Botanical Overview
Hydnocarpus wightianus, commonly known as Chaulmoogra, belongs to the family Achariaceae. This medicinal plant is native to India and Southeast Asia. Primarily, the seeds, seed oil, and bark are used for their therapeutic properties.
Energetics
The plant exhibits a neutral temperature and drying moisture quality. It has bitter and pungent tastes and is considered tonifying within traditional systems.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing
Indications
Western
- Chronic skin infections
- Leprosy
- Eczema
- Ulcers
Syndromes
- Chronic bacterial infections
- Skin inflammatory conditions
TCM
No documented traditional uses specifically in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ayurveda
- Skin diseases
- Chronic ulcers
- Leprosy (Kushta)
Syndromes
- Kushta (leprosy and other skin disorders)
Unani
- Skin eruptions
- Ulcerations
Constituents & Mechanisms
The seeds contain hydnocarpic acid, chaulmoogric acid, garcinic acid, flavonoids, and tannins, compounds associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Seed oil applied topically
- Powdered seeds used in traditional formulations
- Extracts used in tinctures and ointments
Safety & Contraindications
Caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Topical applications may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Oral use should be supervised to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. No well-documented drug interactions, but use cautiously in hepatic impairment.
Astrological Correspondences
No confirmed planetary or elemental rulers documented.
Selected References
- Hydnocarpus wightianus – PFAF Database
- Hydnocarpus wightianus – C.P. Khare (2007)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 2 (2002)
- Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Hydnocarpus wightianus – Kumar et al. (2008)