Brazilian Amazon Traditional Medicine and the Treatment of Difficult to Heal Leishmaniasis Wounds withCopaifera

Abstract

The present study describes the use of the traditional speciesCopaiferafor treating wounds, such as ulcers scarring and antileishmanial wounds. It also relates phytochemical studies, evaluation of the leishmanicidal activity, and toxicity. The species ofCopaiferawith a higher incidence in the Amazon region areCopaifera officinalis,Copaifera reticulata,Copaifera multijugaHayne. The copaiba oil is used in the Amazon’s traditional medicine, especially as anti-inflammatory ingredient, in ulcers healing, and in scarring and for leishmaniasis. Chemical studies have shown that these oils contain diterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The copaiba oil and terpenes isolated have antiparasitic activity, more promising in the amastigote form ofL. amazonensis. This activity is probably related to changes in the cell membrane and mitochondria. The oil showed low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Furthermore, it may interfere with immune response to infection and also has a healing effect. In summary, the copaiba oil is promising as leishmanicidal agent.