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Tamanu

Calophyllum inophyllum is a plant whose nut and other plant components are used to make medicine.

Calophyllum inophyllum is used for leprosy, hemorrhoids, scabies, gonorrhea, vaginal infections and chicken pox. One of the chemicals contained in Calophyllum Inophyllum (Constituent (+)-Calanolide A) is used for HIV infections. A pharmaceutical company is currently investigating this chemical to see if it meets the standards of safety and efficacy required for use as a prescription drug. Tamanu oil from the nut of Calophyllum inophyllum is used for skin problems including sunburn, rashes, burns, psoriasis, dermatitis, scratches, spots on the skin, acne, skin allergies, pressure sores, rosacea and hemorrhoids, as well as a skin care product for infants.

How does Calophyllum Inophyllum work?

Calophyllum inophyllum contains compounds that have been tested in the laboratory and appear to have some effectiveness against HIV and tuberculosis. However, there is not enough scientific data to know whether Calophyllum Inophyllum is suitable for medical applications in humans.

How effective is Calophyllum Inophyllum?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement regarding the effectiveness of Calophyllum Inophyllum taken orally for HIV/AIDS, leprosy, scabies, gonorrhea, vaginal infections and chicken pox, of Calophyllum Inophyllum applied to the skin for sunburn, skin rashes, burns, psoriasis, scratches, spots on the skin, acne, skin allergies, pressure sores, rosacea and hemorrhoids, as well as when used as a skin care product for infants. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Calophyllum Inophyllum in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Compound (+)-calanolide, a chemical contained in Calophyllum inophyllum, may be safe for use by people who do not have HIV/AIDS. It may cause some side effects including dizziness, headaches and nausea. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of Calophyllum Inophyllum for other uses.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of Calophyllum Inophyllum during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Calophyllum Inophyllum.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between Calophyllum Inophyllum and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of Calophyllum Inophyllum depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Calophyllum inophyllum. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Boyer PL, Currens MH, McMahon JB. Analysis of nonnucleoside drug-resistant variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase. J Virol 1993;67:2412-20.
  2. Buckheit RW, White EL, Fliakas-Boltz V, et al. Unique anti-human immunodeficiency virus activities of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors calanolide A, costatolide, and dihydrocostatolide. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999;43:1827-34.
  3. Currens MJ, Gulakowski RJ, Mariner JM, et al. Antiviral activity and mechanism of action of calanolide A against the human immunodeficiency virus type-1. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1996;279:645-51.
  4. Currens MJ, Nariner JM, McMahon JB, Boyd MR. Kinetic analysis of inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-a reverse transcriptase by calanolide A. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1996;279:652-61.
  5. Newman RA, Chen W, Madden TL. Pharmaceutical properties of related calanolide compounds with activity against human immunodeficiency virus. J Pharm Sci 1998;87:1077-80.
  6. Protocol Title: A Phase 1B Dose-Range Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Effects of (+)-calaonlide A on surrogate markers in HIV-positive patients with no previous antiretroviral therapy. Protocol ID numbers: FDA 297A.
  7. Reuters Health. Anti-HIV herbal product shows therapeutic potential in phase I trial. November 1, 1999.