Ailanthus altissima (Ailanthus altissima); Chinese ash, toxicodendron tall; ailant is the highest
Deciduous tree of the simarub family, up to 20 m tall. The crown is spreading, the young branches are pubescent, dark yellow. The leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, 60-80 cm long, with 13-25 elongated-ovate leaflets. The flowers are 5-petalled, small, unisexual or bisexual, greenish-whitish, collected in a long apical panicle up to 30 cm long. The fruit is a bright red-brown lionfish. Blooms in June – July.
Spread. Comes from China. In Ukraine, mainly in the southern regions, it is grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant.
Raw. Bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are used.
The plant is unofficial.
Chemical composition. The bark of Ailant contains tannins (up to 12%), saponins, alkaloids, sterols, simarubin lactone, coumarin heteroside, bitter substances, which include ailantin.
Pharmacological properties and use. Aylant preparations show a pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Tincture of dry ripe fruits of Ailanta the highest was previously used in the manufacture of the product anginol (echinor), which was prescribed in the treatment of sore throat. In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves are used as a remedy against tapeworms and dysentery, and the fruits are used for hemorrhoids and as a means to regulate menstruation. The leaves, in addition, are considered an effective remedy for leishmaniasis. In homeopathy, the flowers, young bark and fresh shoots are used for scarlet fever and diphtheria, and the fruits for kidney and gallstone diseases and as an anticancer agent.