Tree Of Heaven
OTHER NAME(S): Ailante, Ailanto, A-Lan-Thus, Árbol del Cielo, Chinese Sumach, Chuen Gen Pi, Chun Pi, Copal Tree, Frêne Puant, Faux-Vernis du Japon, Heaven Tree, Indian Tree of Heaven, Paradise Tree, Stinktree, Varnish Tree, Vernis de Chine, Vernis de Japon, Ailanthus altissima, Ailanthus cacodendron, Ailanthus giraldii, Ailanthus glandulosa, Ailanthus vilmoriniana, Rhus cacodendron, Toxicodendron altissimum, Árbol Del Cielo, Ailante Glanduleux
Overview
Tree of heaven is a plant. The dried bark from the trunk and root are sometimes used in folk medicine.
Tree of heaven is used for diarrhea, asthma, cramps, epilepsy, fast heart rate, gonorrhea, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In manufacturing, tree of heaven is used as insecticide.
Some researchers think that chemicals in the bark of tree of heaven may have drying effects, decrease fever, and decrease spasms. Other chemicals found in tree of heaven might kill worms and parasites and have some effects against cancer cells.
Some researchers think that chemicals in the bark of tree of heaven may have drying effects, decrease fever, and decrease spasms. Other chemicals found in tree of heaven might kill worms and parasites and have some effects against cancer cells.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Diarrhea.
- Menstrual pain.
- Asthma.
- Cramps.
- Epilepsy.
- Fast heart rate.
- Gonorrhea.
- Malaria.
- Tapeworms.
- Use as a tonic.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of tree of heaven for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tree of heaven is safe. It might cause queasiness, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tree of heaven is safe. It might cause queasiness, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tree of heaven is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Tree of HeavenTree of heaven might slow blood clotting. Taking tree of heaven along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of tree of heaven depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for tree of heaven. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Rahman HMA, Rasool MF, Imran I. Pharmacological Studies Pertaining to Smooth Muscle Relaxant, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitory and Hypotensive Effects of Ailanthus altissima. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:1871696.
- Mo YN, Cheng F, Yang Z, et al. Antioxidant activity and the potential mechanism of the fruit from Ailanthus altissima Swingle. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Dec 13;8:784898.