TUNG SEED

OTHER NAME(S):

Abrasin, Aleurites cordatus, Aleurites javanicus, Aleurites moluccanus, Aleurites pentaphyllus, Aleurites remyi, Aleurites trilobus, Arbol Candil, Arbre à Huile du Japon, Balucanat, Candleberry, Candleberry Tree, Candlenut, China-Wood Oil, Country Walnut, Indian Walnut, Jatropha moluccana, Kukui, Noix d’Abrasin, Noix de Bancoulier, Noyer de Bancoule, Noyer des Moluques, Nuez de la India, Otaheite Walnut, Tung, Varnish Tree, Vernicia cordata.

Overview

Overview Information

Tung seed is the seed of the fruit produced by the tung tree. Tung seeds resemble walnuts, and the term “walnut” is applied to this species. But be very careful not to confuse tung seed with the common walnut. Unlike walnuts, tung seeds are extremely poisonous, even deadly, if they are eaten raw.

Despite these serious safety concerns, people use the oil and the kernels of tung seed to make medicine.

People take tung seed for asthma and bowel problems such as diarrhea and constipation.

Tung seed is sometimes applied to the scalp to encourage hair growth.

In manufacturing, the oil of tung seed is used in soaps, rubber substitutes, linoleum, and insulation. The seed cake of tung seed is used as a fertilizer. The seed is also the source of the oil that is widely used as a wood preservative and varnish.

How does it work?

Tung seed contains various substances that might stimulate the bowels and cause sweating. It also contains toxic chemicals, such as cyanide.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of tung seed for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Tung seed is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical similar to cyanide as well as other poisons. Even one seed might cause severe poisoning. Tung seed can cause extreme stomach pain, violent vomiting, breathing problems, and possibly death.

There isn't enough information to know if tung seed is safe when applied directly to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE for anyone to take tung seed by mouth. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, it could harm you as well as your baby.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for TUNG SEED Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of tung seed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for tung seed. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Duke JA. CRC handbook of medicinal herbs. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC, 1985.
  • Duke JA. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC, 2002.
  • Meyre-Silva C, Mora TC, Biavatti MW, et al. Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Aleurites moluccana leave [L.} Willd. Phytomedicine 1998;5:109-13. View abstract.
  • Pedrosa RC, Meyre-Silva C, Cechinel-Filho V, et al. Hypolipidaemic activity of methanol extract of Aleurites moluccana. Phytother Res. 2002;16:765-8. View abstract.
  • Quintao NL, Antonialli CS, da Silva GF, et al. Aleurites moluccana and its main active ingredient, the flavonoid 2"-O-rhamnosylswertisin, have promising antinociceptive effects in experimental models of hypersensitivity in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012;102:302-11. View abstract.
  • Quintao NL, Meyre-Silva C, Silva GF, et al. Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. Leaves: Mechanical Antinociceptive Properties of Standardized Dried Extract and Its Chemical Markers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011;2011:179890. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.