Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Ash wood dust, flavonoids, Fraxini cortex, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus elatior, Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus excelsior L., Fraxinus ornus L., hydroxycoumarins, Oleaceae (family), phenylethanoids, secoiridoid glucosides, white ash.
• Combination product (examples): Phytodolor® (aspen, ash, goldenrod), Rebixiao granule (RBXG) (ash bark, Smilax glabra rhizome).
• Note: This monograph does not include other unrelated species with the common name ash, such as Mountain ash ( Sorbus spp.) or Prickly ash ( Zanthoxylum spp.).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The use of ash as an herbal remedy can be traced to Native Americans and the early settlers of the Americas; the Native Americans supposedly demonstrated the medicinal properties of nearly every portion of the tree to the settlers. Traditionally, ash has been used in the treatment of external cancerous growths, as an antiseptic, for relief of itching, for expulsion of worms, as a remedy for fevers, as a diuretic, as an aphrodisiac, and as an appetite stimulant.
• Today, ash is still utilized for the treatment of a variety of ailments, including gouty arthritis, as a general antimicrobial, an anti-inflammatory, and an analgesic. It is commonly used in Europe in a variety of combination products. However, little clinical evidence exists and only a few scientific studies have been carried out to support any of these claims. The available evidence suggests that ash may be effective in reducing the symptoms of gouty arthritis and certain compounds present in ash, including hydroxycoumarins, may have anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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