The efficacy and function of Ailanthus altissima bark

The bark of Ailanthus altissima is a relatively familiar traditional Chinese medicine. It has many benefits for our body. If we want to consume it correctly in our lives, we need to have some understanding of the bark of Ailanthus altissima. Let’s take a look at it below.

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root bark of Ailanthus altissima, a plant of the Simiaceae family.

[Original form] Large-fruited Ailanthus altissima is a deciduous tree, 10-30m tall. The bark is gray or light brown, and the young branches are glabrous, reddish brown and shiny. Odd-pinnate compound leaves are alternate; petiolules are purple, 5-10mm long; leaf blades are ovate-lanceolate, usually larger, 9-14cm long, 1.5-7.5cm wide, with short pointed or acuminate tips, base cuneate to rounded, margins without cilia, 1-2 pairs of coarse teeth on both sides near the base, and 1 gland on the back of each coarse tooth. The flowers are small, heterosexual, white with green, arranged in multi-branched panicles, 35-50 cm long; the petals are about 2.5 cm long, pubescent on both sides, the male flowers have 10 stamens, longer than the petals, and the base of the filaments is covered with coarse hairs; in female flowers, the stamens are shorter than the petals, with 5 carpels, the style is twisted, glued, and the stigma is 5-lobed. The samaras are oblong-oval, 4.5-7cm long, 1.5-2cm wide, and slightly reddish brown. There is one seed, located near the middle of the samara. The flowering period is June, and the fruiting period is July-October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in mixed woods or thickets on roadsides or ditches at an altitude of 1700-2500m.

【Chemical composition】 The root bark contains ailanthin and saponin; the wood contains resin, tannin, carborhydrate and vanillin, etc.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; astringent; cool

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness; detoxifies and kills insects. Mainly used for dysentery, blood in stool, metrorrhagia, leucorrhea, sores and carbuncle

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-12g. For external use: take appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing; or make a paste for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the introduction in the above article, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of the bark of Ailanthus altissima. The bark of Ailanthus altissima is very beneficial to human health, so you can try it.