Posted on 23rd Mar 2011 @ 4:19 PM

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is an Amazonian tree. Andiroba has traditionally been used as insect repellant and wound healing oil. Some people find relief from arthritis after rubbing sore areas with andiroba oil.

Andiroba oil is rich in essential fatty acids, especially oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids, which are beneficial for skin cellular regeneration.

Andiroba oil is believed to have anti-cancer properties. It is currently studied for its effectiveness in cervical dysplasia, skin cancer, and stomach cancer. When taken internally, andiroba oils is reported to aid digestion and help heal stomach ulcers.

Source: Brazil and Malaysia. We source andiroba oil sourced from responsibly grown and harvested andiroba nuts. Andiroba can be easily replanted.

Why do we use it: andiroba oil contains high amount of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals called limonoids, including a unique one which has been named andirobin. This makes it very useful for treating skin infections and inflammation associated with acne and blemishes.

Contraindications: andiroba oil should not be used internally during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions: None reported.

Published Research (partial listing):

Roy, A., et al. “Limonoids: overview of significant bioactive triterpenes distributed in plants kingdom. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2006; 29(2): 191-201.

Penido, C., et al. “Anti-allergic effects of natural tetranortriterpenoids isolated from Carapa guianensis Aublet on allergen-induced vascular permeability and hyperalgesia.” Inflamm. Res. 2005; 54(7): 295-303.

Penido, C., et al. “Anti-allergic effects of natural tetranortriterpenoids isolated from Carapa guianensis Aublet on allergen-induced vascular permeability and hyperalgesia.” Inflamm. Res. 2005; 54(7): 295-303.

Nayak, B., et al. "Experimental Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Carapa guianensis L. Leaf for Its Wound Healing Activity Using Three Wound Models." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2009 Oct 13.

Moura, M. D., et al. “Natural products reported as potential inhibitors of uterine cervical neoplasia.” Acta. Farm. Bonaerense. 2002; 21(1): 67-74.

Nakanishi, K., et al. “Phytochemical survey of Malaysian plants.” Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1965; 13(7): 882-890.