Manchurian thorn

Related Terms

Aralia, Aralia chinensismandshurica, Aralia elata var. mandshurica, Aralia mandshurica, Aralia mandshurica Rupr., Araliaceae (family), ci-lao-yia (Mandarin Chinese), Dimorphanthus mandshuricus, gill, gill old bud, gill Thumbergia, lung bud tree, Magpie does not tread, Manchurian aralia, Manchurian thorn tree, Siberian Aralia mandshurica, tiger yang gill.
Selected combination products: A-SupremeT, Adaptaphase IT, Adaptaphase IIT, Adrenal-CareT, AraloxT, EZ-EnergyT, FrutaigaT, KickStart ImmunoBurstT, Prime 1T, PrimoryeT, TonizidT, Tunguska MistT.
Note: The closely related A. elata is not discussed in this monograph.

Background

Manchurian thorn tree (Aralia mandshurica) is a member of the Araliaceae family and is native to the eastern regions of Russia, northern China, and Korea.
The bark, roots, and flowers of Manchurian thorn have been used traditionally to treat a wide range of conditions. Teas made from different parts of the tree were historically used in Russia to treat fatigue, weakness, headaches, depression, immune weakness, and stress.
Manchurian thorn is often prepared in combination with other herbs. The combination product AraloxT contains A. mandshurica and Engelhardtia chrysolepis. Research suggests that AraloxT may decrease fat and body weight in non-exercising, obese, otherwise healthy women. Preliminary evidence suggests that Manchurian thorn may protect against some forms of irregular heartbeat and radiation damage.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited research suggests that AraloxT, which contains both Aralia mandshurica and Engelhardtia chrysolepis, may decrease fat weight and body weight in obese, otherwise healthy, women. Further research is required before conclusions may be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that AraloxT, which contains both Aralia mandshurica and Engelhardtia chrysolepis, may decrease fat weight and body weight in obese, otherwise healthy, women. Further research is required before conclusions may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for Manchurian thorn in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. 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. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Manchurian thorn may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Manchurian thorn may interact with agents that may damage the liver, cardiovascular agents, lipid-lowering agents, or weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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