Botanical Overview
Ailanthus grandis is a species in the Simaroubaceae family. The quassia family (Simaroubaceae) includes trees and shrubs with bitter bark, compound leaves, and small, unisexual flowers. The fruits are typically drupes or samaras. Many species contain quassinoids, intensely bitter compounds with antimalarial and anticancer activity. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
Family Context
The Simaroubaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Stinktree — 36 documented uses
- Bitterwood — 21 documented uses
- Simaruba Bark — 19 documented uses
- Cedron — 10 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Ailanthus grandis has been recorded in Indonesia, and India.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulinic-acid.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.