Fraxinus chinensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Fraxinus chinensis?
Fraxinus chinensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant falls under the order Lamiales and is a member of the family Oleaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is defined by the genus Fraxinus and the species chinensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
| Species | chinensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Fraxinus chinensis has pinnately compound leaves consisting of seven to thirteen lanceolate leaflets that are arranged oppositely along the rachis. The tree typically reaches a height of 10 to 20 meters with a spreading crown and grayish-brown bark that develops shallow longitudinal fissures with age. Its small, greenish-yellow flowers are borne in terminal panicles and are primarily wind-pollinated. During the fruiting season, the plant produces clusters of winged samaras that facilitate seed dispersal through the air. The woody twigs are slender and often feature small lenticels on their surface.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically spanning across central and southern China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It thrives primarily in temperate climates within deciduous forests and woodland habitats. The species is often found at varying elevations ranging from lowlands to mountainous regions. Its range covers diverse landscapes where moist, well-drained soils are present. Localized populations may also appear in specific ecological niches across its broad eastern distribution.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Fraxinus chinensis, requires well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to moderate shade for optimal growth in temperate climates.
It is best cultivated by planting young saplings in locations where they have sufficient space for their extensive root systems to develop. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment phase, though mature trees demonstrate significant drought tolerance once settled. These trees thrive when provided with consistent organic matter to maintain soil nutrition throughout the growing season.
Proper pruning can help shape the canopy and promote structural integrity as the specimen matures.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant is used medicinally primarily through its bark, which is known as the cortex. Practitioners often harvest the cortex to extract various bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. This specific part of the Fraxinus chinensis is frequently processed into traditional decoctions or powders to treat various ailments. The chemical constituents within the bark are believed to assist in regulating bodily functions and reducing swelling. Consequently, the cortex remains the most significant medicinal component of this species.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the medicinal material Cortex Fraxini was identified by the fluorescence spectrum. This study utilized the fluorescence spectrum as a referential method for the identification of Chinese drugs. The identification process included Cortex Fraxini among the materials being analyzed. No specific numerical data regarding the plant parts were provided in the text.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Cortex
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Chinese ash, has been utilized extensively within Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Practitioners historically prepared decoctions from the bark and leaves to address ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, and swelling. The medicinal properties were often focused on clearing heat and resolving toxicity within the body. Beyond its primary role in herbal formulas, different parts of the tree were sometimes used in topical applications for skin issues. This long history of use reflects its importance in regional therapeutic practices for managing pain and systemic inflammation.
According to a study published by "Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)", the research involved the screening of 239 traditional Chinese medicinal plant extracts to discover antibacterial properties. Out of these materials, 74 extracts exhibited good antibacterial activities with a diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) ≥ 15 mm. Additionally, 18 extracts with a DIZ ≥ 20 mm were evaluated for their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentrations (MBC), which ranged from 0.1 to 12.5 mg/mL and 0.78 to 25 mg/mL, respectively. Most of these 18 extracts showed relatively low cytotoxicity with a median lethal concentration (LC50) > 100 µg/mL. However, the provided study does not mention Fraxinus chinensis or its traditional systems and historical use.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Fraxinus chinensis?
This plant has pharmacological activities including estrogenic activity, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and antibacterial actions. The estrogenic activity suggests that components within the plant may interact with estrogen receptors, potentially aiding in hormone-related therapies. Beyond hormonal influence, its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in biological systems. Additionally, the plant exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate swelling and pain in various tissues. These diverse biological functions make Fraxinus chinensis a subject of interest for developing new medicinal compounds.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the phytoestrogen concentration in heat-clearing drugs was 6.35 x 10(-3) nmol x g(-1) E2 equivalent. This study used the recombinant yeast cell W303-1A/hER-ERE-Lac Z to determine estrogenic compounds and detect phytoestrogen activity. The content of phytoestrogen that can bind to estrogen receptor was higher in ash bark compared to other traditional Chinese materia medica. The activity of phytoestrogen was detected in heat-clearing drugs, drugs for relieving exterior syndrome, diuretic, ana Instalts, tonics and astringents. In ana Instalts and tonic drugs, the phytoestrogen content was the lowest and was less than the detected limit.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- estrogenic activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds aesculin, fraxin, fraxein, esculetin, and escuclin. These specific chemical constituents are categorized primarily as phenolic compounds and secoiridoids. Fraxin and fraxein serve as important markers for identifying the botanical origin of the species. The presence of esculetin and its derivatives contributes to the overall antioxidant and pharmacological profile of the plant. Additionally, the compound aesculin plays a significant role in the plant's unique chemical makeup.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Fraxini Cortex contains four main coumarins used for quality evaluation. At 340 nm, the relative correlation factors (RCF) of aesculin to aesculin, asculetin, fraxin, and fraxein were determined to be 1.771, 0.799, and 1.409. The study used a quantitative analysis of multi-components by singer-marker (QAMS) method to determine the contents of these four coumarins. Within a certain range, the RCF demonstrated good reproducibility with an RSD of 2.5%-3.9%. This method allows for the authentic determination of aesculin and the calculation of the other three coumarins in Fraxini Cortex and its Yinpian.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aesculin
- fraxin
- fraxein
- esculetin
- escuin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections, left ventricular hypertrophy, and renovascular hypertension. Its medicinal properties are often explored for their ability to combat specific bacterial pathogens in the body. Researchers also investigate its potential to reduce the thickening of the heart muscle during cardiac stress. Furthermore, the botanical extracts may play a role in managing high blood pressure caused by narrowed renal arteries. These diverse applications highlight the plant's therapeutic versatility in addressing both infectious and cardiovascular concerns.
According to a study published by "Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)", the provided text does not contain information regarding the health conditions for which Fraxinus chinensis is used. The scientific study screens 239 traditional Chinese medicinal plant extracts for antibacterial activities against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. While the study mentions Fraxinus fallax Lingelsh, it does not mention Fraxinus chinensis. Consequently, no data or numbers related specifically to Fraxinus chinensis can be provided from this source.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Staphylococcus aureus infection
- left ventricular hypertrophy
- renovascular hypertension
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Fraxinus chinensis, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as the traditional formula known as Baitouweng Decoction. Practitioners often utilize ethanol extraction techniques to isolate specific bioactive compounds from the bark or leaves. These resulting ethanolic extracts provide a concentrated form of the plant's therapeutic properties for pharmaceutical applications. Such preparations are frequently studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in clinical research. Detailed chemical profiling of these substances helps standardize the potency of the final herbal products.
According to a study published by "Journal of chromatographic science", the Cortex Fraxini is one of the single herbs used in the Baitouweng Decoction. A high performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection was established to determine 8 marker compounds, including Fraxin, Esculin, Fraxeetin, and Esculetin. The chromatographic separation utilized an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. This method was applied to evaluate compounds in water extraction (BDW) and ethanol extraction (BDE). The study suggested a method to extract Fraxin, Esculin, Fraxeetin, and Esculetin from the decoction more effectively.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Baitouweng Decoction
- ethanol extraction
- ethanolic extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some users report experiencing nausea or abdominal discomfort after consuming preparations made from its bark or leaves. Contact with the plant may also trigger localized dermatitis or itching on the skin. In rare cases, systemic allergic responses can occur if the substances enter the bloodstream. Careful monitoring is necessary to avoid these unpredictable physiological responses.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Fraxinus chinensis?
This plant is traditionally paired with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, and Alisma plantaginifolia to enhance its efficacy in treating kidney deficiency.
These combinations are specifically designed to balance its properties of clearing heat and tonifying the kidneys. When combined with Rehmannia, the formula focuses on nourishing yin and blood to address deficiency symptoms. The addition of Cornus officinalis helps stabilize the essence, while Alisma promotes urination to prevent dampness accumulation.
Such synergistic pairings ensure that the medicinal properties are directed toward specific patterns of disharmony within the body.