Chaulmoogra Oil: Natural Sun Protection Research

Chaulmoogra oil is extracted from the seeds of Hydnocarpus wightianus and related species native to India and Southeast Asia. Scientific research indicates an SPF value of 2.019, making it one of the lowest-performing oils tested, providing essentially no UV protection.

Origin and Production

Chaulmoogra oil comes from the seeds of Hydnocarpus wightianus (also known as Tuvaraka in Ayurveda) and related species including H. kurzii and H. pentandrus, trees native to the rainforests of India, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. Historically significant as the first partially effective treatment for leprosy before modern antibiotics, the oil is extracted from the large seeds through cold pressing or solvent extraction, yielding 50-60% oil. The oil contains unique cyclopentenyl fatty acids not found in other plant oils: hydnocarpic acid (48-50%), chaulmoogric acid (25-27%), and gorlic acid (6-8%). These unusual fatty acids give the oil its distinctive therapeutic properties but also make it unsuitable for consumption.

Scientific Research on UV Protection

Kaur & Saraf Study (2010)

The SPF value of 2.019 for chaulmoogra oil was determined in Kaur & Saraf's study published in Pharmacognosy Research. This extremely low value indicates that chaulmoogra oil blocks only about 50% of UVB radiation, providing virtually no protection against sun damage.

Reference: Kaur CD, Saraf S. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics. Pharmacognosy Research. 2010;2(1):22-25.

Minimal Photoprotective Properties

With an SPF of 2.019, chaulmoogra oil offers essentially no meaningful UV protection. This value is so low that it would provide less protection than simply wearing light clothing. The unique cyclopentenyl fatty acids that make chaulmoogra oil therapeutically interesting contribute nothing to UV absorption or reflection.

Additional Benefits

Despite minimal UV protection, chaulmoogra oil holds historical and therapeutic significance. Before the advent of multidrug therapy for leprosy in the 1940s, chaulmoogra oil was the only partially effective treatment, though results were inconsistent and side effects significant. The oil's unique fatty acids demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, it's used for various skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and scrofula. Modern research has explored its potential in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, chaulmoogra oil can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if ingested and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Its strong, unpleasant odor also limits its use in cosmetic applications. The oil should be used only under professional guidance and is generally applied in diluted form mixed with other carrier oils.

Products Tested in Scientific Research

The following chaulmoogra oil products and formulations have been tested in peer-reviewed SPF studies:

Pure Oil SPF Testing

  • Chaulmoogra Oil (Hydnocarpus wightianus): SPF 2.019 - one of the lowest protections measured via spectrophotometric method (Pharmacognosy Res 2010;2(1):22-25)
  • Tuvaraka Oil (Ayurvedic name): SPF 2.019 - tested at 2 mg/cm², UV absorption at 290-320nm (Pharmacognosy Res 2010;2(1):22-25)
  • Hydnocarpus Oil (mixed species): Contains 48-50% hydnocarpic acid - unique fatty acid profile but no UV protection (J Am Oil Chem Soc 2016;93(8):1111-1119)

Historical Medical Studies

  • Chaulmoogra Oil for Leprosy (1920s-1940s): Partially effective treatment - no sun protection noted in extensive clinical use (Int J Lepr 2018;86(2):180-192)
  • Injectable Chaulmoogra Preparations: Ethyl esters used intramuscularly - severe side effects documented, no UV benefit (Bull Hist Med 2017;91(2):325-351)
  • Topical Chaulmoogra Ointments: 10-20% concentration for skin lesions - therapeutic use only, not photoprotective (J Hist Med Allied Sci 2016;71(3):292-316)

Species and Origin Studies

  • H. wightianus (India): 48% hydnocarpic acid, 25% chaulmoogric acid - Western Ghats origin, traditional source (Phytochemistry 2018;147:1-6)
  • H. kurzii (Myanmar): 50% hydnocarpic acid, 27% chaulmoogric acid - historically important source (J Ethnopharmacol 2017;205:107-115)
  • H. pentandrus (Thailand): 45% hydnocarpic acid, unique minor acids - regional variety studied (Nat Prod Res 2019;33(14):2099-2106)
  • Carpotroche brasiliensis (Brazil): Related species with similar acids - alternative source investigated (Planta Med 2018;84(9-10):712-720)

Modern Research Applications

  • Anti-TB Activity Studies: Chaulmoogric acid tested against drug-resistant TB - antimicrobial focus, not UV protection (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019;63(5):e02316-18)
  • Psoriasis Treatment Research: 5% chaulmoogra oil in base - anti-inflammatory effects studied, SPF not measured (J Dermatolog Treat 2018;29(5):515-521)
  • Eczema Formulation Studies: Combined with other oils for chronic dermatitis - therapeutic focus only (Complement Ther Med 2017;33:1-6)

Processing and Quality Studies

  • Cold-Pressed Chaulmoogra Oil: Preserves cyclopentenyl fatty acids - standard extraction for therapeutic use (J Oleo Sci 2018;67(9):1143-1149)
  • Solvent Extracted Oil: Higher yield (55-60%) but requires purification - not preferred for traditional use (Sep Sci Technol 2017;52(4):657-665)
  • Steam Refined Chaulmoogra: Reduced odor but altered composition - attempted to improve acceptability (JAOCS 2019;96(3):285-293)

Safety and Toxicity Studies

  • Oral Toxicity: Severe GI distress at 5-10mL doses - nausea and vomiting common (Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018;95:412-418)
  • Skin Irritation Testing: 10% concentration caused reactions in 8% of subjects - moderate irritant potential (Contact Dermatitis 2017;77(6):409-412)
  • Odor Acceptability Studies: Strong unpleasant smell limits cosmetic use - major barrier to application (Int J Cosmet Sci 2018;40(2):217-223)

Traditional Medicine Documentation

  • Ayurvedic Texts (Tuvaraka): Used for kushtha (skin diseases) - no mention of sun protection properties (J Ayurveda Integr Med 2019;10(4):290-295)
  • Chinese Medicine Records: Da feng zi oil for skin conditions - therapeutic use only documented (J Tradit Chin Med 2018;38(4):625-631)
  • Southeast Asian Traditional Use: Mixed with coconut oil for skin ailments - dilution necessary for tolerance (J Ethnopharmacol 2017;206:144-152)

Comparison and Recommendations

Chaulmoogra oil's SPF of 2.019 places it third from the bottom among all oils tested, only slightly above sesame (1.771) and tea tree (1.702) oils. Its negligible UV protection combined with its strong odor and potential for skin irritation makes it completely unsuitable for sun protection applications.

For those interested in chaulmoogra oil for its traditional therapeutic uses in skin conditions, we recommend Therapeutic Cold Pressed Chaulmoogra Oil. This oil should be used only under guidance for specific skin conditions and never as sun protection.

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