Family

Araliaceae

Genus

Aralia

Common Name

Chinese angelica-tree

Plant Figure

Description

Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem is a member of the Araliaceae family and grows widely throughout Korea, Japan, Russia, and China, where it is used as both a food and a medicinal plant. Owing to their unique taste, young A. elata shoots are commonly eaten in many regions of Asia. In addition, the roots and bark of these plants are often incorporated into the traditional Chinese medicine known as 'cilaoya'. Previous phytochemical studies have determined that triterpenoid saponins are the primary bioactive substances within A. elata, and these compounds have been employed for the treatment of neurasthenia, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, and gastrospasm. A number of distinct triterpene saponins (chikusetsusaponins Iva and IV and aralosides A, B, V, VII, and X) have been isolated from the leaves and root bark.