Katrafay

Cedrelopsis grevei

Other Names : Cedralopsis grevei, Kathrafay
Katrafay is a bush tree that is native to Madagascar. The bark from the tree and the leaves themselves are used for the essential oil.

Special Precautions of Katrafay

• The presence of pinenes suggests a slight cortison-like action, useful for stress but to be avoided in people suffering from adrenal problems or in case of hormone-dependent cancer.
• According to some sources, it could be dermocaustic.
• It is said that Katrafay could be photosensitizing.
• In the absence of sufficient information; the use of this essential oil should be avoided for pregnant and lactating women and for young children under 6 years of age.

Health Benefits and uses of Katrafay are

Its stem bark and leaves are used for the production of essential oil that is used in traditional medicine to relieve malaria, fever and muscular fatigue

• Anti-inflammatory
• decongestant
• Recognized natural antibiotic
• antihistamine action.
• Acts favorably on the skin's stratum corneum and stimulates the natural abilities of skin hydration.
• to roll back skin diseases, especially inflammatory dermatoses.
• fatigue
• fortifying and tonic
• traditonally used by women after giving birth.
• Commonly used in the country to relieve rheumatic pains.
• Decoction of leaves also used to treat capillary fragility, headache and sore throats.
• Powdered and mixed with lard, the stems are used to prevent against sunstroke.
• muscular aches and pains, and sciatica.
• Malaria : 1,4-cadinadiene shows antimalarial activity.
• Cancer :
  • β-farnesene shows anticancer activity.
  • β-elemene (Beta-elemene) belongs to the sesquiterpenes group, is reported to inhibit mouse pancreatic cancer and neoplastic metasis, and have antitumor effect.
• Used by rural peoples to enhance the flavor of rum.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691513001166