American prickly-ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Zanthoxylum americanum, commonly known as American prickly ash or northern toothache tree, is a traditional medicine plant native to North America. While its specific uses in traditional medicine are not well-documented, it shares some characteristics with other plants used in various traditions for their medicinal properties. Scientific evidence suggests that Z. americanum contains furanocoumarins which inhibit DNA polymerization, though the effectiveness and specificity may vary depending on base composition. Additionally, extracts from this plant exhibit broad antifungal activity, correlating with its furanocoumarin content, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. Other plants such as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Hydrastis canadensis, and Prunus serotina have also shown inhibition against Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates with varying antibiotic resistance profiles, indicating potential antimicrobial properties shared among some plant species. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions are associated with Zanthoxylum americanum, but further studies are warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Red and yellow species of plants use different photoprotective strategies during autumn senescence, with red species relying more on anthocyanins.
- Furanocoumarins in Zanthoxylum americanum inhibit DNA polymerization, with specificity depending on base composition.
- Zanthoxylum americanum extracts showed broad antifungal activity against various fungal strains, correlating with furanocoumarin content.
- Extracts from some plants, including Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Hydrastis canadensis, and Prunus serotina, showed inhibition against Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates with varying antibiotic resistance profiles.
Frequently asked questions
What is American prickly-ash?
American prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about American prickly-ash?
4 sourced findings are recorded for American prickly-ash; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Red and yellow species of plants use different photoprotective strategies during autumn senescence, with red species relying more on anthocyanins.
How strong is the evidence for American prickly-ash?
The strongest finding for American prickly-ash carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is American prickly-ash safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for American prickly-ash in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does American prickly-ash interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for American prickly-ash in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of American prickly-ash?
American prickly-ash is also known as: Zanthoxylum d’Amérique, Poivrier d’Amérique.
Is American prickly-ash a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Inhibition of DNA polymerization and antifungal specificity of furanocoumarins present in traditional medicines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antifungal constituents of northern prickly ash, Zanthoxylum americanum mill. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Extracts of Canadian first nations medicinal plants, used as natural products, inhibit neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates with different antibiotic resistance profiles. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Do red and yellow autumn leaves make use of different photoprotective strategies during autumn senescence? literature abstract metadata