Tonka bean
Scientific names: Dipteryx odorata, Coumarouna odorata
Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae
Alternate names: Almendrillo Negro, Coumarou, Cumaru, Cumarú, Dutch Tonka, English Tonka, Fève Tonka, Gaïac de Cayenne, Legume, Tonka, Tonka Seed, Tonquin Bean, Torquin Bean
Background
Tonka beans are the seeds of the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx odorata). Despite safety concerns, the fruit and seed have been used as medicine.
Tonka bean contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and water retention.
People use tonka bean for many conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Tonka bean is also unsafe.
Tonka bean contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and water retention.
People use tonka bean for many conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Tonka bean is also unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Tonka bean is likely unsafe. The US FDA considers any food containing tonka bean or tonka bean extract to be impure. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sleeplessness, and liver damage.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tonka bean is safe or what the side effects might be.
Liver disease: A chemical in tonka bean called coumarin can cause liver damage. This could make existing liver disease worse.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tonka bean is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tonka bean is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Liver disease: A chemical in tonka bean called coumarin can cause liver damage. This could make existing liver disease worse.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using tonka bean for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of tonka bean might be. Tonka bean might also be unsafe. Consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Tonka Bean interacts with any medicines. Before taking Tonka Bean, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2024 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
