Ailanthus altissima
Ailanthus altissima · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ailanthus altissima is a versatile plant species known for its diverse pharmacological potential across various biological activities. Researchers have identified key chemical compounds within its system, including ailanthone, canthin-6-one derivatives, and various flavonoids. By utilizing preparations such as methanol extracts from the fruit, stem, and root, the plant has demonstrated significant antiviral, cytotoxic, and anti-malarial properties. Furthermore, its bioactive components act as 11B-HSD and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, contributing to anti-allergic effects and the induction of apoptosis. These multifaceted therapeutic capabilities make the plant a subject of intense study for addressing conditions ranging from ascariasis to complex inflammatory responses.
- Synonyms
- Toxicodendron Altissimum
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Root
Classification
Common Names
Ailanthus altissima is a versatile species known by a diverse array of regional names across different languages. In English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to by its common name, Ailante. As it moves through Eastern Europe, it is identified by the Lithuanian term Aukštasis ailantas. In Poland, the plant is commonly called Bożodrzew gruczołkowaty, though it is also frequently documented as Bożodrzew gruczołowaty. Finally, the unique moniker Billey niau serves as another distinct way to identify this widespread tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ailanthus altissima is a distinctive species often recognized in botanical studies under various classifications. Interestingly, this plant is sometimes associated with the synonym Toxicodendron altissimum in certain taxonomic contexts. Understanding these naming relationships is essential for researchers aiming to maintain accuracy in plant identification. Such nomenclature shifts can occasionally cause confusion, yet they provide important insight into the historical study of the species. Recognizing these connections ensures that both scientists and gardeners can communicate effectively about this specific plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ailanthus altissima belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the flowering plants. The species is further organized into the order Sapindales, a group that includes many significant woody plants. It resides within the genus Ailanthus, which distinguishes its unique structural and biological characteristics. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is completed by its membership in the family Simaroubaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Ailanthus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ailanthus altissima exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across various regions of the African continent. Its presence is particularly notable throughout Macaronesia, encompassing the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. In Northern Africa, the species has established itself within specific territories such as Algeria and Libya. This extensive geographic reach highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse Mediterranean and subtropical environments. Consequently, understanding these regional connections is essential for studying its ecological impact across these territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Ailanthus altissima is a self-supporting plant that takes on a distinct tree growth form. This species is known for its impressive vertical reach, typically achieving a height of at least 10 meters. In many environments, it frequently reaches a more substantial minimum height of 16.5 meters. As it matures, the tree can continue to climb until it reaches a maximum height of 30 meters. Such significant stature allows it to stand prominently within its natural landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Ailanthus altissima has emerged as a significant subject of pharmacological research due to its diverse biological properties. Recent investigations into the samara of this plant have led to the discovery of novel quassinoid glycosides, specifically chuglycosides J and K. These compounds demonstrate notable antiviral activity by inhibiting the multiplication of the tobacco mosaic virus. Furthermore, studies involving plant cell cultures have successfully produced canthin-6-one alkaloids. These specific alkaloids exhibit potent cytotoxic effects, highlighting the plant's potential for medicinal development.
Compounds
Ailanthus altissima is a medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive chemical compounds. Among its notable constituents is ailanthone, a natural product that has demonstrated significant potential in suppressing cancer cell growth and metastasis. The plant also contains various cytotoxic alkaloids, specifically canthin-6-one and 1-methoxycanthin-6-one, which are produced in callus and cell-suspension cultures. Furthermore, chemical analysis of its fruit has identified the presence of 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid and the phenolic derivative corilagin. Together, these varied relationships highlight the complex chemical profile of the species and its therapeutic relevance.
Conditions
Ailanthus altissima contains active constituents like 2-Dihydroailanthone and ailanthone that demonstrate significant potential in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) by suppressing protective autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These derivatives also effectively treat gastric cancer (GC) by enhancing gastric cancer cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The plant's components actively induce DNA damage within these malignant cells to facilitate cell death. Furthermore, Ailanthus altissima helps treat the cell's ability to recover by inhibiting DNA damage repair, specifically through the downregulation of p23 and XRCC1. Together, these mechanisms highlight the plant's multifaceted role in targeting various cancer cell survival processes.
Preparations
Ailanthus altissima is prepared as ailanthone, a compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant that demonstrates potent cytotoxicity against leukemia cells. The plant is also prepared as an extract, which has been shown to exhibit anti-progestogenic-like activities in bioassays. Additionally, Ailanthus altissima is prepared as fruit, serving as a source for isolating various phenylpropionamides and phenolic derivatives. The species is prepared as methanol extracts that can exert inhibitory effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Finally, Ailanthus altissima is prepared as roots, which yield structurally diverse highly oxygenated triterpenoids with significant cytotoxic properties.
Parts used
Ailanthus altissima is a versatile medicinal plant that yields various bioactive compounds from different anatomical structures. Research into its fruit has led to the isolation of novel phenylpropionamides, piperidines, and phenolic derivatives that demonstrate inhibitory activity against the Tobacco mosaic virus. Additionally, the roots of the species serve as a significant source of structurally diverse, highly oxygenated triterpenoids, some of which exhibit notable cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines. The stem bark also plays a critical role in pharmacological studies, showing potent potential in inhibiting HIV-1 fusion. Collectively, these findings highlight how the various parts of the plant contribute to its complex chemical profile and therapeutic utility.