Tonka beans are the seeds of the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx odorata). Despite safety concerns, its fruits and seeds are still used as medicine.
Tonka beans contain chemicals that may reduce swelling and retain water.
People use tonka beans in a variety of situations, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Tonka beans are also not safe.
side effect
When taken by mouth: Tonka beans may be unsafe. The FDA considers any food containing tonka beans or tonka bean extract to be impure. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and liver damage.
When applied to skin: There is not enough reliable information to know whether tonka bean is safe or what side effects it may have.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Tonka beans may be unsafe. The FDA considers any food containing tonka beans or tonka bean extract to be impure. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and liver damage.
When applied to skin: There is not enough reliable information to know whether tonka bean is safe or what side effects it may have.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tonka bean may not be safe to take by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stay safe and avoid using.
Liver disease: A chemical in tonka beans called coumarin can cause liver damage. This may make existing liver disease worse.
Tonka bean oil
Tonka bean oil is extracted from the seeds of Dipteryx odorata. The oil is mainly composed of coumarin and is used to flavor tobacco. It is neither pressed nor essential oil, but is traditionally made by soaking large, single tonka seeds in rum or other alcohol for 24 hours, after which coumarin crystals appear on the outside of the seeds and are then collected to get. On a dry weight basis, the seeds contain up to 46% oil.
In recent years, most commercially produced coumarin has been synthetic, reducing the demand for tonka beans as a crop. Coumarin derivatives are also used as pharmaceutical anticoagulants.
