ailanthone

Ailanthone is a small molecule triterpenoid (some reports say diterpene lactone) compound derived from the bark of the tree *Ailanthus altissima* (tree of heaven). It has demonstrated a range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and notable anticancer effects in preclinical models. Studies have shown ailanthone exerts antitumor activity across many cancer types—such as colorectal, gastric, osteosarcoma, bladder, breast, prostate, lung, melanoma, and leukemia—by inducing apoptosis, promoting cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells[1][3][4][6][7]. Ailanthone inhibits tumor growth via multiple cellular pathways, most prominently through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, downregulation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway, and suppression of the serine biosynthetic metabolic pathway, among others[1][4][6]. These actions impair cancer cell survival and metastatic potential. Its primary source and commercial manufacturers are located in China; it is not known to be clinically approved as a pharmaceutical, but is under preclinical investigation for anticancer use.

Other names

ailanthoneailantone(1S,4R,5R,7S,11R,13S,17S,18S,19R)-4,5,17-trihydroxy-14,18-dimethyl-6-methylidene-3,10-dioxapentacyclo[9.8.0.01,7.04,19.013,18]nonadec-14-ene-9,16-dionepicrasa-3,13(21)-diene-2,16-dione 11,20-epoxy-1,11,12-trihydroxy- (1-beta,11-beta,12-alpha)