Calophyllum inophyllum (Calophyllaceae) Tamanu, Honne

Calophyllum inophyllum (Alexandrian Laurel)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Calophyllum inophyllum

Family: Calophyllaceae

Genus: Calophyllum

Related Herbs from the same family:

The Calophyllaceae family is relatively small and primarily tropical. Calophyllum inophyllum is its most prominent medicinal member. Other species within the Calophyllum genus, such as Calophyllum brasiliense and Calophyllum lanigerum, are found in different regions and share similar phytochemical profiles, particularly the unique coumarins, but are not traditionally referenced in Ayurvedic texts.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Calophyllum inophyllum | English: Alexandrian Laurel, Indian Laurel, Tamanu, Beauty Leaf | Sanskrit: Punnaga, Nagachampa, Sultanachampa | Hindi: Sultanachampa, Surangi, Undi | Tamil: Punnai, Pinnai | Telugu: Ponna | Kannada: Punnaga, Honne | Malayalam: Punnaga, Punnavu | Marathi: Undi, Nagchampa | Bengali: Kath Champa, Sultana Champa | French: Laurier d'Alexandrie | Spanish: Laurel de la India | Tahitian: Tamanu | Filipino: Bitaog |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Vulnerary (wound healing), Anti-arthritic, Antimicrobial, Antiviral (studied), Anti-psoriatic, Anti-cancer (studied), Anti-neuralgic.

Medicinal Parts:The oil from the seeds (Tamanu oil) is the most famous medicinal product. The bark, leaves, and flowers are also used.

• Seed Oil (Tamanu/Dilo Oil): The premier product, used topically for a vast range of skin and musculoskeletal conditions.

• Bark: Used in decoctions for internal inflammation and ulcers.

• Leaves: Used in poultices and washes.

• Flowers: Used in perfumery and traditional medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Pyranocoumarins (Calophyllolide, Inophyllum): Unique and signature compounds of this genus. Their actions are potent Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, and Antiviral (specifically against Herpes simplex and HIV-1 in studies). They work by inhibiting key pro-inflammatory enzymes.

Xanthones: Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory compounds that also exhibit Antimicrobial and potential Anticancer activity.

Triterpenoids (Friedelin): Contribute to the Wound Healing and Anti-inflammatory properties, promoting tissue regeneration.

Fatty Acids (Oleic, Linoleic, Stearic): In the fixed oil, these provide an emollient base and support the skin's barrier function, enabling the bioactive coumarins to penetrate effectively.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Tamanu oil application.

Preparation & Use: The seed oil is applied topically to cuts, burns, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, acne scars, and even leprosy sores. It is a revered traditional vulnerary across Polynesia, South India, and Sri Lanka.

Reasoning: The unique combination of fatty acids and bioactive coumarins like calophyllolide dramatically accelerates wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, and epithelialization. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions prevent infection and reduce scarring.

Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis) & Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Formulation: Warm oil massage.

Preparation & Use: The oil is warmed and massaged into joints affected by arthritis, sciatica, and neuralgia to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Reasoning: The deep anti-inflammatory action of pyranocoumarins penetrates the tissues, inhibiting inflammatory pathways (like COX/LOX) and providing significant analgesic relief.

Netraroga (Eye Diseases)

Formulation: Medicinal anjana (collyrium) made from flowers or oil.

Preparation & Use: In Ayurveda and Siddha, a fine paste of the flowers or a specially prepared oil is used as an anjana (applied inside the eyelid) for conjunctivitis, eye inflammation, and chronic eye diseases.

Reasoning: Its strong anti-inflammatory and cooling properties help pacify Pitta in the eyes, reducing redness and irritation.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Grahami (IBD)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark is consumed to treat dysentery, chronic diarrhea, and inflammatory conditions of the gut.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory xanthones in the bark help reduce intestinal inflammation and fluid secretion.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

There is no culinary use. The raw seeds are toxic and must be properly processed to produce the medicinal oil. Internal use is restricted to specific preparations under guidance.

Tamanu Oil for Scar Management and Skin Healing

Purpose: To reduce the appearance of scars, heal wounds, and soothe eczema/psoriasis.

Preparation & Use:

• Use 100% pure, cold-pressed Tamanu oil.

• Apply a few drops directly to clean, affected skin 2-3 times daily.

• For scars, massage gently for several minutes to enhance absorption.

Anti-arthritic Pain Relief Oil Blend

Purpose: To relieve joint and muscle pain.

Preparation & Use:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Tamanu oil with 2-3 drops of warming essential oil like Ginger or Eucalyptus.

• Warm the blend slightly and massage into painful joints.

Bark Decoction for Intestinal Inflammation

Purpose: For supportive treatment in ulcerative colitis or dysentery (under practitioner guidance).

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed bark in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this strong decoction twice a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY unless specifically prepared and prescribed by a qualified practitioner. The raw seeds and unprocessed oil can be toxic if ingested. Always perform a patch test before widespread topical use, as some individuals may be sensitive. The oil has a strong, characteristic nutty odor. For serious medical conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, or internal ulcers, consult an Ayurvedic or medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Siddha Materia Medica (Mineral and Plant Section) by Dr. M. Murugesa Mudaliar

• Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics (for details on Tamanu oil)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Commiphora mukul (Guggulu)

• Species: Commiphora mukul | Family: Burseraceae | Genus: Commiphora

• Similarities: Both are legendary for their profound anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects on deep tissues, bones, and skin. While Guggulu is taken internally and Tamanu is used topically, both are specific for sandhivata (arthritis), vrana (non-healing wounds), and stubborn skin diseases.

2. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

• Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

• Similarities: Both are broad-spectrum vranahara (wound healers) and kushthaghna (anti-leprotic/skin disease) herbs. Neem is more drying, bitter, and antimicrobial, while Tamanu is more nourishing and regenerative. They can be complementary in treating complex skin conditions.

3. Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni/Gotu Kola)

• Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella

• Similarities: Both are exceptional vulnerary herbs that promote wound healing and skin regeneration. While Centella is famous for improving connective tissue and internal scarring, Tamanu excels at reducing external scarring and inflammatory skin lesions. Both are used for their collagen-stimulating effects.

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