Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

Oil. See medical uses below. The oil should not be consumed because it is poisonous in quantity[ 46 ]. The seed contains up to 70% oil[ 419 ].

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Analgesic  Antidiarrhoeal  Antifungal  Antiinflammatory  Antirheumatic  Antitussive  Astringent  Bitter  
Demulcent  Dysentery  Eczema  Febrifuge  Malaria  Parasiticide  Skin


The bark contains tannins and a bitter-tasting alkaloid, carapine. It is astringent, bitter and febrifuge[ 303 , 348 ]. It is used internally in the treatment of malaria, stomach aches, diarrhoea, dysentery and rheumatism[ 348 , 378 ]. The stem bark is used externally as a wash for treating a wide range of skin complaints including the spots of chicken pox and measles; eczema, ulcers, burns, wounds and sores[ 348 ]. The leaves are boiled in water and used as a wash on itchy skin, wounds and persistent ulcers[ 303 , 348 ]. A fruit rind decoction is taken orally for the treatment of fevers and intestinal worms[ 303 ]. A cream-coloured, intensely bitter oil of high acidity and very unpleasant smell, called 'carapa oil', is obtained from the seeds[ 378 ]. The oil is anti-inflammatory, demulcent and soothing[ 348 ]. A decoction is taken orally in the treatment of hepatitis and tetanus[ 303 ]. It is used to treat a range of pulmonary conditions including a hacking cough, bronchial tract discomforts and lung problems[ 348 ]. Applied externally, it is used as a skin lotion and softener, especially for children with thrush and dried, cracked skin; and to treat a range of skin conditions including eczema, ringworm, running sores, pain, swelling and itching. It is applied three times daily to treat painful piles[ 348 ]. It is rubbed on to a painful stomach and used to reduce pus-filled abscesses[ 348 ]. It is mixed with anatta paste (Bixa orellana) and applied it to the hair and skin in order to repel mosquitoes, sand fleas, ticks, lice and other biting insects[ 348 ]. A drop of the oil, combined with a drop of red lavender, is used to treat thrush in children[ 348 ]. The grated nut is mixed with hot water, and drunk as a treatment for malaria, diarrhoea and dysentery, and to reduce excessive menstrual flow[ 348 ] Applied externally, the grated nut is mixed with palm oil and used as an analgesic for muscular aches and pains; as an antifungal; as a treatment for dry skin, sores and eczema; for relieving itches caused by measles and chicken pox[ 348 ].

Containers  Furniture  Hair  Insecticide  Lighting  Oil  Paper  Parasiticide  Repellent  Soap making  Soil conditioner  Soil reclamation  Tannin  Wood

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Agroforestry Uses: The tree is suitable for planting in schemes to restore fertility to soil[ 303 ]. Other Uses A non-drying oil obtained from the seed is used as a lamp oil and for soap and candle making[ 46 , 303 , 378 ]. The oil should not be consumed because it is poisonous[ 46 ]. The seed contains up to 70% oil[ 419 ]. The oil from the seed is used as an ointment for the skin and hair, where it protects against ticks, sandflies, eyeflies, mosquitoes and other insects.[ 46 , 348 , 378 ]. The oil is massaged into the scalp to promote strong, glossy hair[ 348 ]. The oil has insecticidal properties[ 303 ]. The bark contains 1 - 10% tannins[ 303 , 378 ]. Foresters recognize two types of wood from this tree:- Andiroba Vermelha, also known as 'Red' or 'Hill Crabwood' is derived from trees growing on higher, well-drained land. It produces a heavier wood of superior quality which does not float on water[ 303 ]. Andiroba Branca, also known as 'White Crabwood', is derived from trees growing in swampy locations. The wood is lighter, of lower quality and does float on water[ 303 ]. The heartwood is reddish-brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the 3 - 5cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or interlocked. The wood is moderately soft to moderately hard; strong; moderately tough; of medium weight, moderately durable with some resistance to fungi and termites, but susceptible to dry wood borers. It is somewhat slow to season, with a high risk of checking but only a slight risk of distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. It works quite well with ordinary tools, though there are some difficulties in planing when the grain is interlocked; it has a slight tendency to split on nailing or screwing, so pre-boring is recommended; it glues well and polishes satisfactorily. The wood's main application is for high-quality furniture and cabinetwork, stairs and flooring, and as veneer for furniture, interior work and plywood. It is also used for masts, building material, boxes and crates, and as a substitute for okoum? (Aucoumea klineana) and walnut (Juglans regia). In Colombia, shoemakers prefer it for making shoe pieces[ 46 , 303 , 848 ]. The wood is suitable for the production of pulp and paper[ 303 ].

Special Uses

Coppice