A large deciduous tree with stout stem and granular bark nearly smooth except on large trees. Branches rather large starting at right angles from the stem and then curving upwards. Twigs thick, marked with large scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves large 2 to 3 ft. long with 8 to 14 pairs of leaflets. In young trees there is usually a terminal leaflet in addition to several pairs of leaflets. Leaflets very unequal-sided at the base, coarsely toothed, dull green, softly hairy especially beneath when young, on rather long stalks. Flowers yellowish-green, small but occurring in big bunches. Fruit 1¾ inch long, ½ inch wide, thin, strongly nerved, twisted at the base bearing a solitary seed in the middle.
Herb Effects
Aromatic, bitter, astringent, antiseptic, febrifuge, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, expectorant, antileukemic, anticancer and “cytotoxic against KB test-system” (root bark); stimulates the central nervous system (aerial part)
Ailanthinone, quassinoids and glaucarbinone (root bark); 2.6-dimethoxyaquinone (plant)
Chemistry
of Active Ingredients
Name
CAS#
IUPAC Name
Formula
Structure
Ailanthinone
53683-73-1
Not Available
C25H34O9
Quassinoid
41451-75-6
Not Available
C28H36O11
Pharmacology
Medicinal Use
Curing wounds and sores (bark decoction); on rashes (leaf and bark); to treat asthma and bronchitis, and as an astringent for diarrhoea and dysentery.
Contraindication
Nausea and dizziness.Do not take while pregnant or breast feeding.
Reference
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.
Priya Vrat Sharma, Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants. Ogura M. Cordell GA. Kinghorn AD. Farnsworth NR. Potential anticancer agents vi. Constituents of Ailanthus excelsa.
Health Remedies 
Return to top