The genus Hydnocarpus is currently (2015) under review and there seems no clear and generally accepted treatment currently available. Because different authorities are treating the genus differently, we have included several species here where we are uncertain if we are using the correct name - or even if we are including it more than once under different names. This is one of the species that are more likely to be incorrect, and is likely to be no more than a synonym for Hydnocarpus castaneus (which has a separate entry)[].

Common Name: Chaulmoogra Tree

General Information

Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus is an evergreen tree, occasionally shrub-like, growing from 7 - 20 metres tall, with occasional specimens as tall as 30 metres[].
The tree is an important source of chaulmoogra oil, much used medicinally in the treatment of skin conditions, including leprosy. It is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and trade, and is also used locally as a food and source of fibre. It is cultivated in southeast Asia and in western Africa for the seed oil and also as ornamental and shade tree[].

Known Hazards

The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides[]. In very small quantities it has been used medicinally, having been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Habitat

Rain forests or evergreen broad-leaved forests at elevations of 300 - 1,300 metres[]. Locally common along river banks[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best on well-drained, sandy, alluvial flats and floodplains along rivers, or at least in moist but well-drained surroundings[, ].
Seeds tend to go rancid rather quickly. Therefore ripe fruits should be opened and the fruit pulp and aril removed from the seeds. Seeds are then washed and dried in the sun. Sun-dried seeds, either whole or broken, are cold-pressed or pressed under concurrent heating to extract the oil. The chemical composition of the end-product of these methods varies[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required

Edible Uses

The pulp of the fruits is edible[].

Medicinal

The oil from the seed, known as Lukrabao or Chaulmoogra oil has been shown to be a very effective treatment of a wide range of skin problems, including leprosy[, , , , ]. It has also been recommended as a topical application to treat elephantiasis, rheumatism, sprains and bruises, sciatica and chest complaints, and for dressing wounds[, ].
An emulsion of the seed kernel oil is exceptionally administened orally in the form of drops, but caution must be exercised because of its very high toxicity[].
The oil content can vary from 16 - 56%. It is a rich source of hydnocarpic acid (34.9%) and chaulmoogric acid (22.5%), which are the main active ingredients and have been shown to be an effective treatment in a range of conditions[, ].

The seeds are used as a vermifuge[].

The bark is used in the treatment of fevers[]. It is rich in tannins[].

Other Uses

The seeds are the source of a non-drying oil[]. It is used for illumination, to make soap and also medicinally[, ].

An extract of the seed is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

The fibrous bark is made into cordage[],

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, when it will usually germinate quickly. Germination of stored seed can be slow, with some species in the genus taking up to 2 years. Sow the seed in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed and keep moist. Grow on the seedlings in shade until large enough to plant out[].

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