An Overview of Genus Zanthoxylum with Special Reference to Its Herbal Significance and Application

Abstract

The plants of genus Zanthoxylum are effectually utilized in conventional and present-day medicine system to fight many diseases and disorders like pain, seizures, inflammation, cancer, liver and heart malady. Many of its plants-trees and shrubs, are citrus in nature, with curative antimicrobial, antihelminthic, antipyretic, and antiviral activities. More than 100 of its plant species have been identified and recorded for their potential as an herb in modern pharmacopeia. The species of this genus also have potent ethno-pharmacological significance. Many medicinal secondary metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids have also been profiled in many Zanthoxylum species. Additionally, fruit of many of the species is also significantly utilized as a major spice under the name "Sichuan pepper" in many countries like China and India. Thus, this unique blend of herb and spice characteristic of the genus needs a detailed description. This chapter highlights the major significant discoveries in the recent decade in this genus, which can add a step in the way of development of herbal medicines. Documentation of such medicinal plants may aid in derivation of plant-based medicines, which is the demand of the hour.

Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Ascaris suum Activity of Different Zanthoxylum Species In Vitro and In Vivo

“…suum activity. The multiple bioactive compounds of ChuanJiao contributed to the antiparasitic activity, even qinbunamides and hydroxy-sanshools have been reported to have antiparasitic activities, , but the synergism of the multiple bioactive compounds make the study results hard to explain. In general, a different class of amides, with lignans as the beneficial components of the ChuanJiao plant, determine the anti-ascariasis activity, and its metabolites can be detected using mass spectra with this new approach.…”

Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy

“…It has a pungent aroma, and a citrus-floral taste, and causes a tingling sensation in the mouth. Despite being commonly referred to as "pepper", it is not related to peppercorn from the Piperaceae family [167]. Current research pays significant attention to this genus.…”

“…Current research pays significant attention to this genus. Many of its effects have been demonstrated, including anti-tumor, neuroprotective, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antiobesity, and other properties [166][167][168]. These effects are mediated by bioactive compounds, among which volatile odor-bearing alcohols, ethers, terpenoids, and related compounds, as well as non-volatile alkyl amides, polyphenols, and their glycosides.…”

Spatial Virome Analysis of Zanthoxylum armatum Trees Affected With the Flower Yellowing Disease

“…Zanthoxylum , one of the most economically important genera in the family Rutaceae, comprises deciduous, spiny shrub species ( Ekka et al, 2020 ). Some species, the so-called Chinese prickly ash, are well-known in China, especially in southwestern regions, for large-scale cultivation for production of spices, medicines, and essential/edible oils ( Zhang et al, 2017 ; Ma et al, 2020 ).…”