Tamanu (Fijian: Dilo)

Coumarins isolated from the leaves and seeds have been shown to be inhibitors of HIV type 1. They might also be valuable as cancer chemo-preventive agents.

Seed extracts showed significant molluscicidal activity; the hydroxy acid caliphyllid acid was isolated as the active compound.

The ether extract of the leaves showed piscicidal activity.

The oil has cicatrizing properties, explaining its traditional and modern use in a wide range of skin problems.

The oil has also shown anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal activity.

It stimulates phagocytosis of cells of the reticulo-endothelial system and has protective activity on the vascular system.

Clinical tests showed that the oil may reduce old scars.

The refined oil, which is pale yellow, has strongly diminished medicinal properties.

The bark is astringent and contains 11 – 19% tannins and is reportedly antiseptic and disinfectant.

The oleoresin from the bark, which contains benzoic acid, shows cicatrizing properties.
A root decoction is traditionally used to treat ulcers, boils and ophthalmia.
The bark is used to treat orchitis.
The latex is rubbed on the skin in the treatment of rheumatism and psoriasis.

The latex and pounded bark are applied externally on wounds, ulcers and to treat phthisis, orchitis and lung affections, and are also used internally as a purgative, after childbirth and to treat gonorrhoea.
The resin is used to treat wounds and insect bites.
A leaf infusion is used to treat sore eyes, haemorrhoids and dysentery.

Heated leaves are applied as a poultice to cuts, sores, ulcers, boils and skin rash.

The leaves are used in inhalations to treat migraine and vertigo.

The seed oil is applied externally as an analgesic against rheumatism and sciatica, and as a medication against swellings, ulcers, scabies, ringworm, boils and itch.
The flowers are used as a heart tonic