ETHANOPHARMACOLOGY, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AILANTHUS EXCELSA ROXB: AN OUTLOOK

The genus Ailanthus, which includes both evergreen and deciduous species, is native to both Asia and northern Australia. Traditional medicine relies heavily on this plant, and various components of the plant are utilized to treat a wide range of illnesses. Herbal and ayurvedic drugs have gained worldwide attention over the past decade for their potential health and financial benefits. There are now major worries about the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbs due to their regular and extensive use around the world. As a result, credible scientific data or evaluation is required before health claims made about herbs may be considered valid. The foundation for this tree’s status as a plant of heaven includes the traditional assertions, phytochemical studies, pharmacological examination and some ayurvedic formulations. Therapeutic effects are found throughout the plant. The bark is employed in treating dysentery, earaches, skin diseases, rectum problems, fever related to tridosha and alleviating thirst. Furthermore, it is prescribed for patients suffering from bronchitis, asthma, bronchitis, dyspepsia, gout and rheumatism. In Ayurveda, it is recommended for those with a sour palate. Extracts from the bark of the stem were shown to have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Flavonoids, quassinoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols and saponins have all been found in this plant. Ethnobotanical research shows that Ailanthus excelsa Roxb (AER) is full of different chemical compounds that may have a wide range of effects on living things. The traditional claims, as well as the pharmacognostical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and future potential of this plant are discussed in this review. Researchers are still looking for ways to use naturally occurring molecules to treat human diseases, according to new information. This information also points the way toward discovering more naturally occurring and new semisynthetic or synthetic compounds with similar effects.