Botanical Overview
Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is a flowering plant in the Meliaceae family. This plant has earned a place in traditional medicine through its consistent therapeutic benefits, recorded across multiple cultures. The mahogany family (Meliaceae) includes trees and shrubs with compound leaves and small flowers arranged in branched inflorescences. The fruits are capsules, drupes, or berries. Many species contain limonoid triterpenes with potent insecticidal and antifeedant properties, including azadirachtin from neem.
General Description
Carapa guianensis is a species of tree in the family Meliaceae, also known by the common names andiroba or crabwood.
Family Context
The Meliaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Chinaberry — 54 documented uses
- Neem — 49 documented uses
- Jojoban — 16 documented uses
- Cedro Colorado — 6 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Andiroba has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, and others.
Traditional Uses
Andiroba has been traditionally used for respiratory conditions, skin and wound care, and pain and inflammation, among other applications.
Respiratory conditions.
- Cold
Respiratory conditions are addressed through steam inhalation of the herb’s vapors or internal use as a warm tea. The hot infusion acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm and clear congestion. Some traditions combine it with honey for coughs.
Skin and wound care.
- Itch
- Skin
- Leprosy
For skin conditions, the fresh or dried plant is applied topically as a poultice, wash, or compress. A strong decoction can be used to clean wounds and sores. The antimicrobial properties help prevent infection while promoting tissue repair.
Pain and inflammation.
- Arthritis
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 15 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).