Botanical Overview
Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) is a flowering plant in the Bombacaceae family. Traditional medicine systems have documented several valuable applications for this species, supported by its observed therapeutic effects. This species belongs to the Bombacaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
It is widely introduced in other tropical regions including South and Southeast Asia, where it is cultivated. The tree and the cotton-like fluff obtained from its seed pods are commonly known in English as kapok, a Malay-derived name which originally applied to the related species Bombax ceiba, a native of tropical Asia. In Spanish-speaking countries the tree is commonly known as “ceiba” and in French-speaking countries as fromager. The tree is cultivated for its cottonlike seed fibre, particularly in south-east Asia, and is also known as the Java cotton, Java kapok, silk-cotton or samauma.
Family Context
The Bombacaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Adansonia digitata — 15 documented uses
- Durian — 6 documented uses
- Provision Tree — 2 documented uses
- Large-Fruited Provision Tree — 2 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Kapok has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Benin, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and others.
Traditional Uses
Kapok has been traditionally used for respiratory conditions, skin and wound care, and urinary tract health, among other applications.
Respiratory conditions.
- Asthma
- Catarrh
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.
- Leprosy
- Wound
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.
Urinary tract health.
- Diuretic
- Bladder
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 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:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties