Brucea javanica vs Ailanthus altissima

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Brucea javanica

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial

Brucea javanica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ailanthus altissima

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

bruceosides, brusatol, quassinoids, alkaloids

ailanthone, quassinoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

malaria, dysentery, tumors, schistosomiasis

dysentery, tapeworm, malaria, asthma (bark)

Modern Uses

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

anthelmintic, antimalarial (ailanthone), astringent

Adult Dosage

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

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

Contraindications

pregnancy, GI conditions, liver disease

pregnancy, liver disease, heart conditions

Side Effects

GI toxicity, hepatotoxicity with excess

nausea, hepatotoxicity with excess, cardiac arrhythmia

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E