Calanolide A

Scientific Name(S): Originally isolated from species Calophyllum lanigerum var. austrocoriaceum

Common Name(S): Calanolide A

Uses of Calanolide A

Initial studies show promise for treating HIV-1.

Botany: Calanolide A is a compound isolated from the latex of the tree, Calophyllum lanigerum var. austrocoriaceum, that grows in the rain forest of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. There are at least 200 species in the genus Calophyllum.

History: Rain forests are a very promising source of natural medicines because of its vast diversity. It has been estimated that more than half of the world's 250,000 plant species exist in tropical rain forests. Searching for natural drugs in these areas, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) contracts scientists to gather specimens for analysis. In 1987, an Illinois team obtained samples from many trees, one of which was Calophyllum lanigerum. Four years later, the NCI discovered that a preparation from this gum tree was very effective against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Confirmation of species was performed by comparison to Arnold Arboretum species and samples from the Singapore Botanic Garden.

Side Effects of Calanolide A

Because this product is a relatively new discovery, no data are available.

Toxicology:

It has been mentioned that substance from C. lanigerum destroys the HIV virus without killing healthy cells, but toxicology information is limited because of its recent discovery.

Summary: Calanolide A offers promising treatment for HIV-1, although most studies have been performed in vitro. Clinical investigation and human trials are underwa) to further evaluate the effects of Calophyllum, a natural substance found in the tropical rain forest.