# Aralu (Ailanthus excelsa) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/aralu **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Ayurveda **Also Known As:** Ailanthus excelsa, Ailanthus excelsa Roxb., Indian Tree of Heaven, Maharukh, Arjun, Mahanimb, Ailanto ## Overview Aralu (Ailanthus excelsa) contains the bioactive triterpenoid AECHL-1, which demonstrates anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and reducing tumor volume. The stem bark extracts also exhibit [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties through mechanisms that reduce inflammatory markers in preclinical studies. ## Health Benefits • Potential anticancer effects: AECHL-1 triterpenoid inhibits cancer cell proliferation in vitro and reduces tumor volume in mice, comparable to paclitaxel and cisplatin (PMID: 19399188). • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties: Stem bark extracts reduce inflammation in rat models (100-200 mg/kg orally). • Bronchodilator effects: Aqueous extracts act as H1-antagonists, aiding asthma and bronchitis relief. • Anti-obesity potential: Ethyl acetate fractions inhibit metabolic enzymes like lipase and HMG-CoA reductase. • Anti-plasmodial activity: Demonstrated action against chloroquine-sensitive malaria strains. ## Mechanism of Action AECHL-1 triterpenoid from Aralu inhibits cancer cell proliferation through cytotoxic mechanisms that interfere with cellular growth pathways. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects occur via reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. These compounds appear to modulate cellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis. ## Clinical Summary Research on Aralu is primarily limited to in vitro and animal studies. The AECHL-1 compound showed anticancer effects comparable to paclitaxel and cisplatin in mouse tumor models. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity was demonstrated in rat studies at doses of 100-200 mg/kg orally. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety or efficacy in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Ailanthus excelsa (Aralu) is a medicinal plant whose nutritional composition has been partially characterized, with primary research focus on its bioactive phytochemicals rather than conventional macronutrient profiling. Known constituents include: BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Triterpenoids — AECHL-1 (ailanthexcelsin), a key quassinoid-type triterpenoid identified as the principal anticancer compound; ailanthone and related quassinoids present in bark and leaves. Alkaloids — canthin-6-one derivatives detected in stem bark extracts. Flavonoids — quercetin and rutin reported in leaf and bark fractions (approximate concentration: 12–18 mg/g dry weight in crude extracts, though precise values vary by extraction method). Tannins — condensed tannins present in bark (estimated 6–10% w/w in crude bark powder). Saponins — detected qualitatively in multiple plant parts. Sterols — beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol identified in lipid fractions. PROXIMATE COMPOSITION (bark/leaf, limited data): Crude fiber content of bark estimated at 15–25% dry weight; protein content of leaves reported in the range of 8–12% dry weight in related Ailanthus species (direct A. excelsa data limited). Moisture content of fresh bark approximately 60–70%. MINERALS: Calcium, potassium, and magnesium have been detected in ash analysis of related species; specific quantified values for A. excelsa are not well-documented in peer-reviewed literature. BIOAVAILABILITY NOTES: Aqueous and ethanol extracts of stem bark are the primary delivery forms studied; oral bioavailability of AECHL-1 is suggested by in vivo efficacy at 100–200 mg/kg in rodent models, though human pharmacokinetic data are absent. Tannin content may reduce mineral bioavailability when consumed as decoctions. ## Dosage & Preparation In animal studies, AECHL-1 was dosed at 50 µg/mouse/day subcutaneously. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects were seen with 100-200 mg/kg oral doses in rats. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for Aralu in humans is lacking due to absence of clinical trials. Potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications have not been systematically studied. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. Given the potent bioactive compounds, consultation with healthcare providers is recommended before use. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or RCTs have been found for Ailanthus excelsa. Evidence is limited to preclinical studies such as in vitro cell lines and in vivo animal models, indicating promising anticancer and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. ## Historical & Cultural Context In Ayurveda, Ailanthus excelsa has been used traditionally for treating asthma, bronchitis, and colic pain. It is also used in remedies for malaria and fungal infections, highlighting its longstanding role in South Asian herbal medicine. ## Synergistic Combinations Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Ginger, Tulsi, Licorice ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the active compound in Aralu? The primary active compound in Aralu is AECHL-1, a triterpenoid found in the plant. This compound has demonstrated anticancer activity comparable to chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel and cisplatin in laboratory studies. ### How effective is Aralu for cancer treatment? Aralu's AECHL-1 compound showed promising anticancer effects in mouse studies, reducing tumor volume similarly to established chemotherapy drugs. However, these results are from animal studies only, and human clinical trials are needed to determine actual therapeutic potential. ### What dosage of Aralu is used for inflammation? In animal studies, Aralu stem bark extracts were effective at doses of 100-200 mg/kg body weight given orally for anti-inflammatory effects. However, safe and effective human dosages have not been established through clinical research. ### Can Aralu be taken with other medications? Drug interactions with Aralu are unknown due to lack of clinical studies. Given its potent bioactive compounds and potential effects on cellular pathways, it may interact with medications, particularly cancer treatments or anti-inflammatory drugs. ### Is Aralu safe during pregnancy? Aralu safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown as no human safety studies exist. Given the presence of potent bioactive compounds like AECHL-1, pregnant and nursing women should avoid using Aralu supplements. ### What is the most effective form of Aralu for respiratory conditions like asthma? Aqueous extracts of Aralu (Ailanthus excelsa) have demonstrated the strongest bronchodilator effects, functioning as H1-antagonists to help relieve asthma and bronchitis symptoms. These water-based preparations are preferred over other extraction methods because they concentrate the compounds responsible for airway relaxation. However, standardized extract dosages and clinical efficacy in humans require further research beyond the current in vitro and animal model data. ### How does Aralu compare to conventional anticancer drugs in research studies? In laboratory and animal studies, AECHL-1, a triterpenoid compound isolated from Aralu, has shown tumor-suppressing activity comparable to paclitaxel and cisplatin in reducing cancer cell proliferation and tumor volume in mice. Despite these promising in vitro and preclinical results, Aralu has not been tested in human clinical trials and should not be considered a substitute for FDA-approved cancer treatments. The research remains preliminary and primarily relevant for understanding potential mechanisms rather than clinical application. ### Who should avoid taking Aralu, and are there specific populations at higher risk? Beyond pregnant women (already contraindicated), people taking immunosuppressive medications, antihistamines, or bronchodilators should consult a healthcare provider before using Aralu due to its H1-antagonist and anti-inflammatory properties. Aralu's safety profile in children, the elderly, and individuals with liver or kidney disease has not been established through clinical research. Given the lack of human safety data, Aralu should be approached cautiously in vulnerable populations. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*