Ailanthus altissima vs Brucea javanica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ailanthus altissima

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial

Ailanthus altissima

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Brucea javanica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Invasive Asian tree; bark used in Chinese folk medicine for diarrhea, dysentery, and tapeworm.

Southeast Asian Simaroubaceae; seeds (Ya Dan Zi) used in TCM for dysentery, malaria, and anti-tumor effects.

Active Compounds

ailanthone, quassinoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids

bruceosides, brusatol, quassinoids, alkaloids

Traditional Uses

dysentery, tapeworm, malaria, asthma (bark)

malaria, dysentery, tumors, schistosomiasis

Modern Uses

anthelmintic, antimalarial (ailanthone), astringent

anti-malarial, anti-tumor (research), anti-protozoal

Adult Dosage

Bark decoction 3-5g 2x/day (with caution)

10-15 seeds in capsule 3x/day (traditional)

Contraindications

pregnancy, liver disease, heart conditions

pregnancy, GI conditions, liver disease

Side Effects

nausea, hepatotoxicity with excess, cardiac arrhythmia

GI toxicity, hepatotoxicity with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E