chaulmoogra oil

Also known as: hydnocarpus oil, hynocardia oil

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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Chaulmoogra oil is derived from the seeds of Asian trees belonging to the genus Hydnocarpus. Historically, this oil was used, particularly in India and China, to treat leprosy and other skin conditions. While it was the primary medication available for leprosy by the 1920s, its effectiveness was limited. It caused nausea when taken orally and pain when injected, and it was eventually replaced by more effective drugs like sulfones in the 1940s.12

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Malpighiales
Achariaceae
…Hydnocarpus are a source of chaulmoogra oil, at one time important in the treatment of leprosy. The presumed active agent in the oil, hydnocarpic acid, is believed to have antibiotic properties. The seeds of Caloncoba echinata, from west-central Africa, are the source of gorli oil, also used in the treatment…
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…Hydnocarpus are a source of chaulmoogra oil, at one time important in the treatment of leprosy. The presumed active agent in the oil, hydnocarpic acid, is believed to have antibiotic properties. The seeds of Caloncoba echinata, from west-central Africa, are the source of gorli oil, also used in the treatment…
Read More

leprosy
History
…reported the possible utility of chaulmoogra oil in treating leprosy, and by the 1920s the oil or derivatives of the oil were the principal medication available. However, the drug was not effective when applied locally to affected areas, produced nausea when taken orally, and caused pain upon injection. Its real…
Read More
…reported the possible utility of chaulmoogra oil in treating leprosy, and by the 1920s the oil or derivatives of the oil were the principal medication available. However, the drug was not effective when applied locally to affected areas, produced nausea when taken orally, and caused pain upon injection. Its real…
Read More

history of medicine
China
Chaulmoogra oil was used by the Chinese for leprosy from at least the 14th century, and about the 19th century it began to be used for this purpose by Western physicians. The herb mahuang (Ephedra vulgaris) has been used in China for at least 4,000…
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Chaulmoogra oil was used by the Chinese for leprosy from at least the 14th century, and about the 19th century it began to be used for this purpose by Western physicians. The herb mahuang (Ephedra vulgaris) has been used in China for at least 4,000…
Read More