Prickly ash is a deciduous shrub or small tree characterized by its slender branches, which often feature distinctive wings or ridges. These wing-like structures give the plant its name, winged prickly ash. This plant belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus fruits and other aromatic plants. The scientific name for Prickly ash is  Zanthoxylum americanum and has different common names, such as tumbur, timbre, tejbal, tejovati, thumbooni, tirmira, meswak, fragrie, makkak, prumo. Prickly ash benefits in health have been reported in over 200 of the Zanthoxylum genus worldwide.
Prickly ash nutrition facts
Prickly ash is primarily used for its culinary and medicinal properties rather than as a significant nutrient source. It is low in macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fats and is not a significant source of calories or dietary fiber. However, the bark, berries, and prickly ash leaves contain certain compounds contributing to flavor and potential health benefits. Similarly, prickly ash contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals but presents phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, and essential oils responsible for taste, aroma, and potential medicinal properties.
What does prickly ash taste like?
Prickly ash has a unique taste often described as a combination of spicy, numbing, and citrusy flavors. Sanshool is the compound that contributes to the taste. When you consume it, particularly berries, you may experience a tingling or numbing sensation on your tongue and lips. The tingling or numbing sensation after consuming the prickly ash is due to the interaction of the sanshool compound with your sensory receptors in the mouth.
How to take prickly ash?
You can consume prickly ash in various forms
- Capsules or tablets
Prickly ash is available in capsule or tablet form, which is convenient for oral consumption - Powder
Prickly ash berries or bark can be dried and ground into a fine powder, and power can use as a culinary spice or mixed into your favorite beverage or foods - TincturePrickly ash tinctures extract the plant’s active constituents in alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water. Tinctures can be taken orally by mixing them with water or juice.
Individual sensitivities and responses to prickly ash may vary. Therefore, when using prickly ash for any purpose, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed is recommended.
Where to buy prickly ash?
Prickly ash products are available in different places, including food stores, herbal shops, online retailers, and spice stores.
Prickly ash benefits in promoting Health
Prickly ash has been traditionally used for various health purposes. However, the scientific research on its specific health benefits is limited. Here are some potential health benefits associated with prickly ash.
Prickly ash health benefits published in the scientific journal
1. Prickly ash for digestive health
Prickly ash has a long history of use in promoting digestive health. However, some scientific studies show the beneficial effects of prickly ash on digestive health. A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that extracts of aerial parts of Zanthoxylum have anti-diarrheal properties. Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Chinese Medicinal Material mentioned stem of Zanthoxylum has anti-gastritis, gastric mucosal protection, and gastrointestinal movement promotion effects.
2. Prickly ash may have antimicrobial properties
Prickly ash may have antimicrobial properties, which means using prickly ash can inhibit growth or kill harmful microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria and fungi. There are some studies published regarding the antimicrobial properties of prickly ash. A study published in Phytomedicine investigated the leaf, fruit, stem, bark, and root of Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly ash) for antifungal activity with 11 strains of fungi. The results showed antifungal activity on at least eight fungal species.
3. Health benefits of prickly ash in its historical uses
- Prickly ash may possess anti-inflammatory effects.
- Prickly ash may promote circulation and blood flow.
- The antibacterial and numbing properties of prickly ash may help support oral health, such as alleviating toothache, mouth sores, and gum infections.
- Prickly ash can alleviate pain relief, such as soothing muscle aches, joint pain, and certain types of nerve pains.
- Prickly ash may use to address respiratory issues such as coughs, congestion, and sore throat.
Prickly ash side effects
Prickly ash has a long history of traditional use and is safe when used appropriately, and there are some potential risks and considerations to be aware of
- Some individuals may have prickly sensitivities or allergies, so that consumption may create different allergic symptoms.
- Prickly ash may stimulate digestion. However, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, such as stomach upsets, diarrhea, or nausea. If you have this problem after consuming prickly ash, start with a lower dose.
- Prickly ash may interact with specific medication due to its potential effects on circulation and enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider if you take blood thinners or anticoagulant drugs.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious before consuming prickly ash during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Summary
Prickly ash is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rutaceae family and has different names according to location. More than 200 types of prickly ash in the Zanthoxylum genus are available for medicinal purposes. Prickly ash is not a significant nutrient source for macro and micronutrients. However, it contains certain compounds, such as phytochemicals contributing to flavor, taste, aroma, and potential health benefits. It has a unique taste as a combination of spicy, numbing, and citrusy flavors.
Prickly ash is available in various places, including food stores, herbal shops, online retailers, and spice stores in multiple forms, such as powder, tablet, raw, or tincture. Prickly ash may have various health purposes. However, the scientific research on prickly ash benefits in health is limited. It may offer several potential health benefits based on its chemical composition and historical uses. Similarly, the consumption of prickly ash is safe when used appropriately. However, there are potential risks with specific groups of people and their medical conditions.
