Tonka Bean Tree (Dipteryx odorata)

Tonka Bean Tree (Dipteryx odorata) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Amazon Basin, South America, Central America, and Caribbean. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and fruits have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, native american herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Tonka Bean Tree (Dipteryx odorata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tonka Bean Tree (Dipteryx odorata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tonka Bean Tree
Scientific Name	Dipteryx odorata
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Dipteryx
Species	odorata
Native Range	Amazon Basin, South America, Central America, Caribbean
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Fruits
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Dipteryx odorata
Common Name: Tonka Bean Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Perfume Tree, Perfume Tree, Cocoplum
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Dipteryx

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal racemes with white flowers having five sepals and five petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and a yellow stamen cluster.
Stems: Woody, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth bark, and stipitate nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a mild tonic, in whole-system applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a gentle bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Stimulant: Commonly referenced as a soothing stimulant, for vitality-related discussions.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.