Andiroba
Carapa guianensisBecause its wood resists damp and insects, andiroba is also known in the Amazon as “forest mahogany”.
What is Andiroba?
Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is a plant of the Meliaceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon. Part used: seed oil, bark.
What is Andiroba used for?
Traditional use: The bitter oil from the seeds is applied to insect bites, joint pain and wounds and used as a mosquito repellent. Scientific evidence: traditional. Contains limonoids.
Is Andiroba safe?
Safety label: generally safe. Generally safe on the skin. Not to be swallowed.
Traditional use
The bitter oil from the seeds is applied to insect bites, joint pain and wounds and used as a mosquito repellent.
The oil is mixed with wax to make mosquito-repellent candles.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Several Carapa species are used under the same name.
Preparation
Seeds are boiled and left for a few weeks, then the oil is drained.
What science says
Contains limonoids. Insect-repellent and anti-inflammatory effects have been seen in the lab; human studies are few.
Safety
Generally safe on the skin. Not to be swallowed.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchBioactive limonoids from Carapa guianensis seeds oil and the sustainable use of its by-products
- ResearchComparative study of the topical effectiveness of Andiroba oil and DEET 50% as repellent for Aedes sp.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Carapa guianensis
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe