copaiba

Copaiba is a natural oleoresin obtained from the trunk of several South American trees of the genus Copaifera. The resin is traditionally tapped and can be used in its raw form (copaiba balsam/oleoresin) or distilled to produce copaiba essential oil. The main bioactive components are sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and beta-bisabolene, along with diterpenic acids like copalic acid and kaurenoic acid[6][4]. These compounds confer anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antimicrobial, antiseptic, wound-healing, expectorant, diuretic, antirheumatic and antioxidant properties[2][3][4][5]. Copaiba has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for conditions including arthritis (osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis), skin diseases (psoriasis/eczema), wound healing, respiratory tract infections (coughs/bronchitis), urinary tract infections/cystitis/kidney infection, gastrointestinal ulcers/gastritis/H. pylori infection and as an adjunct in oral health[1][2][3][7]. Its mechanism of action is primarily attributed to modulation of inflammatory pathways—especially via activation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors by beta-caryophyllene—and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects[5]. While widely used as a dietary supplement or topical agent in creams/oils/shampoos/lotions/capsules globally—including Brazil’s herbal medicine system—robust clinical evidence supporting many uses remains limited.

Other names

copaiba balsamcopaiba oilcopaiba oleoresinCopaifera oil-resin