Ailanthus Cortex
Also known as: Ailanthus Cortex, Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus altissima
Overview
Ailanthus Cortex is derived from the bark of Ailanthus altissima, a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China and widely naturalized globally. In traditional herbal medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the bark has been used for its purported anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer properties, as well as for addressing gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. The bark contains bioactive compounds such as quassinoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, which are believed to contribute to its traditional effects. However, it is crucial to note that clinical research on Ailanthus Cortex as a supplement ingredient is very limited. Most available studies are preclinical (in vitro or animal studies) or ecological, focusing on the tree's environmental impact rather than its human health benefits. There is a significant lack of high-quality human clinical trials, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and no robust systematic reviews or meta-analyses to substantiate its efficacy or safety for supplement use.
Benefits
Currently, there is no high-quality clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews to support the efficacy of Ailanthus Cortex for any specific health condition in humans. Preclinical studies (in vitro) have suggested potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and some research indicates that quassinoids from Ailanthus altissima may inhibit protein synthesis and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines. However, these findings have not been confirmed in rigorous human trials. Therefore, no statistically significant clinical benefits, population-specific advantages, or established effect sizes can be attributed to Ailanthus Cortex as a supplement ingredient. The lack of robust human data means that any purported benefits are speculative and not evidence-based.
How it works
Based on preclinical in vitro studies, the proposed mechanism of action for Ailanthus Cortex involves its bioactive compounds, such as quassinoids, alkaloids, and phenolics. These compounds are thought to modulate oxidative stress pathways and inflammatory cytokines. For instance, quassinoids have been observed to inhibit protein synthesis and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines in laboratory settings. While these findings suggest potential effects on immune modulation and antioxidant defense, there is no human pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic data available to confirm how Ailanthus Cortex interacts with human body systems, its absorption, or its bioavailability. The precise molecular targets and biological pathways in humans remain largely uncharacterized.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Ailanthus Cortex is not well-documented due to a significant lack of rigorous clinical safety trials in humans. While traditional use might suggest low acute toxicity, there is insufficient clinical data to establish common, uncommon, or rare side effects. Potential adverse effects, based on traditional reports, may include allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset, but these are not systematically documented or quantified. There are no documented drug interactions in clinical settings, nor are there established contraindications for its use. Safety data for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions) are completely unavailable. Due to the absence of comprehensive safety evaluations, Ailanthus Cortex should be approached with extreme caution, and its use is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose for Ailanthus Cortex have not been established due to a critical lack of human clinical trials. There are no standardized dosing guidelines, timing considerations, or form-specific recommendations for its use as a supplement. While it is traditionally used as a dried bark extract in some TCM formulations, there is no standardized extract dosing available. Factors influencing absorption, bioavailability, or potential cofactors are also unknown. Without established dosage parameters and safety thresholds, it is impossible to provide evidence-based recommendations for its use. Individuals considering Ailanthus Cortex should be aware of this significant knowledge gap.
FAQs
Is Ailanthus Cortex effective for any medical condition?
Currently, there is no high-quality clinical evidence from human trials to support the efficacy of Ailanthus Cortex for any specific medical condition. Most research is preclinical or ecological.
Is it safe to use Ailanthus Cortex?
The safety of Ailanthus Cortex has not been rigorously evaluated in humans. There is insufficient clinical data on side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications, so caution is strongly advised.
How long does it take to see effects from Ailanthus Cortex?
The time course of any potential benefits or effects from Ailanthus Cortex is unknown due to the lack of human clinical trials. There is no data to suggest when effects might be observed.
Can Ailanthus Cortex be combined with other supplements or medications?
There is no clinical data available on potential interactions between Ailanthus Cortex and other supplements or medications. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with anything else.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7589998/ – This ecological study compared Ailanthus altissima forests to native forests, observing shifts in species richness and diversity. It suggests allelopathic effects of the tree on other plants but does not provide clinical data relevant to Ailanthus Cortex as a human supplement.
- https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=hcop_facpubs – This research investigated the effects of Ailanthus altissima on ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest ecosystems, finding interference with beneficial fungi associated with oak seedlings. This study is ecological and does not relate to human supplementation or health benefits.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36898403/ – This source is a PubMed entry. While the specific article content is not provided, its presence suggests research related to Ailanthus altissima. Without the full text, a detailed summary of its findings regarding human supplementation is not possible, but it is unlikely to be a high-quality RCT based on the overall research summary.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0185462 – This PLOS ONE article likely discusses research on Ailanthus altissima. Without access to the full text, a precise summary cannot be given, but its inclusion suggests it contributes to the body of knowledge on the plant, potentially in ecological or preclinical contexts, rather than human clinical trials.
- https://www.bohrium.com/paper-details/effects-of-long-term-ailanthus-altissima-extract-supplementation-on-fear-cognition-and-brain-antioxidant-levels/817406641073815552-11392 – This source describes a paper on the effects of Ailanthus altissima extract supplementation on fear cognition and brain antioxidant levels. While it mentions 'supplementation,' the context (e.g., animal study, in vitro) and the quality of evidence for human application are not clear from the title alone. It likely represents preclinical research.
