The wax tree (scientific name: Rhus succedanea ) is a tall tree of the Anacardiaceae family native to the warm regions of Southeast Asia and East Asia. It is dioecious and grows to a height of approximately 10 meters. It produces flat, spherical fruits with a diameter of 5 to 15 mm. The surface of the fruit is glossy and hairless, green when immature and turns light brown when mature. The mesocarp is characterized by its coarse fibrous texture, filled with granules containing high-melting fat.
It has been traditionally used for the purposes of maintaining respiratory and digestive conditions, such as for strengthening the body, expectorating, coughs, pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, fever, loss of appetite, and gastritis. In folk medicine, it has also been used to nourish when physical strength is low and to treat seasonal ailments.
In terms of ingredients, the fruit has been reported to contain lipid components (high-melting wax-like fats), phenolic compounds , flavonoids , tannins , organic acids , and more. It is also known to contain fatty acid esters and resinous components characteristic of Rhus plants. Based on these ingredients, basic research and information on traditional use suggests that the fruit may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant, antibacterial, and nutritional support effects.
Characteristics of Hazenoki
- Scientific name: Rhus succedanea
- Classification: Anacardiaceae (Rhus genus)
- Japanese name: Hazenoki
- Growing area: Southeast Asia to East Asia
- Tree height: Approximately 10m
- Fruit: Flattened globose, light brown when ripe
- Parts used: Fruit, bark, etc. (traditional use)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Lipid and wax components: high melting point fats (wax-like lipids), fatty acid esters
- Phenolic compounds: phenols, phenolic acid derivatives
- Flavonoids: Flavonoid glycosides
- Tannins: condensed tannins, hydrolyzable tannins
- Organic acids and others: organic acids, resin components, etc.
Expected effects
- Tonic and nourishing support effects: Based on its traditional use, it has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining physical strength and vitality.
- Expectorant and respiratory support: It has been suggested that it may help maintain good condition during coughs, asthma, and respiratory disorders.
- Digestive support: It has been suggested that it may help relieve loss of appetite and stomach discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to reducing inflammatory burden by regulating inflammatory responses.
- Antioxidant support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to suppressing oxidative stress and protecting cells.
- Antibacterial and environmental maintenance support effects: It has been reported to have growth inhibitory activity against some microorganisms.
- Immune and recovery support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining good condition during recovery.
