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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Antimicrobial constituents from fruits of Ailanthus altissima SWINGLE.

A new naturally occurring sterol, compound 5, and six known stigmasterols were isolated from fruits of Ailanthus altissima Swingle by repeated column chromatography and RP-HPLC. Their structures were identified as, 5alpha-stigmastane-3,6-dione (1), 3beta-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one (2), stigmast-5-ene-3beta, 7alpha-diol (3), 6alpha-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (4), 5alpha-stigmastane-3beta, 6beta-diol (5), stigmast-4-ene-3beta, 6alpha-diol (6), stigmast-5-ene-3beta, 7alpha, 20xi-triol (7) by spectral analysis and comparison with the published data. These compounds have not been reported from genus Ailanthus, whereas compound 7 was identified by NMR for the first time. In addition, the 95% ethanol extract and compounds from the fruits of Ailanthus altissima SWINGLE were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The extract was potent active against the assayed bacteria while compounds 3 and 7 exhibited moderate activity.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2006

A new cerebroside from fruits of Ailanthus altissima Swingle.

A new cerebroside and three known cycloartan triterpenes were isolated from fruits of Ailanthus altissima Swingle. Their structures were identified as 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S, 3R, 4E, 9E)-2-(2'R-hydroxyhexadecenoy)-4, 9-octadecadiene-1, 3-diol (1), 9, 19-cyclolanost-23 (Z)-ene-3beta, 25-diol (2), cycloart-25-ene-3beta, 24R-diol (3), and cycloart-25-ene-3beta, 24S-diol (4) by means of chemical and spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 2, 3, and 4 were isolated from genus Ailanthus for the first time. The analgesic activity of 1 was also evaluated.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2006

Two new tetracyclic triterpenes from the heartwood of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Two new dammarane-type triterpenes, ailexcelone and ailexcelol, together with ocotillone, malabaricol, epoxymalabaricol, lupeol, and sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside were isolated from the heartwood of Ailanthus excelsa. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR data. Ocotillone, malabaricol and epoxymalabaricol were isolated for the first time from A. excelsa. All of the isolates were tested for their antifungal activity.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2003

Antiplasmodial activity of extracts and quassinoids isolated from seedlings of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae).

Extracts and isolated compounds from seedlings of Ailanthus altissima, were assessed for antiplasmodial activity in vitro. Two quassinoids, ailanthone and 6alpha-tigloyloxychaparrinone, isolated from the active extracts showed activity against both chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Only ailanthone demonstrated low toxicity against the Vero cell line (kidney cells from the African green monkey). This is the first report of the isolation and antiplasmodial activity of 6alpha-tigloyloxychaparrinone from this species.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2005

Antiproliferative effects of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima Swingle).

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima Swingle) was evaluated for its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities by a bioassay-oriented study. Cytotoxicity observed in HeLa cells was time-dependent; the treatment with 10 microg/mL of the root chloroform extract reduced cell viability by 56% at 24 h and 29% at 48 h of exposure, whereas no effect was recorded in the controls. Significant effects were observed also for chromatographic fractions and the pure isolated alkaloid 1-methoxy-canthin-6-one. After 72 h of incubation cell viability was less than 10% for all treatments. A possible apoptotic effect was evaluated by monitoring the presence of hypodiploid elements in HeLa cells as well as in SAOS, U87MG and U-937 tumor cell lines. The cells incubated for different times with the active extract, fraction and pure alkaloid isolated from A. altissima showed a remarkable increase in the apoptosis.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2007

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) by flavonoids isolated from Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb) (Simaroubaceae).

In our screening program for antihypertensive properties of plants, the leaves of Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb), a plant used in Egyptian traditional medicine, were analysed. Chromatographic separation of A. excelsa MeOH extract yielded six flavonoids for the first time from this species, namely apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-galactopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside and luteolin-7-O-beta-glucopyranoside. The in vitro hypotensive activities of the MeOH extract and the isolated compounds were elucidated. All the flavonoids tested exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, in particular the most active compound was kaempferol-3-O-beta-galactopyranoside with an IC(50) value of 260 microm.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2006

Managing tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) in parks and protected areas: a case study of Rondeau Provincial Park (Ontario, Canada).

The Carolinian Life Zone in southwestern Ontario, Canada is valued because it represents an almost disjunct ecosystem (i.e., one that is typical of the mid-Atlantic United States, rather than the rest of Canada or the nearby states in the United States). The landscape of the Carolinian Life Zone has undergone dramatic transformation, especially in recent decades as agriculture, urbanization, and recreation have intensified. One of the most apparent changes is the invasion of exotic plant species that exacerbates the need for mass restoration efforts. Within the Carolinian Life Zone, Rondeau Provincial Park has experienced an influx of nonindigenous, invasive species in recent years. Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is one example. The infestation is still relatively localized to (mainly) the park, slowly spreading, and manageable as long as something is done immediately. We examined the effects of hand-pulling and mulching, cut stump and glyphosate application, cut stump alone, and the EZJect Capsule Injection System (using glyphosate) on the management of A. altissima within the park. Cut stump and glyphosate treatment was most effective and efficient in its control of young A. altissima shoots because it limits disturbance and has acceptable capital and operating costs. Hand-pulling and mulching was the second choice, mainly because of the risk of additional disturbance that increased shoot densities 1 year after treatment. Cut stump alone was not effective, worsened the infestation, and is not recommended for this species. The EZJect system was effective at managing mature, seed-producing shoots, although the somewhat higher capital costs mean that the system probably should be purchased for management of several invasive tree species to make it more cost-effective.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2003

Quassinoids from Ailanthus excelsa.

Three quassinoids, 1, 2 and 3, 4-dihydro excelsin 3 were isolated from the stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa, along with five known quassinoids excelsin, glaucarubine, ailanthinone, glaucarubinone and glaucarubolone. The glaucarubolone has been isolated for the first time from this plant. The structural elucidation is based on the analysis of spectroscopic data.

Acetylation↗
PubMed2003

Foliar response of an Ailanthus altissima clone in two sites with different levels of ozone-pollution.

Potted plants of Ailanthus altissima, produced by root suckers coming from a single symptomatic mother tree, were placed in two sites in the vicinity of Florence (central Italy), with different levels of ozone pollution. These plants were kept in well watered conditions during the period May-September 1999. In the high pollution site (Settignano-SET) the level of ozone exposure (AOT40) reached at the end of the season a value of 31 ppm h, whereas in the "low pollution" site (Cascine-CAS) the exposure to ozone was 11 ppm h. A. altissima showed foliar symptoms in early July at SET and in the second half of July at CAS when exposure values reached 5 ppm h at both sites. However, at the end of August the conditions of the plantlets were rather similar in both sites. Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis were performed at the first onset of symptoms at SET (the CAS leaflets were asymptomatic). Observing the upper leaf surface where the brown stipples were visible, it was found that the cells of the palisade mesophyll displayed loss of chlorophyll and the organelles in the cytoplasm were damaged. Swelling of thylacoids was observed in the CAS leaflets, thus indicating the possible onset of a pre-visual damage. The injured cells were separated from the healthy ones by a layer of callose. We conclude that the sensitivity to ozone of A. altissima leaves is related to its leaf structure, with low leaf density and large intercellular spaces. Cell walls, as well as acting as mechanical barriers against the spread of ozone within the cell, also provide important detoxifying processes.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2003

Isolation of phytotoxic compounds from tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima swingle).

The aqueous root extract of Ailanthus altissima showed allelopathic activity against radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. "Saxa"), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) seeds. A bioassay-oriented purification of active extracts, chromatographic fractions, and compounds demonstrated dose-dependent activity on germination and radicle growth of test seeds; radish seed was the most sensitive to allelochemicals. Active compounds have been isolated: ailanthone, ailanthinone, chaparrine, and ailanthinol B (quassinoid derivatives); the alkaloid 1-methoxycanthin-6-one is not active. The compound with greatest inhibitory activity is ailanthone. The data obtained suggest a possible use of tree-of-heaven root extracts or of its active constituents as natural herbicides.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2006

A new quassinoid, ailantinol H from Ailanthus altissima.

A new quassinoid, ailantinol H, was isolated from a methanol extract of the aerial parts of Ailanthus altissima collected in Taiwan. Its structure was established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and HREIMS spectroscopic methods.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2004

Drought resistance of Ailanthus altissima: root hydraulics and water relations.

Drought resistance of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle is a major factor underlying the impressively wide expansion of this species in Europe and North America. We studied the specific mechanism used by A. altissima to withstand drought by subjecting potted seedlings to four irrigation regimes. At the end of the 13-week treatment period, soil water potential was -0.05 MPa for well-watered control seedlings (W) and -0.4, -0.8 and -1.7 MPa for drought-stressed seedlings (S) in irrigation regimes S1, S2 and S3, respectively. Root and shoot biomass production did not differ significantly among the four groups. A progressively marked stomatal closure was observed in drought-stressed seedlings, leading to homeostasis of leaf water potential, which was maintained well above the turgor loss point. Root and shoot hydraulics were measured with a high-pressure flow meter. When scaled by leaf surface area, shoot hydraulic conductance did not differ among the treated seedlings, whereas root hydraulic conductance decreased by about 20% in S1 and S2 seedlings and by about 70% in S3 seedlings, with respect to the well-watered control value. Similar differences were observed when root hydraulic conductance was scaled by root surface area, suggesting that roots had become less permeable to water. Anatomical observations of root cross sections revealed that S3 seedlings had shrunken cortical cells and a multilayer endodermal-like tissue that probably impaired soil-to-root stele water transport. We conclude that A. altissima seedlings are able to withstand drought by employing a highly effective water-saving mechanism that involves reduced water loss by leaves and reduced root hydraulic conductance. This water-saving mechanism helps explain how A. altissima successfully competes with native vegetation.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2002

Plant growth regulatory effect and insecticidal activity of the extracts of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima L.).

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to explore and utilize naturally occurring products for combating harmful agricultural and public health pests. Secondary metabolites in the leaves of the Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima L. have been reported to be herbicidal and insecticidal. The mode of action, however, of the active compounds in A. altissima are not understood. In this paper, we report the chemical characteristics of the herbicidal and insecticidal components in this tree, and will discuss the effect of light on the bioactivity of the active components. RESULTS: Extracts from the fresh leaves of A. altissima showed a strong plant germination/growth inhibitory effect in laboratory bioassays against alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The effect was dose-dependent. The growth inhibitory components were in the methylene chloride soluble fraction of the extract. The effect was greater in the light than in the dark. Other fractions had plant growth enhancing effect at lower concentrations. The extract was slightly insecticidal against yellow fever mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti). CONCLUSIONS: The extract or its semi-purified fractions of A. altissima were strong plant growth inhibitors, therefore good candidates as potential environmentally safe and effective agricultural pest management agents. The finding that light affects the activity will be useful in the application of such natural products.

Aedes↗
PubMed2006

Anti-inflammatory activity of Ailanthus altissima in ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation.

As part of an ongoing investigation to find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-inflammation activity, the effect of an ethanol extract from the parts of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) was evaluated in both in vitro and in in vivo system. The ethanol extract of A. altissima (EAa) inhibited generation of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent phases of prostaglandin D2 in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 214.6 microg/ml. However, this compound did not inhibit COX-2 protein expression up to a concentration of 400 microg/ml in the BMMC, indicating that EAa directly inhibits COX-2 activity. In addition, EAa inhibited leukotriene C4 production with an IC50 value of 25.7 microg/ml. Furthermore, this compound inhibited degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 27.3 microg/ml. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were orally pretreated with EAa before aerosol challenges. EAa reduced the eosinophil infiltration into the airway and the eotaxin, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA expression levels. These results suggest that the anti-inflammation activity of A. altissima in OVA-induced lung inflammation may occur in part via the down regulation of T(H)2 cytokines and eotaxin transcripts as well as the inhibition of inflammatory mediators.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2003

Three new quassinoids, ailantinol E, F, and G, from Ailanthus altissima.

Three new quassinoids, ailantinol E (1), ailantinol F (2), and ailantinol G (3), and related compounds were isolated from Ailanthus altissima grown in Taiwan. Their structures were elucidated from spectral evidence. Each new quassinoid was evaluated for its antitumor promoting effects against Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation introduced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in Raji cells. The new quassinoids were found to show potent activity without showing any cytotoxicity. The screening for inhibitors against nitric oxide donor action was also conducted using the new quassinoids and some standard samples.

Ailanthus↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial activity of Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb).

The antibacterial activity of different fractions of a methanol extract obtained from the dried stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb) was studied using different bacterial strains. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the growth of all test bacteria. The MIC of the EA fraction was found to be 6 mg/disc.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The antineoplastic quassinoids of Simaba cuspidata spruce and Ailanthus grandis Prain.

The South American Simaba cuspidata Spruce and North Indian Ailanthus grandis Prain were investigated as sources of potentially useful antineoplastic agents. Both of these Simaroubaceae plant species were found to produce 6 alpha-tigloyloxychaparrinone (4a) and the new quassinoid 6 alpha-tigloyloxychaparrin (3b). The latter structure was determined by interpretation of spectral data and oxidation to 6 alpha-tigloyloxychaparrinone (4a). While both glycol 3b and alpha-ketol 4a were found to significantly inhibit growth of the murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line, only the alpha-ketol (4a) inhibited growth of the corresponding in vivo system.

Animals↗