Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus
Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus
Safety & Hazards
The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides[ 218 Title Medicinal Plants of China Publication Author Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Publisher Reference Publications, Inc. Year 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4 Description Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject. ]. 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 Description
Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus is an evergreen tree, occasionally shrub-like, growing from 7 - 20 metres tall, with occasional specimens as tall as 30 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. 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[ 317 Title Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants Publication Author Website http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336 Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Terse details of a huge range of useful plants. ].