative colitis. Its bioactive compounds help to mitigate the intensity of various inflammatory responses within the digestive tract. Research indicates that these properties are particularly effective at reducing the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. By addressing colonic inflammation, the plant assists in the recovery of the intestinal lining. These medicinal applications focus on repairing colonic injury and restoring overall gut health.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the bark of Ailanthus altissima is used in traditional remedies for bowel disorders. This study investigated its potential for treating ulcerative colitis by identifying 223 active compounds through UPLC-MS/MS and SwissADME analysis. In a DSS-induced UC mouse model, the plant significantly mitigated colonic injury, reduced DAI scores, and promoted weight recovery. The bark also downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, to suppress inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that the plant effectively reduces colonic inflammation and preserves intestinal mucosal integrity.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bowel disorders
- colonic inflammation
- colonic injury
- inflammatory responses
- ulcerative colitis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant can be prepared as a decoction of its bark or leaves to treat skin infections, digestive ailments, and inflammatory conditions. Traditional practitioners often boil the bark in water to create a potent liquid used for topical applications on wounds. Some cultures also utilize the crushed leaves in poultices to soothe localized swelling or itching. In certain regions, the extracts are administered orally to address internal issues such as intestinal worms. These various preparations rely on the plant's specific phytochemical properties to provide medicinal relief.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if ingested or touched. Contact with the leaves or bark often results in painful dermatitis or localized skin irritation. If the plant is consumed, it frequently triggers gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some individuals may also experience neurological symptoms like dizziness following exposure. These adverse reactions make the species a significant concern for both human health and domestic animals.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Skin irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness