Common Name: Chaulmugra

General Information

Hydnocarpus kurzii is an evergreen tree that usually grows 8 - 20 metres tall, but with some specimens reaching 30 metres[, ].
The oil from the seed of this tree was the first known effective treatment for leprosy and became the source of the first synthetic drugs to treat the disease. Although now largely replaced in conventional medicine by these synthetic drugs, it is still used traditionally to treat leprosy and other skin disorders. Mainly harvested from the wild, it is also cultivated in areas such as Southeast Asia, tropical Africa and tropical South America[].
Information from India indicates the species has declined by 50% in population numbers in the last 10 years[]. There is insufficient evidence regarding the status of this species and, consequently, it is presently classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2010)[].

Known Hazards

The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. It is advised not to eat pigs nor fish that have been feeding on the seeds, as their flesh induces nausea and vomiting[].
In very small quantities cyanogenic glycosides have been used medicinally, having been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, they are also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, they can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitat

Evergreen forests at elevations of 600 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the wet tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,800 metres. The plant grows best in areas where annual daytime annual temperatures fall within the range 28 - 34°c, though it is tolerant of 7 - 42°c[]. It is tolerant of temperatures to below 2.5°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,500 - 6,500mm, but can tolerate 2,000 - 8,000mm[].
Succeeds in full sun and light shade[]. Tolerant of a range of soils, preferring a pH in the range 4.5 - 5, but tolerating 4 - 5.5[]. 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

None known

Medicinal

The oil extracted from the seeds, known as 'chaulmugra oil', has a long history of use in the treatment of leprosy[, ]. When applied externally, and by direct infiltration of the lesions, it has been shown to be effective in decreasing the size of nodules, numb patches, and skin lesions[]. The oil has also been recommended as a topical application to treat rheumatism, sprains and bruises, sciatica and chest complaints, and for dressing wounds[].
The active principles in the oil are unusual cyclopentenic fatty acids including chaulmoogric acid. The precise molecular mycobactericidal mode of action is still unknown[]..
The oil contains chaulmoogric and hydnocarpic fatty acids[, ].

A decoction of the bark is drunk as a general tonic to improve health and in the treatment of internal disorders and skin diseases[, ].

The roots, as well as the seeds, are used by Thai traditional doctors in the treatment of skin diseases[].

An exciting development from this plant is the observation that the oil, when applied to the skin, increases the strength of scar tissue and strengthens the collagen tissue in wounds. Hence some cosmetic and or dermatological application may be possible[].
In addition, the lignans hydnowightin, hydnocarpin, and neohydnocarpin have been isolated in the plant. These have been shown to have cytotoxic potential against various forms of cancer[].

Other Uses

None known

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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