Composition of the Tamanu Butter

Tamanu butter contains 92 % neutral lipids, 6.4% glycolipids and 1.6 % phospholipids.

It also contains other therapeutically effective components : xanthones with an antiinflammatory effect (calophylline), triterpenes (friedelin, canophyllol), coumarins (calophyllolide, inophyllolide) of inophyllique acid, inophenique acid essential oils and vitamin E.

Natural Healing

Tamanu butter has therapeutic property of promoting the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. Because of its healing virtue, Tamanu butter is a natural remedy widely used in of first aid.

In the Pacific Islands, the Tamanu butter is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns (boiling water, caustics and burning gas), sunburn, insect bites, scrapes, acne pimples, scars acne, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, thrombosed hemorrhoids, dry or scaly skin, cracks, blisters, frostbite, psoriasis, eczema and herpes buttons. 

Polynesian women apply tamanu butter to of their babies' skin in a massage to promote beautiful (clear and unblemished) skin and prevent rashes such as diaper rash. Tamanu butter also has a soothing effect in the case of irritated skin.

 Natural Anti-inflammatory

It has been shown that oil Tamanu has an anti- inflammatory action. This activity is due partly to calophylollide 4-phenyl coumarin and a group of xanthones in the oil and explains the reduction of the inflammatory response that usually accompanies all kinds of skin lesions: wounds, rashes, insect bites, acne pimples, etc. This oil is also traditionally used topically against sore throats. 

Tamanu butter has natural antimicrobial properties. The butter contains several powerful effective bactericidal agents to combat human and animal pathogens. 

These antimicrobial phytochemicals include friedelin, canophyllol, canophyllique acid and inophynone. They exert direct and indirect antibiotic effects by stimulating the phagocytic cells of the reticulo-endothelial system (macrophages). 

 Researchers have compared the Tamanu's antimicrobial activity with that of ampicillin. They observed that the canophyllol has a good antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria that cause abscesses, boils, infected wounds, inflammation, suppuration, septicemia and conjunctivitis.

In addition, the canophyllol in Tamanu oil acts against Corynebacterium diphtheriae (responsible for diphtheria), Klebsiella pneumoniae (responsible for sepsis, respiratory infections, infected wounds and burns). 

The canophyllic acid acts moderately against Proteus mirabilis, which is the cause of bladder infections, sores, sepsis and pneumonia, particularly in hospitalized patients. 

The researchers concluded that the antimicrobial agents in Tamanu  can be used successfully to treat a number of skin and eye infections. 

Analgesic properties of Tamanu butter

 Whether used in rubbing or massage, Tamanu  has analgesic properties and is used to relieve neuralgia, leprous neuritis, shingles, rheumatism, painful joints, sprains, tendonitis, sprains, back pain and sciatica.

Antioxidant Activity of Tamanu 

The coumarins and xanthones in Tamanu  have antioxidant properties. They particularly inhibit lipidic peroxidation. The cell membranes are made of lipids. The antioxidant activity of Tamanu oil helps protect the skin cells against damage caused by oxidative damage. Tamanu is recommended for preventing the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. 

Protective Power on blood vascular system

Tamanu promotes blood circulation and protects small capillaries. It is sometimes used to treat rosacea. Since it increases the microcirculation, it is also indicated in the problems of 'heavy legs'. 

 Action Moisturize

 Tamanu butter contains more than 35% of a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid), which participates in reconstituting the epidermal lipids and has the property to prevent water loss from the skin while providing soothing, protective and nutritious qualities.

This butter is ideal for rehydrating and revitalizing dry or damaged skin. 

 Natural Whitening

 The oil is also used in Madagascar for lightening dark skin.

 Natural Deodorant

The oil is also used to reduce body and foot odor.