Andiroba - Oil

ANDIROBA-Oil - Crabwood (Carapa guianensis, Meliáceae)

HARVESTING PERIOD


FATTY ACID COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA

Andiroba oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, myristic and linoleic acids, and contains no fatty components such as triterpenes, tannins, and alkaloids, which are isolated as Andirobina and Carapina. The bitter taste of the oil is attributed to a group of terpene chemicals called meliacins, which are very similar to the bitter antimalarial chemicals. Recently, one of these meliacins, called gedunin, was documented to have pest control properties and antimalarial effects equal to that of quinine. A chemical analysis of andiroba oil identified the anti-inflammatory named andirobina, which has healing and insect repelling properties that are attributed to the presence of limonoids. The interest in using andiroba oil in cosmetics has increased significantly, especially after the patenting of a cream by Yves Rocher, from France, that has moisturizing and anticellulite properties based on this oil.

Andiroba candles are used as an effective repellent of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a vector of yellow fever and dengue. When burned the candles release an agent that inhibits the hunger of the mosquitoes, therefore reducing its need to bite. Research has shown this method is 100% effective as a mosquito repellent, a result that is not found in any other product on the market designed to repel these insects. In addition to this property, the candle is completely non-toxic, produces no smoke, and does not contain perfume.



POPULAR USES

Andiroba oil is one of the most commonly sold medicinal oils in the Amazon. Mixed with honey and copaiba, it is a very popular anti-inflammatory medication used to combat throat infections and influenza. It also strengthens and embellishes hair, and when used in soap it acts as a magic remedy for acne. Due to its good skin penetration, it is often used in massages to relieve bruises, dislocations, arthritis and rheumatism, and acts to sooth the surface of the skin and to bleach superficial stains. It is also used to repel mosquitoes. Traditionally, an oilseed cake is formed into balls and burned and also mixed with annatto (Bixa orellana) and formed into a paste that is used to protect the body from mosquito bites.


ECOLOGY

This species is a neotropical tree that occurs in southern Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and the Caribbean islands. In Brazil, it is found from sea level to 350 m elevation, throughout the Amazon basin, both in terra firme forests and on land that is temporarily flooded, along rivers and streams and near the mangroves. The seeds float and can be dispersed by water. However, in forests, most fruits and seeds are found under the parent tree. The seeds are eaten by rodents, armadillos, peccaries, pacas, deer, cotias, etc. The origin of the name andiroba is from nhandi (oil) and rob (bitter). Andiroba belongs to the same family as the mahogany and cedar tree, and is highly demanded by sawmills because it is very resistant to insect attacks.

IIndividuals of andiroba can reach 30 meters in height and grow well to different environments, such as flooded areas and terra firme. A mature tree can produce up to 120 kg of seeds per year (average 50 kg / year and tree). The seeds contain 43% fat. To produce a liter of oil, using rudimentary methods, 12 kg of seeds are needed. To extract the same amount, a mechanical press requires only 4 kg of dry seeds and only 3 kg of seeds are needed when using chemical solvents. The amount of oil that can be produced from the seeds of one andiroba tree can reach 10 liters per year, using rudimentary methods, and up to 30 liters using industrial techniques.

Due to its ability to grow rapidly and because of its valuable timber, andiroba is used in intercropped and agroforestry systems. Plantations in monoculture are compromised by Hypsipyla grandella, which attacks the terminal bud of the tree and inhibits further growth. This insect is a major pest of species of Meliaceae in the Amazon region. Although this has consequences when cultivating the tree for its wood, fruit production remains the same for individuals that survive an attack, which is not as intense as attacks on mahogany.

REFERENCES

FERRAZ, I. D. K. et. al.: Andiroba Carapa guianensis e Carapa procera, 2003, Manual de sementes da Amazõnia, Fascíiculo I.

GILBERT, B., et al. "Activities of the Pharmaceutical Technology Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation with medicinal, insecticidal and insect repellent plants." An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 1999; 71(2): 265-71.

MACKINNON, S., et al. “Antimalarial activity of tropical Meliaceae extracts and gedunin derivatives.” J. Nat. Prod. 1997; 60(4): 336-41.

MORAIS, L. R. : Banco de Dados Sobre Espécies Oleaginosas da Amazônia, não-publicado.

MORTON, J. F.: Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America, 1981.

PESCE, C.: Oleaginosas da Amazônia, 1941, Oficinas Gráficas da Revista Veterinária, Belém/PA.

ROY, A., et al. “Limonoids: overview of significant bioactive triterpenes distributed in plants kingdom. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2006; 29(2): 191-201.

SOUZA, C. R. et. al.: Andiroba Carapa guianensis, 2006, Embrapa Ocidental, Manaus, Documento 48, p. 12.