Copaiba

Copaifera spp
Plant organ: Resin

Optimal ranges of biochemical composition:
- beta-caryophyllene 40-70%
- germacrene d ≤10%
- alpha-caryophyllene (alpha-humulene) ≤11%
- alpha-copaene 2-10%
- trans-alpha-bergamotene ≤14%
- beta-bisabolene ≤12%.

General information and properties:
Copaiba essential oil is an oleoresin obtained from the resin of the Copahu tree (Copaifera officinalis and other species of the genus Copaifera). Its high beta-caryophyllene content (greater than 50%) gives it important anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which relieve pain from tendonitis, or other muscle and joint pain. Its affinity with type 2 cannabinoid receptors allows it to mimic the action of the active ingredients of Cannabis. Additionally, it acts at the level of the prostaglandin pathway and reduces the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Its sesquiterpene content gives it an important bactericidal (Candida albicans) and fungicidal (Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus) action that enhances its healing and skin regenerating power. Widely recommended to treat psoriasis, eczema and various urinary and respiratory infections.

Animal research suggests that copaiba reduces central and peripheral inflammation and pain [3-5]. Copaiba oil reduces abnormal growth of endometrial tissue and reduces the severity of endometriosis in animals.[6]
Topical or oral administration of copaiba oil reduced the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and improved psoriasis symptoms (peeling, redness, and thickness of the skin) in a small clinical trial.[7]
Copaiba oil is effective against the bacteria S. mutans which is considered the main organism responsible for dental cavities.[8,9]
A 1% copaiba oil solution significantly reduced the appearance of acne in a clinical trial.[10] Copaiba promotes wound healing.[11] Topical application of copaiba oil increased blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and viability of random skin flaps (skin and tissue removed to cover a nearby wound) in rats.[12] It also reduces inflammation and cellular damage that cause tissue death.[13]
Copaiba oleoresin protects the intestines from oxidative damage to tissues and organs caused by the loss and subsequent return of blood supply (ischemia/reperfusion) according to animal research.[14] It also protects the stomach from ulcers caused by the NSAID indomethacin.[15] Animal research suggests that copaiba oleoresin protects against colon inflammation and damage caused by colitis.[16]
Copaiba helps decrease inflammation by strongly inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) that is involved in the inflammatory response in vitro.[17]
Beta-caryophyllene selectively inhibits the growth of animal cancer cells without harming normal cells in vitro.[18]

Contraindications:
Do not apply during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not apply to babies or children under 3 years of age. Do not apply orally. Do not apply by smell or by diffusion. Apply exclusively via Tópia. Do not apply for a long time. For arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatism, its application can be alternated with Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil.

Correct traditional indications

Dermatology

Scar

Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Moringa vegetable oil. Apply to the affected area.

Orthopedics - Rheumatology

Arthritis
Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower or Evening Primrose vegetable oil. Massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 3 to 4 times a day. Massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin. It is advisable to alternate this treatment with other treatments indicated on our website for this condition (Eucalyptus citriodora, Black pepper, Indonesian citronella, etc.).

Osteoarthritis
Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower or Evening Primrose vegetable oil. Gently massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin.

Joint pain - Muscle pain
Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower or Evening Primrose vegetable oil. Gently massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin.

Rheumatism
Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Gently massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin.

Urology

Cystitis - Urinary Infection
Dilute 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of Argan vegetable oil. Apply to the lower part of the belly.

Warnings on the use of essential oils: Information on traditional use does not replace the recommendation of a pharmacist or a doctor specialized in aromatherapy. Its use without following this recommendation will always be under your responsibility. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult your doctor. It is important to confirm the diagnosis of your illness or condition to make the best decision. It is especially important to review the contraindications and precautions for use of each essential oil. The indications and contraindications of an essential oil depend on its molecular composition. The traditional uses reviewed refer to 100% pure essential oils and vegetable oils with detailed information on origin, quality and specific molecular composition ranges for SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AROMATHERAPY. THEY DO NOT APPLY FOR ANY ESSENTIAL OIL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THIS INFORMATION! AROMATMA SAS is not responsible for inappropriate and/or abusive use of essential oils and vegetable oils. Allergy: Before using an essential oil, it is advisable to apply a drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours in order to detect a possible allergic reaction. It is appropriate to consult the chapter titled “Risks of using essential oil” if the “Allergy risks” icon appears.

Bibliography:

De la Charie, T. et al. “Compagnie des Sens” website – https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/
Franchomme, P., R. Jollois, and D. Pénoël. 2001. L'aromathérapie Exactement. Encyclopédie de L'utilisation Thérapeutique Des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Roger Jollois.
Zhiri A., Baudoux D. Huiles essentielles chémotypées et leurs synergies.
Passeport Santé. Website https://www.passeportsante.net/
Scott A. Johnson, 2015. Evidence-based essential oil therapy the ultimate guide to the therapeutic and clinical application of essential oils (EBEO)
https://vanessences.fr/content/28-huile-essentielle-encens-bienfaits-proprietes-utilisation

References

1. Franchomme, P., Jollois, R., & Pénoël, D. (2001). L'aromathérapie exactement: encyclopédie de l'utilisation thérapeutique des extraits aromatiques. Edition Roger Jollois
2. Johnson, S. A. (2015). Evidence-based essential oil therapy: the ultimate guide to the therapeutic and clinical application of essential oils . Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Services, LLC.
3. Basile AC, Sertie JAA, Freitas PCD, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of oleoresin from Brazilian copaifera. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988;22(1):101-09.
4. Veiga VF, Zunino L, Calixto JB, et al. Phytochemical and antioedematogenic studies of commercial copaiba oils available in Brazil. Phytother Res. 2001;15:476-80.
5. Gomes NM, Rezende CM, Fontes SP, et al. Antinociceptive activity of Amazonian copaiba oils. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Feb;19(3):486-92.
6. Nogueira Neto J, Lindoso MJ, Coelho LF, et al. Changes in the volume and histology of endometriosis foci in rats treated with copaiba oil (Copaiferalangsdorffii). Acta Cir Bras. 2011;26 Suppl 2:20-24.
7. Gelmini F, Beretta G, Anselmi C, et al. GC-MS profiling of the phytochemical constituents of the oleoresin from Copaifera langsdorfii Desf. and preliminary in vivo evaluation of its antipsoratic effect. Int J Pharm. 2013 Jan 20;440(2):170-78.
8. Souza AB, Martins CH, Souza MG, et al. Antimicrobial activity of terpenoids from Copaifera lansdorffii Desf. against cariogenic bacteria. Phytother Res. 2011 Feb;25(2):215-20.
9. Pieri FA, Mussi MCM, Fiorini JA, et al. Bacteriostatic effect of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) against Streptococcus mutans. Braz Dent J. 2012;23(1):0103-6440.
10. Da Silva AG, Puziol Pde F, Leitao RN, et al. Application of the essential oil from copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffi Desf.) for acne vulgaris: a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2012 Mar;17(1):69-75.
11. Paiva LA, de Alencar Cunha KM, Santos FA, et al. Investigation on the wound healing activity of ole-resin from Copaifera langsdorffi in rats. Phytother Res. 2002 Dec;16(8):737-39.
12. Estevao LR, Medeiros JP, Bartella-Evencio L, et al. Effects of the topical administration of copaiba oil ointment (Copaifera langsdorfii) on skin flaps viability of rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2013 Dec;28(12):863-69.
13. de Lima Silva JJ, Guimaraes SB, da Silveira ER, et al. Effects of Copaifera langsdorfii Desf. on ischemia-reperfusion of randomized skin flaps in rats. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Jan;33(1):104-09.
14. Paiva LA, Gurgel LA, Campos AR, et al. Attenuation of ischemia/reperfusion-induced intestinal injury by oleo-resin from Copaifera langsdorffii in rats. Life Sci. 2004 sep;75(16):1979-87.
15. Paiva LA, Rao VS, Garmosa NV, et al. Gastroprotective effect of Copaifera langsdorffii ole-resin on experimental gastric ulcer models in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Aug;62(1):73-78.
16. Paiva LA, Gurgel LA, De Sousa ET, et al. Protective effect of Copaifera lansdorffii ole-resin against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jul;93(1):51-56.
17. Baylac S, Racine P. Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase by essential oils and other natural fragrances. Int J Aromatherapy. 2003;13(2-3):138-42.
18. Amiel E, Ofir R, Dudai N, et al. β-caryophyllene, a compound isolated from the Biblical balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis), is a selective apoptosis inducer for tumor cell lines. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2012;2012:872394.

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Copaifera_officinalis_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-047.jpg Copaiba (copaifera). A flowering branch, nat. Size; 1 enlarged flower; 2 stamens, equal; 3 pollen, similar; 4 seals, similar; 5 ovary in cross section; 6 fruits, nat. Size; 7 fruits half with seeds, equal.; 8 and 9 seeds on lateral and ventral surface, similar; 10 and 11 equal in longitudinal and transverse section.