Potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Tamanu oil, derived from the nut of Calophyllum inophyllum L., has been traditionally used to treat various skin-related ailments. In recent years, this oil is increasingly gaining popularity as researchers continue to search for novel natural alternative therapies for various skin diseases. There have been a number of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating various skin-active properties of tamanu oil, and it has been proven to have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and even wound-healing abilities. These properties make tamanu oil an especially interesting candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). This multifaceted disease is marked by the disruption of the skin barrier function, chronic inflammation, and skin microbiome dysbiosis with limited treatment options, which is free from adverse events and inexpensive, making it desperate for a new treatment option. In this review, we examine previous in vitro and in vivo studies on AD-relevant pharmacological properties of tamanu oil in order to evaluate the potential of tamanu oil as a novel treatment option for AD.