Zanthoxylum ailanthoides
What's the taxonomical classification of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides?
Zanthoxylum ailanthoides 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 a representative of the family Rutaceae, specifically placed within the genus Zanthoxylum, and is identified by its unique species designation, ailanthoides.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Zanthoxylum |
| Species | ailanthoides |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Zanthoxylum ailanthoides has pinnately compound leaves that typically consist of 11 to 27 leaflets arranged symmetrically along a central rachis. The individual leaflets are lanceolate or elliptical in shape with serrated margins and acute tips. This deciduous tree features a bark that becomes deeply fissured and rugged as the specimen matures. Its reproductive structures include small, greenish-yellow flowers that cluster into panicles during the blooming season. The resulting fruit is a small, woody capsule that splits open to reveal single seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and temperate regions of East and Southeast Asia, spanning across China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of Taiwan. It thrives primarily in mountainous areas and forest margins where moisture is abundant. Its range extends from the southern reaches of the Japanese archipelago through various provinces in mainland China. In these habitats, the species is often found in well-drained soils along riverbanks or in open woodland settings. Localized populations are also documented throughout the humid subtropical climates of Southeast Asian highlands.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, is cultivated by sowing seeds in well-drained, fertile soil within subtropical to tropical climates that provide ample sunlight and consistent moisture.
Growers typically start the life cycle in nurseries to protect young seedlings from extreme temperature fluctuations. Because the species is sensitive to frost, it thrives best in regions with mild winters and high humidity. Regular watering and organic fertilization help support its vigorous growth and development of aromatic bark.
Careful management of soil pH is also essential to ensure the plant reaches its full medicinal and ecological potential.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Zanthoxylum ailanthoides provides medicinal benefits primarily through its stem bark and roots. The bark is harvested to create decoctions used for treating various ailments including skin diseases and intestinal infections. Traditional healers often utilize the extracts to manage fever and inflammatory conditions. Beyond the bark, the roots also contain bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties. These different parts are processed according to specific regional medicinal practices to ensure efficacy.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", 22 compounds including 5 new compounds and 17 known compounds were isolated from the stem bark of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides. The five new compounds are ailanthamide (1), N-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-N-methylbenzamide (2), (2E,4E)-N-isobutyl-6-oxohepta-2,4-dienamide (3), 4-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutoxy)benzaldehyde (4), and (E)-methyl 4-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)phenoxy]-2-methylbut-2-enoate (5). Compounds 1, 3, xanthyletin, decarine, (+)-episesamin, (-)-hinokinin, and evofolin-B exhibited inhibition of superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils with IC50 values less than or equal to 5.34 microg/mL. Additionally, compounds 1, xanthyletin, decarine, and (+)-episesamin inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC50 values less than or equal to 5.53 microg/mL.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- stem bark
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Zanthoxylum ailanthoides has been utilized extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, intestinal parasites, and digestive disorders. Practitioners historically prepared the bark and roots to serve as potent bitter tonics and anti-inflammatory agents. In many regional folk traditions, the plant's essential oils were extracted to create topical applications for skin conditions. Beyond medicinal uses, historical records suggest it played a role in local dietary practices as a flavoring component. These long-standing applications reflect the plant's significant cultural and therapeutic importance in historical botanical practices.
According to a study published by "Oncology reports", Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a plant used in Chinese traditional herbal medicine. From this plant, the neolignan ailanthoidol (AT) was derived. In studies involving female CD-1 mice, the topical application of AT at concentrations of 0.5-2.5 mM using 200 microl showed specific inhibitory effects. When AT was applied 5 min prior to TPA (5 nmol) three times weekly for 12 weeks, it inhibited the incidence of skin tumors. This treatment helped reduce the average number of tumors per mice compared to those treated with TPA alone.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides?
This plant has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and inhibitory activity on elastase release. These diverse pharmacological properties suggest that its chemical constituents can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. The anti-proliferative and anti-cancer effects demonstrate its potential to disrupt the growth cycles of malignant cells. Furthermore, its ability to suppress inflammation and inhibit elastase release makes it a candidate for treating skin aging and inflammatory diseases. Such multifaceted biological actions highlight the therapeutic importance of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides in medicinal research.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", Zanthoxylum ailanthoides contains 15 unique peaks and a high relative content of benzophenanthridine type alkaloids at 60.52%. The crude alkaloid extracts from the genus showed inhibitory rates ranging from 60.71 to 93.63% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL against four carcinoma cell lines including SGC-7901, Hela, HT-29, and Hep G2. SGC-7901 cells were found to be more sensitive to the Zanthoxylum alkaloids than the other 3 cancer cells. These potential anti-cancer activities are attributed to quaternary alkaloids within the species.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatoy
- anti-proliferative
- antioxidant
- inhibitory activity on elastase release
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds such as ailanthaide, ailanthoidol, alkaloids of benzophenanthridine type, (-)-hinokinin, and (+)-episesamine. These chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological activities observed in the species. The presence of specific alkaloids provides the plant with its unique biological properties. Researchers study these substances to understand their potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine. Such complex chemical profiles make the plant a significant subject of phytochemical investigation.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", 5 new compounds and 17 known compounds were isolated from the stem bark of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides. These new compounds include ailanthamide (1), N-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-N-methylbenzamide (2), (2E,4E)-N-isobutyl-6-oxohepta-2,4-dienamide (3), 4-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutoxy)benzaldehyde (4), and (E)-methyl 4-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)phenoxy]-2-methylbut-2-enoate (5). Compounds 1, 3, xanthyletin, decarine, (+)-episesamin, (-)-hinokinin, and evofolin-B showed inhibition of superoxide anion generation with IC50 values less than or equal to 5.34 microg/mL. Additionally, compounds 1, xanthyletin, decarine, and (+)-episesamin inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC50 values less than or equal to 5.53 microg/mL.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ailanthamide
- ailanthoidol
- alkaloids of benzophenanthridine type
- (-)-hinokinin
- (+)-episesamin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment and inhibition of hepatic tumor cells, cervical tumor cells, colon tumor cells, skin tumors, and stomach tumor cells. Research into its phytochemical properties suggests that certain extracts possess significant anti-tumor activity against these specific malignancies. These bioactive compounds work by interfering with the growth and proliferation of various cancerous cell lines. Scientists study these effects to better understand how the plant's chemical constituents can target diverse types of tumors. This ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full medicinal potential of the species in oncology.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", Zanthoxylum ailanthoides contains alkaloids that show potential anti-proliferative activities against four carcinoma cell lines, which include SGC-7901 stomach tumor cells, Hela cervical tumor cells, HT-29 colon tumor cells, and Hep G2 hepatic tumor cells. The plant contains 15 unique peaks and benzophenanthridine type alkaloids that make up 60.52% of its relative content. At a concentration of 200 μg/mL, the crude alkaloids extracts demonstrated inhibitory rates ranging from 60.71 to 93.63% against various tumor cells. These results indicate that the potential anti-cancer activity of the species is attributed to quaternary alkaloids.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Hepatic tumor cells
- cervical tumor cells
- colon tumor cells
- skin tumors
- stomach tumor cells
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as extracts, decoctions, and tinctures to treat various ailments. The chemical compounds found within the bark and leaves provide significant therapeutic potential. Many practitioners prepare concentrated extracts to ensure a potent dose of active alkaloids. These liquid preparations are often utilized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Detailed processing methods are required to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final herbal product.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", Zanthoxylum ailanthoides contains 15 unique peaks within its alkaloid profile. Benzophenanthridine type alkaloids are commonly present in this species with a high relative content of 60.52%. In inhibitory activity tests using crude alkaloid extracts, inhibition rates ranged from 60.71 to 93.63% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. These extracts showed remarkable inhibitory activities against four carcinoma cell lines, including SGC-7901, Hela, HT-29, and Hep G2. The potential anti-cancer activity in these species is attributed to quaternary alkaloids.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause unknown health side effects because there is currently insufficient clinical data to identify specific adverse reactions in humans. While some traditional practices involve its use, researchers have not conducted enough controlled studies to establish a clear safety profile. This lack of scientific evidence means that potential risks to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system remain entirely unquantified. Consequently, individuals should exercise extreme caution and avoid self-medicating with this species. Without rigorous clinical trials, the true impact of its chemical constituents on human physiology remains a mystery.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Insufficient clinical data to identify specific side effects
What herbs are paired with Zanthoxylum ailanthoides?
This plant pairs most effectively with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise to enhance its bitter, citrusy undertones.
When used in culinary applications, its pungent profile benefits from the heat of black pepper or the sweetness of fennel seeds. These combinations help balance the intense woody notes often found in its bark and leaves. Additionally, pairing it with citrus zest can accentuate its natural bright notes during infusion processes.
Such combinations are frequently explored in traditional preparations to create a more harmonious flavor profile.