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Copaifera reticulata
Copaifera reticulata
Traditional Amazonian medicine for infections and inflammation
How does copaiba oil work as an anti-inflammatory?
Copaiba oil's primary active compound, beta-caryophyllene, acts as a selective CB2 receptor agonist. When CB2 receptors are activated, they modulate inflammatory and immune responses without producing psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptor activation. Additional compounds like copalic acid and kaurenoic acid contribute antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Evidence level C indicates this mechanism is supported by preclinical research and traditional use, with limited human clinical trials available.
Does copaiba oil interact with any medications?
Limited clinical data exists on copaiba oil drug interactions. Due to its potential effects on kidney function and gastrointestinal irritation, caution is warranted when combining with nephrotoxic medications or drugs affecting the digestive system. Copaiba's anti-inflammatory properties may theoretically enhance or interfere with other anti-inflammatory medications. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using copaiba supplements. Evidence level C reflects the lack of formal interaction studies.
What is the recommended dosage for copaiba oil capsules?
The standard adult dosage for copaiba oil capsules is 500mg taken twice daily. For topical applications, the oil can be applied directly to affected skin areas as needed. Dosage should not exceed recommendations, as higher amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or kidney irritation. Individual needs may vary based on the condition being addressed. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance, especially if taking other medications or supplements.
Is copaiba oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Copaiba oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Traditional evidence and available research suggest potential risks including uterine stimulation and possible fetal effects. The oil's active compounds may cross the placenta or affect fetal development. Pregnant individuals should avoid all forms of copaiba, including topical applications and oral supplements. Evidence level C indicates this recommendation is based on traditional knowledge and theoretical risks rather than extensive clinical studies.
How do Amazonian tribes traditionally use copaiba for wound healing?
Amazonian tribes, including the Kayapo, have used copaiba oleoresin for centuries as a wound healing remedy. The resin is applied topically to cuts, burns, and skin infections due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-caryophyllene and other sesquiterpenes help reduce inflammation while supporting tissue repair. Traditional use also includes internal applications for respiratory and urinary tract infections. Evidence level C reflects documentation of traditional practices and supporting preclinical research.
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
Copaifera reticulata is an Amazonian tree that produces an oil-resin used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties [PMID:36234793, PMID:30472403].
Background
Copaifera reticulata Ducke is a species of the Copaifera genus (Leguminoseae/Fabaceae) abundant in several Brazilian states, including Pará, Amazonas, and Ceará [PMID:17446019, PMID:27118478]. The medicinal oil-resin is extracted from the trunk of the tree [PMID:37719866].
Traditional uses
In Brazilian folk medicine, it is used to treat skin and urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, ulcers, tumors, and leishmaniasis wounds [PMID:30472403, PMID:28194218].
Active compounds
The oleoresin is rich in sesquiterpenes and diterpenes [PMID:28160850]. Major sesquiterpenes include beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, alpha-copaene, alpha-bergamotene, and delta-cadinene [PMID:17446019]. Diterpene components include copalic acid, ent-polyalthic acid, and kaurenoic acid [PMID:17446019, PMID:30590321, PMID:32431465].
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory effects are associated with the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in macrophages [PMID:30590321]. Antinociceptive activity is mediated via opioid receptors, as the effect is completely inhibited by the antagonist naloxone [PMID:17029841]. Antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis is likely related to changes in the mitochondria and cell membrane [PMID:28194218].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DInflammation/Edema
Reduced paw edema in arthritic rats [PMID:28322470] and reduced inflammatory profile in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats [PMID:36234793].
Evidence DWound Healing
Demonstrated healing ability in rat tongue injuries [PMID:28615025] and oral wounds [PMID:28635033].
Evidence DBacterial Infections
Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium [PMID:18545856, PMID:32431465].
Evidence DLeishmaniasis
C. reticulata oil showed antiproliferative activity against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. amazonensis [PMID:18775772].
Evidence DColon Carcinogenesis
Reduced DNA damage and pre-neoplastic lesions in a rat model of colon carcinogenesis [PMID:30590321].
Evidence DPain (Nociception)
Developed peripheral antinociceptive effects in animal models at doses of 30 to 150 mg/kg [PMID:17029841].
Safety & adverse effects
In rat models, the oleoresin did not develop toxic effects at doses of 30-150 mg/kg [PMID:17029841]. It showed low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity [PMID:28194218].
Pregnancy & lactation
In a developmental toxicity study in rats, doses of 1000 and 1250 mg/kg bw/day were maternally toxic (reduced food intake and weight gain) and embryotoxic (lower fetal body weight and increased skeletal variations), though no fetal malformations occurred [PMID:21266184].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing potential, though human clinical trials are lacking in the provided data.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 37719866 (2023) — Evaluation of the biological activities of Copaiba (Copaifera spp): a comprehensive review based on scientometric analysis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 17446019 (2007) — Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of copaiba oils from Copaifera cearensis Huber ex Ducke, Copaifera reticulata Ducke and Copaifera multijuga Hayne--a comparative study. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 17029841 (2007) — Antinociceptive activity of Amazonian Copaiba oils. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 36365477 (2022) — Design and Optimization of a Natural Medicine from Copaifera reticulata Ducke for Skin Wound Care. · Polymers
5.PMID: 28615025 (2017) — Copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) modulates the inflammation in a model of injury to rats' tongues.
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 28194218 (2017) — Brazilian Amazon Traditional Medicine and the Treatment of Difficult to Heal Leishmaniasis Wounds with Copaifera. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
7.PMID: 18775772 (2008) — Effect of Brazilian copaiba oils on Leishmania amazonensis. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
8.PMID: 36559074 (2022) — Photo-Phytotherapeutic Gel Composed of Copaifera reticulata, Chlorophylls, and k-Carrageenan: A New Perspective for Topical Healing. · Pharmaceutics
9.PMID: 27118478 (2016) — Copaifera reticulata oleoresin: Chemical characterization and antibacterial properties against oral pathogens. · Anaerobe
10.PMID: 36234793 (2022) — Biological Activity of Copaiba in Damage to the Alveolar Bone in a Model of Periodontitis Induced in Rats. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
11.PMID: 30590321 (2019) — Chemopreventive role of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oleoresin in colon carcinogenesis. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
12.PMID: 28322470 (2017) — Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats. · Journal of cellular biochemistry
13.PMID: 28160850 (2017) — In vitro and in vivo antimalarial potential of oleoresin obtained from Copaifera reticulata Ducke (Fabaceae) in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
14.PMID: 21266184 (2011) — Developmental toxicity of copaiba tree (Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae) oleoresin in rat. · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
15.PMID: 32802394 (2020) — Investigation of Copaifera genus as a new source of antimycobaterial agents. · Future science OA
16.PMID: 37683367 (2023) — Larvicidal activity in vitro of essential oils against Cochliomyia hominivorax. · Veterinary parasitology
17.PMID: 32605172 (2020) — Evaluation of Resin-Based Material Containing Copaiba Oleoresin (Copaifera Reticulata Ducke): Biological Effects on the Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells. · Biomolecules
18.PMID: 25776472 (2015) — Immunomodulatory action of Copaifera spp oleoresins on cytokine production by human monocytes. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
19.PMID: 30472403 (2019) — Antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of the Copaifera reticulata oleoresin and its main diterpene acids. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
20.PMID: 28635033 (2017) — Effects of Copaiba Oil Topical Administration on Oral Wound Healing. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
21.PMID: 36839669 (2023) — Copaiba Oil-Based Emulsion as a Natural Chemotherapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Bovine Mastitis: In Vivo Studies. · Pharmaceutics
22.PMID: 32431465 (2020) — Biological Activities of Two Major Copaiba Diterpenoids and Their Semi-synthetic Derivatives. · Revista brasileira de farmacognosia : orgao oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacognosia
23.PMID: 29039895 (2018) — Effects of Copaiba oil in the healing process of urinary bladder in rats. · International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology
24.PMID: 30086505 (2018) — Quantification of diterpene acids in Copaiba oleoresin by UHPLC-ELSD and heteronuclear two-dimensional qNMR. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
25.PMID: 36559290 (2022) — Thermo and Photoresponsive Emulgel Loaded with Copaifera reticulata Ducke and Chlorophylls: Rheological, Mechanical, Photodynamic and Drug Delivery Properties in Human Skin. · Pharmaceutics
26.PMID: 21480513 (2011) — Chemical variability of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oleoresin. · Chemistry & biodiversity
27.PMID: 29446750 (2018) — Copaiba Oil Decreases Oxidative Stress and Inflammation But not Colon Damage in Rats with TNBS-Induced Colitis. · Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets
28.PMID: 18545856 (2008) — Antimicrobial activity of Brazilian copaiba oils obtained from different species of the Copaifera genus. · Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
29.PMID: 34941847 (2021) — Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Oleoresin from the Amazonian Tree Copaifera reticulata with an Unusual Chemical Composition in Rats. · Veterinary sciences