Description

Xanthoceras sorbifolium (Yellowhorn), the single species of genus Xanthocera (Sapindaceae), is a deciduous shrub or small tree, naturally occurring on hills and slopes in Northern China. Yellowhorn is resistant to cold, drought, and salinity and is of important ecological, economic, and pharmacological value. The seeds rich in oil (50–68% of kernel), which contains 85–93% unsaturated fatty acids, being especially remarkable in nervonic acid content. The stems and fruits of yellowhorn have been used in folk medicine in Inner Mongolia for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, and enuresis in children. Moreover, different yellowhorn tissues contain multiple bioactive compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, barringenol-like triterpenoids, which have been found to possess antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as potentiality against Alzheimer disease.