Uses & Effectiveness
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 oil, derived from the seeds of the chaulmoogra tree, contains a vitamin-like compound called hydnocarpic acid that has been used historically for treating leprosy, tuberculosis, and even as an early chemotherapy agent due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Side Effects
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.
Interactions
We currently have no information for CHAULMOOGRA overview.
Special Precautionsand Warnings
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.
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.
