Botanical Overview
Cedro Colorado (Cedrela odorata) belongs to the Meliaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. 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
Cedrela odorata, commonly known as Spanish cedar, Cuban cedar, or cedro in Spanish, is a commercially important species of tree in the chinaberry family, Meliaceae native to the Neotropics.
Family Context
The Meliaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Chinaberry — 54 documented uses
- Neem — 49 documented uses
- Andiroba — 17 documented uses
- Jojoban — 16 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Cedro Colorado has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and others.
Traditional Uses
Cedro Colorado has been traditionally used for digestive health, pain and inflammation, and fever management.
Digestive health.
- Vermifuge
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Pain and inflammation.
- Rheumatism
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.
Fever management.
- Fever
- Febrifuge
- Malaria
Febrifuge preparations are typically administered as hot teas to induce perspiration, which helps the body regulate temperature. The patient is kept warm and encouraged to rest while the herb promotes sweating.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 9 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities