andiroba oil

Andiroba oil is a natural lipid extract derived from the seeds of the Amazonian tree *Carapa guianensis* Aubl. (Meliaceae). It contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, most notably limonoids (highly oxygenated tetranortriterpenoids such as andirobin) and essential fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids. Historically used in Amazonian folk medicine, the oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties. Its therapeutic effects are primarily mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-5, as well as the modulation of immune cell infiltration including T lymphocytes and eosinophils. Recent clinical and preclinical research has focused on its application in managing oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients, skin barrier repair, and as a scaffold for drug delivery in cancer and epilepsy, where derivatives like fatty acid amides interact with cannabinoid and GABA-A receptors.

Other names

Carapa guianensis oilandiroba seed oilCarapa oiloil of andiroba