Zanthoxylum heterophyllum (Lam.) Smith, Rutaceae
The genus comprises some 250 species indigenous to America, Africa and Asia, including Malaysia. Alkaloids, some with significant antitumour activities, are prevalent throughout the genus. Major medicinal properties are antimicrobial, stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, deodorizing, digestive, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antioedemic and insect repellent. Z. heterophyllum has been reported to be sudorific and depurative. It is also used to treat rheumatism. A bath in the leaf decoction soothes skin irritations.
Tree with smooth grey bark. Adult plant generally without spines. Juvenile leaves 25-30 cm long with 30-40 pairs of subsessile, elliptic leaflets. Leaves of the adult plants 15-20 cm long, with 3-6 pairs of elliptic leaflets. Male inflorescences branched, 15-20 cm long, bearing more than 100 flowers grouped in fascicles. Female inflorescences reaching 15 cm, narrower, bearing up to 60 flowers. Fruit ovoid, 7 mm. Seeds ovoid, shiny black.
The leaf and bark contains alkaloids, phenols and traces of triterpenes.