The current situation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum industry and the research and application prospect. A review

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. has been included in “The Plant List” (http://www.theplantlist.org) is a plant of the Rutaceae family of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, also named Chinese prickly ash. It is a resource for both medicinal and edible reasons. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that its main functions are: warming, and easing pain, destroying insects and soothing itching. Modern study has established that it possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, insecticidal, anti-tumor, and other pharmacological characteristics effect. As a traditional condiment, Chinese prickly ash is the soul of Sichuan cuisine. Its numb flavor is the main characteristic and one crucial indicator of its quality. Studies have proven that the numb flavor of Chinese prickly ash stems from its abundant volatile oil. The research on the exact components of its volatile oil is becoming a hot spot.