Andiroba (Carapa guianensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Andiroba oil work as an anti-inflammatory?

Andiroba oil contains bioactive limonoids, particularly gedunin and andirobin, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds appear to modulate inflammatory pathways, though the precise mechanism requires further research. The oil also contains fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitic acid, which support skin barrier function and may contribute to wound healing properties. Evidence level: C, based primarily on traditional use and preliminary laboratory studies.

Does Andiroba interact with any medications?

There is limited clinical data on Andiroba drug interactions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Andiroba may theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications or other anti-inflammatory drugs, though specific interactions have not been well-documented in clinical trials. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Andiroba internally. Topical application presents lower interaction risk. Always disclose all herbal supplements to your healthcare provider.

What is the recommended dosage for Andiroba oil?

For topical use, Andiroba oil can be applied to the skin as needed for insect repellent effects, joint pain, or wound healing. For internal use, traditional recommendations suggest 1–2 grams of seed extract daily. However, clinical dosing studies are limited (Evidence level: C). Internal use should be approached cautiously due to potential gastrointestinal side effects. Follow product label instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Is Andiroba safe to use during pregnancy?

Andiroba is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The bioactive limonoids in Andiroba may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development, though specific clinical safety data is limited. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Andiroba in any form. Additionally, individuals with known allergies to tree nuts should avoid Andiroba products due to potential cross-reactivity.

What is Andiroba oil used for traditionally?

Andiroba oil has been used extensively by Indigenous and riverine peoples of the Amazon, including the Yanomami, for generations. Traditional applications include use as a natural insect repellent, treatment for joint pain and inflammation, and promotion of wound and skin healing. The oil is extracted from seeds of the Carapa guianensis tree. These traditional uses are supported by preliminary research on the plant's limonoid content (Evidence level: C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is an Amazonian tree whose seed oil is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, healing, and insect-repellent properties [PMID:38432579, PMID:29854079].

Background

Carapa guianensis Aublet, belonging to the Meliaceae family, is a multipurpose tree native to the Amazon rainforest [PMID:23701562, PMID:31337871].

Traditional uses

It is used by traditional populations in tropical countries, particularly in Brazil, as an anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, healing, antipyretic, febrifuge, anti-malarial, and insect repellent [PMID:38432579, PMID:22659195, PMID:29854079].

Active compounds

The medicinal properties are attributed to limonoids (highly oxygenated tetranortriterpenoids), including gedunin, 6α-acetoxygedunin, 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin, andirobin, and methyl-angolensate [PMID:23701562, PMID:27104518, PMID:37020602].

Mechanism of action

Limonoids may inhibit LPS-induced macrophage activation and the production of nitric oxide (NO) [PMID:27104518, PMID:33155007]. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by inhibiting platelet-activating factor and inflammatory mediators such as IL-5, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as impairing signaling pathways triggered by histamine and bradykinin [PMID:23701562, PMID:37020602].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BOral Mucositis (Children)

Andiroba gel was evaluated for therapeutic effects on symptomatology and evolution of oral mucositis in children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy [PMID:32920135]

Evidence DLiver Injury (Mice)

Gedunin-type limonoids exhibited hepatoprotective effects against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury [PMID:27104518]

Evidence DPlasmodium falciparum (In vitro)

Andiroba oil and its limonoid-rich fraction inhibited the growth of W(2) clones by 100% and Dd(2) clones by 88% [PMID:22659195]

Evidence DOral Mucositis (Hamsters)

Andiroba oil demonstrated healing activity against 5-fluorouracil induced oral mucositis [PMID:29256157, PMID:36634224]

Evidence DGastric Cancer (ACP02 cell line)

Andiroba oil promotes apoptosis in gastric cancer cells at high concentrations [PMID:37020602, PMID:32150766]

Safety & adverse effects

No significant cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in vivo has been reported [PMID:37020602].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (mice, rats, hamsters), and one randomized clinical trial for oral mucositis. Most pharmacological claims are based on the activity of isolated limonoids in laboratory settings.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 38432579 (2024) — Effects of andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis aublet) on the immune system in inflammation and wound healing: A scoping review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 27104518 (2016) — Hepatoprotective Limonoids from Andiroba (Carapa guianensis). · International journal of molecular sciences
3.PMID: 34069314 (2021) — PCL/Andiroba Oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) Hybrid Film for Wound Healing Applications. · Polymers
4.PMID: 23701562 (2014) — The therapeutic properties of Carapa guianensis. · Current pharmaceutical design
5.PMID: 22659195 (2012) — Antiplasmodial activity of the andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl., Meliaceae) oil and its limonoid-rich fraction. · Journal of ethnopharmacology

Andiroba

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Andiroba

Polygonatum multiflorum

Quandong

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Andiroba

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Andiroba

Related Herbs

Polygonatum multiflorum

Quandong

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources