Chaulmoogra
OTHER NAME(S): Da Feng Zi, Gynocardia Oil, Hydnocarp, Hydnocarpus, Oleum Chaulmoograe, Hydnocarpus kurzii, Taraktogenos kurzii, Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus, Hydnocarpus species.u003Cbru003EFamily: Flacourtiaceae., Chaulmugra
Overview
Chaulmoogra is an herb. People use the seed to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, people put chaulmoogra powder, oil, emulsion, or ointment on the skin to treat skin problems including psoriasis and eczema.
Chaulmoogra is given intravenously (by IV) for leprosy. This is not surprising since the first drugs used for treating leprosy used chemicals found in chaulmoogra seeds.
Chaulmoogra might have calming- and fever-reducing properties. It might also have activity against skin disorders. Some animal research suggests it might harm the bacterium that causes leprosy.
Chaulmoogra might have calming- and fever-reducing properties. It might also have activity against skin disorders. Some animal research suggests it might harm the bacterium that causes leprosy.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Psoriasis, when applied to the skin.
- Eczema, when applied to the skin.
- Other skin disorders, when applied to the skin.
- Leprosy, when given intravenously.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of chaulmoogra for these uses.
Precautions
Chaulmoogra is UNSAFE when taken by mouth because it contains cyanide and might cause cyanide poisoning. It can cause cough, difficulty breathing, throat spasms, kidney damage, visual disorders, head and muscle pain, and paralysis when taken by mouth.
The safety of applying chaulmoogra to the skin is unknown. It can cause skin irritation.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of chaulmoogra during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Chaulmoogra overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of chaulmoogra depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for chaulmoogra. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Levy L. The activity of chaulmoogra acids against Mycobacterium leprae. Am Rev Respir Dis 1975;111:703-5.
- Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.