Copaiba
Copaifera officinalis, C. langsdorffiiA copaiba tree can give resin for years without harm, making it an example of a sustainable forest product.
What is Copaiba?
Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) is a plant of the Fabaceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon. Part used: trunk resin (oil).
What is Copaiba used for?
Traditional use: The oily resin flowing from a hole drilled in the trunk is applied to wounds, skin disease and sore throats; a few drops are swallowed. Scientific evidence: limited. Contains sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene.
Is Copaiba safe?
Safety label: caution. Drinking it can cause nausea and diarrhoea. Can cause skin allergy.
Traditional use
The oily resin flowing from a hole drilled in the trunk is applied to wounds, skin disease and sore throats; a few drops are swallowed.
From the 17th century it was used in European pharmacies for urinary tract inflammation.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Copaiba oils on the market are sometimes cut with other oils.
Preparation
The resin is applied directly or a few drops are taken.
What science says
Contains sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene. Lab and animal studies show anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects; human studies are few.
Safety
Drinking it can cause nausea and diarrhoea. Can cause skin allergy.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | Its diuretic effect may add up. |
| Blood thinners | May increase bleeding risk in theory. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Copaiba.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchCopaifera of the Neotropics: A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
- ResearchCopaifera cinsi: kimyasal yapı, biyolojik etkinlik ve analiz yöntemleri (derleme)
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Copaifera langsdorffii
- 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