## 2 Nature and Characteristics of _A. altissima_
### Uses of A. altissima  
This species could be used to meet many requirements of modern civilization. Widespread use in the past has demonstrated many successful applications in several fields. In China, it was mainly used in traditional folk medicine [69]. Extracts obtained from the bark of _Ailanthus_ have been used in the past to fight diarrhea and dysentery. Extracts from the root of the species have been used to treat epilepsy, asthma, and fever. According to the literature, extracts of the fruit have been used to treat eye diseases and also as an astringent. In sprayed form, it seems to contribute to seborrhea and in the treatment of psoriasis [12]. Research has been carried out on its pharmacological effects [70], as well as on the detection of compounds with antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and antiviral action [70]. _A. altissima_ seeds are a source of fatty oils and proteins. The oil is aromatic and bitter, though it can be used after refining [71]. Researchers believe that the extractives contained in _A. altissima_ may have certain positive effects against cancer cells [70]. Additionally, [PERSON] et al. [72] reported the isolation and characterization of two new tetracycline triterpenoids, called ailantinols A and B, obtained from the fresh bark of _A. altissima_. The authors also evaluated the potential cytotoxicity of the compounds against several human cancer cell lines and found that ailantinol B showed moderate activity against two of the tested cell lines. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [73] suggested that _A. altissima_ leaf extracts can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh apricot fruits and that the leaf extracts favor the quality and shelf life of fresh apricot fruits by delaying the ripening process and reducing weight loss during storage. Leaf extracts were found to have a high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and exhibited significant antioxidant activity. However, further research is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using these extracts on a larger scale in the fruit industry. The study of [PERSON] et al. [74] suggests that _A. altissima_ leaves extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated astrocytes has anti-inflammatory properties and may have therapeutic potential in treating neuroinflammation-d diseases. Specifically, they found that the extract reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. However, the mechanisms of action should be further explored. [PERSON] et al. [75] investigated the phenolic profile, antioxidant and DNA-protective capacity, and microscopic characteristics of aerial substances of _A. altissima_ and showed that the aerial parts of this species are rich in phenolic compounds and have strong antioxidant and DNA-protective activities. Its foliage has been used for silkworm breeding, and its wood as a material for various constructions [61] and traditionally as firewood, although the use as wood-based material applications will be analyzed in the following. [PERSON] et al. [41] revealed a high utilization potential of wood and branch material of this species for paper and wood pulp production. The species has been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental one in urban environments, attributed to its resistance to pollution and its ability to act as a herbicide and repel native insects, it has replaced other, more sensitive, species such as ash (Tilia sp.) [12]. Limited literature has been detected concerning the use of _A. altissima_ as a herbicide, although some research has been conducted on the allebotathic effects of the species on other plants [34]. It has been found that extracts of _A. altissima_ leaves and roots inhibited the germination and growth of several plant species, including lettuce, radish, and tomato [76].