Zanthoxylum americanum
Zanthoxylum americanum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Zanthoxylum americanum is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse array of biological activities. Research indicates that this plant possesses notable cytotoxic, (+)-inotropic, and lipoxygenase-inhibitory properties, specifically targeting both 12-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. These therapeutic effects are driven by key chemical constituents such as Alloxanthoxyletin, Asarinin, Dipetaline, and Xanthoxyletin. Furthermore, studies have explored the plant's potential efficacy in addressing conditions involving Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Understanding these chemical interactions provides valuable insight into the plant's complex pharmacological profile.
- Synonyms
- Thylax Fraxineum · Zanthoxylum Ramiflorum · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Zanthoxylum americanum is widely recognized by its primary English common name, the American prickly-ash. Depending on the region and language, this plant also goes by the name Common pricklyash. In certain cultural contexts, it is referred to as Gawa' kumīc. The species is further identified in Estonian as ameerika koldpuu. Finally, it is known by the name amerikanlimopuu in other linguistic traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Zanthoxylum americanum is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. It is frequently identified in older literature under the names Mioptrila odorata and Thylax fraxineum. Furthermore, the species encompasses various forms, including Zanthoxylum americanum f. armatius and Zanthoxylum americanum f. impuniens. Researchers may also encounter this plant documented as Zanthoxylum clava-herculis var. americanum. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification and scientific study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Zanthoxylum americanum is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Sapindales, which connects it to a diverse group of flowering plants. As a member of the genus Zanthoxylum, it shares unique structural characteristics with its close relatives. Finally, this plant is nested within the family Rutaceae, completing its complex botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Zanthoxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Zanthoxylum americanum is a versatile species with a widespread distribution spanning across much of Northern America. In the northeastern regions, it can be found throughout Eastern Canada, including the provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec. Moving southward, its range extends into the North-Central United States, with notable presence in areas such as Illinois. The plant's reach also stretches significantly into Mexico, particularly within the northeast portion of the country. This broad geographical footprint highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Zanthoxylum americanum is a self-supporting tree that maintains a sturdy and upright structure. This species typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 10.06 meters as it matures. Its distinct growth form allows it to establish a reliable presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Zanthoxylum americanum, commonly known as northern prickly ash, contains several bioactive compounds that exhibit significant cytotoxic properties. Researchers have successfully isolated various pyranocoumarins and lignans from extracts of this plant, including dipetaline and sesamin. These specific secondary metabolites demonstrate the ability to inhibit thymidine incorporation within human leukaemia cells. Among the studied substances, dipetaline emerged as the most potent agent with a notably low IC50 value. Such findings highlight the potential medicinal value of the chemical constituents found within this species.
Compounds
Zanthoxylum americanum, commonly known as northern prickly ash, serves as a rich source of various bioactive compounds. Research has identified several specific pyranocoumarins within the plant, including alloxanthoxyletin, xanthoxyletin, and xanthyletin. In addition to these coumarins, the plant also contains the lignan asarinin. These diverse chemical constituents have demonstrated varying degrees of cytotoxic activity against human leukaemia cells. Ultimately, the presence of these specific compounds highlights the complex chemical profile of this botanical species.
Conditions
Zanthoxylum americanum exhibits varying levels of medicinal potential according to recent research findings. When tested against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the ethanolic extracts of this plant showed weak or no antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 256 μg/mL or higher. However, specific phytochemicals isolated from the plant demonstrate significant effects on human leukaemia (HL-60) cells. Compounds such as dipetaline and alloxanthoxyletin were found to inhibit the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into these cancer cells to varying degrees. Among the isolated substances, dipetaline proved to be the most potent inhibitor of the HL-60 leukaemia cell line.