Common Name: Copaiba Resin

General Information

Copaifera reticulata is a large, evergreen tree growing to a height of 30 - 45 metres. The bole is straight and cylindrical and can be branchless for 30 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its medicinal balsam and its timber. This species is one of the more important amongst the many related species in the genus that yield the resin 'Copaiba balsam'. The balsam is a valuable commodity with a range of medicinal and many other uses. It is commonly harvested from wild trees and is exported in quantity to many countries[, ]. The plant has long been used by the native peoples of S. America, especially for this resin, which can be obtained from the trunk[]. Several different species can be used interchangeably to provide the resin; Copaifera officinalis from northern Brazil; C. Multijuga from the Amazon; and C. Langsdorffii from the cerrados of central Brazill are probably the three other most important ones[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.

Habitat

Humid forests[]. Upland rainforests on sandy loam[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The resin has been approved officially in the U.S. as a food additive and is used in small amounts as a flavouring agent in foods and beverages[].

Medicinal

Copaiba-balsam, an oily oleo-resin obtained from the trunk of the tree, has a very long history of use medicinally. It was widely used by the native peoples prior to the Europeans reaching S. America and these uses were soon taken up by the Europeans[]. The resin is especially valued for its ability to counter mucous in the chest and genito-urinary system[].
The resin is an aromatic, stimulant herb with a bitter, burning taste[]. Both it and the bark are anodyne, antacid, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, cytostatic, demulcent, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, mildly laxative, vermifuge and vulnerary[].
The resin obtained from the trunk contains a number of medically active constituents including 30 - 90% essential oils and unusual condensed tannins[]. The essential oil contains alpha- and beta-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, resins and terpenic acids[]. It improves the digestion, has diuretic and expectorant effects, and controls bacterial infections[].
Much of the clinical research performed to date has verified the traditional uses of copaiba. It has, for instance, been shown to be highly effective as a topical wound healer and anti-inflammatory agent[]. The anti-inflammatory effect is mainly due to the sesquiterpenes, particularly caryophyllene which has also demonstrated effective pain-relieving properties, antifungal properties against nail fungus and gastroprotective properties[].
The resin as a whole (and, particularly, two of its diterpenes - copalic acid and kaurenic acid) has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. One of copaiba’s other chemicals, kaurenoic acid, has also demonstrated selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in other recent studies[318.
Other constituents of the resin have demonstrated significant antitumor activity[].

The resin is taken internally in the treatment of a range of respiratory problems such as tuberculosis, bronchitis and sinusitis; urinary tract and reproductive system conditions such as cystitis, kidney and bladder infections, vaginal discharge and gonorrhoea[, ]. Stomach ulcers, tetanus, herpes, pleurisy and haemorrhages are just some of the other conditions treated with the resin[].
Externally, it is used in the treatment of a range of skin problems including insect bites, eczema, chilblains, sores and psoriasis[, 254. It is also used to treat wounds and stop bleeding[]. As an antiseptic gargle, it is used to treat sore throats and tonsillitis[].
The resin should be used with care, see notes above on toxicity[].
The resin is tapped at intervals from the tree and the holes filled in afterwards[]. It is used in infusions or distilled for its essential oil[].

Other Uses

An oleoresin is obtained from the tree[]. The resin of this species has an unpleasant smell and taste[]. It is an important fixative in perfumes - especially those with violet, woody or spicy notes[, ]. Today in the United States, copaiba resin is used mostly as a fragrance component in perfumes and in cosmetic preparations (including soaps, bubble baths, detergents, creams, and lotions) for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and emollient (soothing and softening) properties[].
The resin is also used in varnishes and lacquers[].
The resin can be used, direct from the tree, as a substitute for diesel oil[].

The heartwood is pink to red-brown with copper-coloured veins; it is clearly demarcated from the 2 - 3cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or interlocked, sometimes wavy. The wood is light to very light in weight, soft to moderately hard; somewhat durable being resistant to dry wood borers but susceptible to fungi and termites. It seasons quickly with very little risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable to stable in service. It can be worked with normal tools; it generally finishes well, though the tools need to be kept sharp to avoid fuzzy surfaces; nailing and screwing are often poor; gluing is correct. The wood has a wide range of uses, including for general construction, light carpentry, interior panelling and joinery, flooring, boxes and crates, furniture, veneer and fibre boards[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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