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Tamanu oil

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**Origin and Cultural Significance**:
Tamanu oil is pressed from nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum or Calophyllum tacamahaca trees.
– Originates in Polynesia and holds cultural importance.
– Commercial applications include skin care and fuel usage.
– Calophyllum inophyllum oil is rich in antioxidants and UV-absorption properties.
– Fruiting occurs twice a year, with ripe fruits collected manually.

**Seed Processing and Extraction**:
– Seeds are decorticated using wooden mallets or pressing methods.
– Kernels are pressed in wooden and stone ghani.
– Traditional uses include night lamps and fuel for electricity generation.
– Average oil yield is 11.7kg-oil/tree or 4680kg-oil/hectare.
Tamanu oil is topically applied for skin diseases and as a varnish.

**Uses and Properties**:
– Medicinal applications and hair grease uses.
– Acts as biodiesel and night lamp fuel.
– Treats skin diseases, rheumatism, and skin injuries.
– Exhibits antibacterial activity against acne strains.
– Contains fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic acids.

**Benefits and Applications**:
– Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
– Anti-inflammatory properties.
– Promotes collagen production and accelerates wound healing.
– Effective for treating acne, eczema, scars, and stretch marks.
– Reduces inflammation in arthritis and provides sunburn relief.

**Research Findings and Market Trends**:
– Studies confirm wound healing and antibacterial properties.
– Potential for developing new antibiotics.
– Growing popularity in skincare products.
– Increasing demand in natural beauty and organic markets.
– Expanding presence in hair care formulations and aromatherapy sector.

Tamanu oil (Wikipedia)

Tamanu oil is pressed from nuts of either Calophyllum inophyllum (usually) or Calophyllum tacamahaca (ati), tropical trees belonging to the Calophyllaceae family. The oil originates in Polynesia, where it continues to play an important cultural role.[citation needed]

Tamanu fruit
The fruit of the tamanu tree

Commercial uses of tamanu oil are predominantly for skin care. The oil has both medicinal value and use as a fuel. Calophyllum inophyllum oil (CIO) is rich in antioxidants and contains UV-absorption properties that can be used within the dermatology field. Tamanu oil has been found to have wound healing and antibacterial properties in low concentration, but is cytotoxic (cell-damaging) in high concentration.

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