Chaulmoogra and leprosy

The chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus kurzii) tree is treasured for its nuts and oil. The oil is used for overcoming leprosy lesions. Whether is it truly effective against leprosy remains to be seen.

Chemical analysis: Chaulmoogra oil contains potent bactericidal compounds - chaulmoogric acid and hydnocarpic acid. These acids supposedly 'kill' the mycobacterium that causes leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae. 

Traditional usage: The Indians and Chinese have used chaulmoogra oil for treating skin problems as well as intestinal worm infestations. Chaulmoogra oil is not effective in curing advanced stages of leprosy and synthetic sulfones are used instead.

Cold press: Chaulmoogra oil is obtained by compressing the seeds of the chaulmoogra trees. 

Indications: The oil is has bactericidal properties and has been used for treating eczema, skin inflammations, sprains, arthritis and bruises. 

Research: Research has been done to demonstrate the properties of chaulmoogra oil as a remedy for leprosy. Chaulmoogra oil may be used in several lotions, creams, balms, ointment, massage oil, lip balm as well as balm formulations for wound care.

Oil contents & uses: Chaulmoogra oil is rich in palmitic acid, hydnocarpic acid and oleic acid. The bark of the chaulmoogra tree contains tannins that are useful for reducing fever. The oil extracted from the seeds of chaulmoogra tree is used to cure a number of skin complaints, including different chronic conditions and scaly eruptions.

Other uses of oil: A liniment or ointment is prepared by blending equal parts of lime water and chaulmoogra oil and applied topically to alleviate rheumatic pains, cure leprous ulcerations, burnt heads as well as scruff on the head. The crushed seeds are applied in the form of a paste/poultice to heal skin diseases like eczema, scabies and ringworm, as well as to cure wounds.

Source: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_chaulmoogra.htm

History:  http://www.leprosyhistory.org/english/gallery/gallerytreat.htm

Photos: http://images.kew.org/chaulmoogra, http://www.asnom.org/en/240_pharmacien_colonial.html, 

Sg Buloh & Pulau Jerejak: http://www.leprosyhistory.org/english/gallery/gallerylepmal.htm

Sg Buloh, Setapak & Singapore: http://unmakingtheasylum.wordpress.com/life-stories/

Sg Buloh - Valley of Hope: http://valleyofhope.blogspot.com/2011/02/leprosy-settlement-to-be-gazetted-as.html