Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllactum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Tamanu oil work to heal wounds and scars?

Tamanu oil facilitates wound healing through its unique chemical composition, specifically calophyllolide and various xanthones. These compounds demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, which protects the wound bed. Additionally, the oil promotes the formation of new tissue by stimulating fibroblast growth and collagen production. This mechanism supports skin regeneration and helps reduce the visibility of scar tissue over time (Evidence level: C/Traditional).

Does Tamanu oil interact with prescription medications?

There are currently no established drug interactions for topical Tamanu oil. Because it is applied externally, systemic absorption is generally low, minimizing the risk of interactions with oral medications. However, patients taking blood thinners or immunosuppressants should exercise caution and consult a physician before use. While generally safe, it should not be applied to deep puncture wounds without medical supervision (Evidence level: D).

What is the recommended dosage for Tamanu oil on scars?

The standard adult dosage for scar treatment involves applying cold-pressed Tamanu oil topically 2 to 3 times daily. The oil should be massaged gently into the affected area until absorbed. Consistent application over several weeks is often necessary to see improvements in scar texture and color. It can be used neat (undiluted) or mixed with a carrier oil for sensitive skin (Evidence level: Traditional).

Is Tamanu oil safe to use during pregnancy?

Topical use of Tamanu oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy for treating localized skin issues like stretch marks or minor abrasions. However, oral supplementation is contraindicated due to insufficient safety data. As skin can become more sensitive during pregnancy, performing a patch test before full application is recommended to rule out irritation (Evidence level: C).

Can Tamanu oil treat burns and open wounds effectively?

Yes, Tamanu oil is widely used in ethnobotanical medicine for burns and open wounds. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infection, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce pain and swelling. Evidence suggests it aids in accelerating epithelialization and tissue regeneration. It is suitable for minor cuts and first-degree burns, but severe burns or deep wounds require professional medical treatment (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

Tamanu oil, derived from Calophyllum inophyllum L., is a natural product with documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties [PMID:35069754].

Background

Tamanu oil is extracted from the nuts or seeds of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree [PMID:35069754, PMID:34597168]. It is utilized in traditional medicine and cosmetics across the South Pacific, including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Fiji [PMID:31198623].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used to treat various skin-related ailments, including wound healing, abrasions, burns, diabetic wounds, and scars [PMID:35069754, PMID:27280931, PMID:34597168].

Active compounds

Bioactive constituents include neoflavonoids [PMID:27280931], calophyllolide, inophyllum, and complex polyphenols [PMID:18494888]. Other identified metabolites include calanolide D, 12-oxocalanolide A, inophyllum C, 4-norlanosta-17(20),24-diene-11,16-diol-21-oic acid, 3-oxo-16,21-lactone, and calophyllolide [PMID:33573143, PMID:38256935].

Mechanism of action

In human skin cells, tamanu oil emulsion modulates gene expression related to cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and O-glycan biosynthesis, while promoting collagen and glycosaminoglycan production [PMID:27280931]. It also demonstrates free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity [PMID:33573143].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DWound Healing

In a rat model, wound contraction was significantly lower in the tamanu group compared to control and Centella asiatica groups [PMID:34597168].

Evidence DUV Protection

Clinical tests confirmed UV-protective effects with SPF and PA values of 6.3 ± 0.4 and 2.9 ± 0.6, respectively [PMID:41222861]. In vitro testing showed an SPF of 21.5 [PMID:42084842].

Evidence DAtopic Dermatitis

A levocetirizine-loaded emulgel containing tamanu oil showed enhanced therapeutic potential in reducing scratching frequency and erythema scores in vivo compared to conventional gel [PMID:31238752].

Safety & adverse effects

Case reports have documented instances of allergic contact dermatitis resulting from the use of tamanu oil [PMID:15500678, PMID:35293632].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (rats), and isolated case reports. There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (RCTs) or systematic reviews in the provided set.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35069754 (2021) — Potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2.PMID: 27280931 (2016) — Biological Activity of Polynesian Calophyllum inophyllum Oil Extract on Human Skin Cells. · Planta medica
3.PMID: 31198623 (2019) — Chemodiversity of Calophyllum inophyllum L. oil bioactive components related to their specific geographical distribution in the South Pacific region. · PeerJ
4.PMID: 34597168 (2021) — Evaluation of the cutaneous wound healing potential of tamanu oil in wounds induced in rats. · Journal of wound care
5.PMID: 33573143 (2021) — Improving the Antioxidant Properties of Calophyllum inophyllum Seed Oil from French Polynesia: Development and Biological Applications of Resinous Ethanol-Soluble Extracts.

Tamanu

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Tamanu

Ximenia Americana

Abutilon indicum

Sucupira

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Tamanu

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Tamanu

Related Herbs

Ximenia Americana

Abutilon indicum

Sucupira

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources