Ailanthus altissima (Ailanthus altissima): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Ailanthus altissima work to kill parasites?

Ailanthus altissima contains potent quassinoids, specifically ailanthone, which act as the primary anthelmintic agents. These compounds work by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and disrupting energy metabolism within the parasites, effectively paralyzing and expelling them from the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the bark contains tannins that provide an astringent effect, helping to reduce intestinal inflammation and secretion associated with dysentery. Evidence for these mechanisms is largely derived from in-vitro and animal studies (Evidence Level C).

Does Ailanthus altissima interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Ailanthus altissima poses significant interaction risks. Due to its potential hepatotoxicity, it should not be combined with medications that stress the liver, such as acetaminophen, statins, or alcohol. Additionally, because the herb has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias, concurrent use with heart medications (like beta-blockers or anti-arrhythmics) could lead to dangerous additive effects. Patients taking antidiabetic drugs should also use caution, as hypoglycemic effects have been noted in animal studies. Always consult a physician before use.

What is the standard dosage for Ailanthus altissima bark?

Traditional usage suggests preparing a bark decoction using 3 to 5 grams of dried material, taken twice daily. However, this dosage requires strict caution due to the narrow therapeutic window of the active quassinoids. Exceeding recommended amounts significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, including nausea and hepatotoxicity. Given the potential for toxicity and lack of standardized clinical trials (Evidence Level C), professional guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider is strongly recommended before starting any regimen.

Is Ailanthus altissima safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Ailanthus altissima is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and is considered unsafe. The plant contains potent quassinoids, such as ailanthone, which have demonstrated emmenagogue and abortifacient properties. Ingestion can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage. Furthermore, the herb's inherent toxicity poses significant risks to fetal development. Lactating women should also avoid this herb, as active constituents may pass into breast milk. It is categorized as unsafe for pregnant women based on traditional use and pharmacological data.

What are the side effects of taking Ailanthus altissima?

Common side effects primarily involve gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, often due to the bitter properties of the bark. More severe adverse effects can occur with excessive dosing or prolonged use, specifically hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms of toxicity may include dizziness and irregular heartbeat. Due to these risks, individuals with pre-existing liver disease or heart conditions should avoid this herb entirely. Evidence regarding safety is limited to traditional use and animal toxicology studies (Evidence Level C).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Ailanthus altissima, known as the Tree of Heaven, is a globally invasive species native to China with documented traditional medicinal uses and significant pharmacological potential, particularly in anticancer research [PMID:26071766, PMID:33862103, PMID:41083063].

Contexte

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle is a woody plant native to China that has become a widespread invasive species in Europe and North America [PMID:26071766, PMID:38611460]. It is characterized by high reproductive capacity through both seeds and root regrowth [PMID:38611460].

Usages traditionnels

The dried bark, known as 'Chunpi' in Chinese, has been used in traditional medicine in China, Korea, and India for thousands of years to treat asthma, epilepsy, spermatorrhea, bleeding, and ophthalmic diseases [PMID:33862103]. It has also been used traditionally for fever, gastric diseases, and inflammation [PMID:34271112].

Composés actifs

Key active compounds include quassinoids (notably ailanthone, ailanthinone, chaparrine, and ailanthinol B) [PMID:12590453, PMID:32239572], alkaloids such as 1-methoxycanthin-6-one and 14(S),15-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-β-carboline [PMID:15934030, PMID:36416576], phenols, flavonoids [PMID:36942273], and very-long-chain resorcinolic lipids in samaras [PMID:40733236]. Seed oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, β-sitosterol, and γ-tocopherol [PMID:38672940].

Mécanisme d'action

Ailanthone exerts anticancer effects by activating DNA damage responses, inhibiting the Hsp90 co-chaperone p23, and modulating microRNAs, specifically downregulating oncogenic miR-21 and upregulating tumor suppressors miR-126, miR-148a, miR-195, and miR-449a [PMID:32239572]. In astrocytes, leaf extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by modulating iNOS, COX-2, and MAPK expression [PMID:34271112].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CCancer (various types)

Ailanthone shows significant antitumor effects against various cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo (hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and castration-resistant prostate cancer) in mice [PMID:32239572].

Preuve DAnxiety and Memory

Chronic administration (28 days) of 50-200 mg/kg of methanolic bark extract in rats yielded dose-dependent anxiolytic effects and neuroprotective potential [PMID:36942273].

Preuve DInflammation (CNS)

Leaf extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary astrocytes [PMID:34271112].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A. altissima pollen is an emerging aeroallergen; approximately 24% of atopic patients in one study showed positive immunoreactivity to the extract [PMID:32372626, PMID:28041857]. The plant also produces allelopathic quassinoids that are phytotoxic to other plants [PMID:36082289, PMID:12590453].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and botanical/ecological reviews. There is a lack of human clinical trial data (RCTs) to establish therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36387605 (2023) — Cut-dip-budding delivery system enables genetic modifications in plants without tissue culture. · Innovation (Cambridge (Mass.))
2.PMID: 37663793 (2023) — The genome sequence of the tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, 1916. · Wellcome open research
3.PMID: 26071766 (2015) — Review on Invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) Conflicting Values: Assessment of Its Ecosystem Services and Potential Biological Threat. · Environmental management
4.PMID: 32372626 (2020) — Evaluating the Immunoreactivity of Ailanthus Altissima (The Tree of Heaven) Pollen Extract in Atopic Patients. · Iranian journal of allergy, asthma, and immunology
5.PMID: 38611460 (2024) — The Invasive Ailanthus altissima: A Biology, Ecology, and Control Review.

Ailanthus altissima

Sources et citations

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