Home > Herbs and Active Principles > Andiroba
Andiroba
(Carapa guianensis)
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Carapa
Species: guianensis
Common Names: andiroba, andiroba-saruba, bastard mahogany, Brazilian mahogany, iandirova, carapa, carapá, cedro macho, crabwood, figueroa, krapa, nandiroba, requia, tangare, y-andiroba
Phytochemicals: andirobin, arachidic acid, acetoxy-gedunins, epoxyazadiradiones, deacetoxygedunins, hydroxylgedunins, gedunins, hexadecenoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and stearic acid
Part Used: Seed oil, bark, and leaves
| HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS |
Main Actions:
|
Other Actions:
|
Standard Dosage: Seed Oil. External: Applied topically to skin as needed; Internal: 2 ml 2-3 times daily. |
Andiroba is a tall rainforest tree that can be found growing wild throughout the Amazon rainforest, usually on rich soils, in swamps, and in the alluvial flats, marshes, and uplands of the Amazon Basin. It can also be found wild or under cultivation in Brazil in the Islands region, Tocantins, Rio Solimoes, and near the seaside.
Andiroba wood is soft, yet durable, and much sought by sawmills. It has in the past been shipped to the United States for use in the furniture industry and for other uses. Its durability and impalatability to insects have guaranteed commercial demand for the wood, and as a result, the species has been devastated in all areas near major towns in Amazonia. It could, however, be cultivated easily in the Amazon or other regions of Brazil.
The andiroba tree produces a brown, woody, four-cornered nut, some 3-4 inches across that resembles a chestnut. The nut contains several oil-rich kernels or seeds that average about 63% oil, which is pale yellow in color. Andiroba oil is a sustainable rainforest product that has a long history of use in South America as well as commercial value. A single tree will produce, on average, about 200 kg of nuts annually. Approximately 6 kg of nuts are required to produce 1 kg (about a liter) of andiroba oil using the traditional extraction method. This traditional method is efficient, if somewhat primitive. The seeds are collected from rivers, where they float after being shed by trees or from the forest floor. They are then boiled in a large pot of water, left for some two weeks until they have rotted, and then squeezed (in a primitive press known as a tipiti) to extract the oil. One consequence of this extraction method is that crude andiroba oil is frequently associated with a red coloring that is derived from the skin of the seeds. Because the oil becomes rancid very quickly, it must be used quickly. Local usage is mostly limited to immediate use or to the manufacture of soap or candles.
Andiroba oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids including oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids. It yields up to 65% unsaturated fatty acids and can contain up to 9% linoleic acid. (Linoleic acid has shown in various studies over the years to lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and provide anticancer benefits.)
All parts of the andiroba tree (including the oil) tastes very bitter. This bitterness is attributed to a group of terpene chemicals called meliacins, which are very similar to the bitter antimalarial chemicals found in other tropical plants. One of these meliacins, named gedunin, has recently been documented with antiparasitic properties and an antimalarial effect equal to that of quinine.
Chemical analysis of andiroba oil, bark, and leaves has also identified the presence of another group of chemicals called limonoids. The anti-inflammatory and insect repellent properties of andiroba oil are attributed to the presence of these limonoids, including a novel one which has been named andirobin. Another limonoid called epoxyazadiradione is found in andiroba oil; it has been documented with in vitro antitumor effects (neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cancer cell lines were tested).
Tests of crude andiroba oil by Brazilian scientists have produced evidence of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The bark has also demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity in another clinical study. In 1999, a U.S. patent was filed detailing that andiroba oil, when applied topically, prevented the formation of cellulite through a chemical enzyme-blocking action. (Unfortunately, they reported it didn't have to ability to get rid of existing cellulite). Some of the more recent research has focused on andiroba's anticancerous actions. In 2002, researchers reported that the seed oil could prevent and even reverse cervical dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that can oftentimes develop into cervical cancer. In addition, the leaf, bark, seeds, and flowers have shown some activity against sarcoma cancer cells in vitro, and the crude oil passed a preliminary screening test to predict antitumor activity.
The indigenous peoples in the Amazon have used andiroba in many ways for centuries, and virtually all parts of the tree, as well as the seed oil are utilized. The Munduruku Indians traditionally used the oil for the mummification of human heads taken as war trophies.
Andiroba oil burns well and is used as a natural lamp fuel in the rainforest. In the early 1800s, the street lamps of Belém Brazil were fueled with andiroba oil.
Today, the oil is commercially manufactured into anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, and insect repellant soaps as well as turned into candles that are sold as natural insect repellents. The oil is also used in Brazil as a furniture polish that is thought to protect wooden furniture from termites and other wood-chewing insects.
Several are the uses as folk remedy around the world.
Following- up here, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses.
| Region | Uses |
| Amazonia | for arthritis, colds, chiggers, digestion, feet (tired), fever, flu, insect bites, itch, leprosy, lice, malaria, mites, parasites, repelling/killing insects, skin problems, tetanus, ulcer, worms |
| Brazil | for acne, bruises, arthritis, cancer, constipation, cough, cuts, dermatitis, diabetes, diarrhea, ear infections, fevers, hepatitis, herpes, inflammation, bites, malaria, muscle aches, pain, parasites, psoriasis, repelling insects, rheumatism, skin diseases, skin rashes, skin ulcers, sores, splenitis, throat problems, worms |
| Guatemala | as an insect repellent |
| Guyana | for inflammation, muscle pain, repelling/killing insects, rheumatism, skin rash, skin problems, ticks, wounds |
| Nicaragua | for diarrhea, skin problems, and as an astringent |
| Panama | for arthritis |
| Peru | for dermatitis, fever, herpes, skin sores, worms |
| Trinidad | for colds, fever, flu, killing insects, muscle pain, sore feet, and as a massage oil |
| Venezuela | for itch, leprosy, malaria, parasites, skin problems |
| Elsewhere | for arthritis, herpes, repelling/killing insects, skin disorders, tetanus |
| ANDIROBA PLANT SUMMARY |
| Main Preparation Method: | cold pressed oil |
| Main Actions (in order): | analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-inflammatory, insect repellant, antitumorous, wound healer |
| Main Uses: |
|
| Properties/Actions Documented by Research: | analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-allergic, antibacterial, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiparasitic, antitumorous, insect repellant |
| Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: | antiseptic, balsamic, emollient, febrifuge (reduces fever), vermifuge (expels worms), wound healer |
| Traditional Preparation: | For skin conditions, insect bites, and sore muscles and joints, liberally apply the oil topically several times daily. For ear infections, place 2 drops of the oil inside the ears. For internal use, generally 2 ml in a small glass of warm water is taken two or three times daily. This can also be used as a gargle for sore throats. |
| Contraindications: | None reported |
| Drug interactions: | None reported |
WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.