Calophyllum apetalum

Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, Bennett et al., 2021 record that leaves and bark of Calophyllum apetalum were steeped or decocted as a mild tea to ease sore throats and upper respiratory congestion. In Sri Lanka, Moosa et al., 1995 report that powdered bark was macerated in water and taken to reduce fever, while a bark decoction was used for colic, and a strong decoction was given to adults for malaria‑like fevers. Local healers in the Uva province prepared a leaf infusion as a throat gargle for ulcer pain and tonsillitis, and freshly heated leaves were applied as a poultice to painful swollen joints (Ratnaweera, 2008). In southwestern India, Sreejamol and Nair, 2022 describe a bark decoction taken after meals for dyspepsia and gas, and in the coastal Western Ghats, Khan et al., 2017 note a leaf infusion drunk daily to promote wound healing. In Timor-Leste, Calophyllum bark has been boiled as a decoction to reduce fever and alleviate abdominal cramps (Pereira et al., 2016).

For a simple infusion using the same parts used traditionally, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf (or ½ teaspoon of finely powdered bark) with 250 mL of near‑boiling water and let it steep, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sip up to two cups daily for a soothing gargle or mild fever‑supporting tea. To make a bark decoction for occasional adult fever relief, gently simmer 1 gram of powdered bark in 250 mL of water for 15 minutes, let cool, and strain; drink one cup twice daily. As the FDA has cautioned that “graviola” products may contain hepatotoxic alkaloids, moderate the bark‑based decoction and avoid repeating doses beyond two days; pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid use. Calophyllum apetalum is not a food plant and can be toxic at high doses; stop if stomach upset develops.

The bark and leaves are rich in biflavonoids such as amentoflavone, quercetin‑ and kaempferol‑glycosides, xanthones such as caloxanthone and Garcinia, and coumarins including calophyllolide (Moosa et al., 1995; Ratnaweera, 2008; Khan et al., 2017). These constituents are well documented for Calophyllum apetalum and likely underpin the fever‑reducing, anti‑inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects reported in traditional practice. The same phytochemicals have demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidant activity in vitro, consistent with the plant’s use for dyspepsia, wound care, and sore throat. Contemporary research continues to explore xanthones and biflavonoids for antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory potential, while regional herbalists keep limited use of teas, decoctions, poultices, and macerations for gastrointestinal and wound applications.

Common products:
- Timber supplied as sawn lumber, beams, rafters, posts, planks, and veneer sheets for construction, furniture, interior joinery, tool handles, and boat hulls.
- Bark processed into a powdered tannin extract used for leather tanning and as a natural brown dye for protein fibers.

Industrial and craft applications:
- Heavy construction: structural beams, bridge components, railway sleepers, and foundation timbers where durability and load‑bearing capacity are required.
- Furniture manufacturing: cabinetry, chairs, tables, and decorative panels where the fine grain and stability of the wood are valued.
- Marine construction: boat decking, hull planking, and dock structures, benefiting from natural decay resistance.
- Plywood and veneer production: the wood’s density and consistency make it suitable for high‑grade veneer and structural plywood.

Colorants and tanning:
- The bark contains condensed tannins (≈12 % dry weight) that are used in vegetable tanning of leather, imparting good colour fastness.
- A brown dye extracted from the bark is employed historically for wool, silk, and other protein fibers, giving a light‑fast brown tone.

Wood and fiber:
- A dense hardwood with specific gravity of ~0.8 (density ~770 kg m⁻³ at 12 % moisture), suitable for load‑bearing construction and high‑strength applications.

Properties relevant to use:
- High bending strength and stiffness from the dense wood structure, enabling use in structural roles.
- Natural resistance to fungal decay and insect attack conferred by extractives (phenolic compounds and tannins), reducing the need for chemical preservatives.
- Tannin‑rich bark provides both tanning capacity and natural pigment.

Standards and regulation:
- Classified as a high‑strength hardwood under Indian Standard IS 401:2005 (Structural timber grading), with performance requirements comparable to other Class A hardwoods.
- Wood density and mechanical properties are measured according to ISO 3120 (Wood – Determination of density) and ISO 13061‑2 (Wood – Determination of density), ensuring conformity to international timber testing protocols.
- In India, the species is covered by IS 14686:2005 for grading of sawn timber, and by IS 15303:2003 for veneer and plywood standards.

Sustainability and sourcing:
- The species is not listed as threatened on major global assessments, but localized overharvesting is reported in parts of its range.
- Sustainable management frameworks have been introduced in Karnataka and Kerala (India) and in peninsular Malaysia, incorporating regulated logging quotas, community‑based forest management, and experimental plantations with rotation cycles of 30–40 years.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is available for some plantations, and monitoring programs track population trends and regeneration to maintain long‑term supply while preserving genetic diversity.

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No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

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