Properties of tonka
Dipteryx odorata tonka is a semi-deciduous tree native to Central America and northern South America (Caribbean, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil). Commonly called "Cumaru", or "Brazilian teak", this species of flowering tree belongs to the Fabaceae or pea family (1). In these regions, the small black seeds of tonka beans are also known as "tonkin beans" and have long been used for their health benefits. Native Americans found a remedy against the cough, fatigue, but also against nausea and ulcers.
30-meter high tropical tonkas produce spicy fruits, collected when they have fallen to the ground at maturity, which are dried for a long time to extract the seeds.
Tonka beans contain approximately 1 to 3% coumarin, the active ingredient responsible for their pleasant smell (2). This high content gives these seeds a strong characteristic flavour, similar to a mixture of vanilla, almond, clove, cinnamon and amaretto. Also, tonka is often used in desserts and stews.
The tonka bean has many agri-food uses, in particular for its phytotherapeutic properties (3).
It is popularly used for spasms, nausea, cough, convulsions, tuberculosis (4). It is also recommended for naturally eliminating bacteria from the body and mucus membranes. Detoxifying, tonka would also relieve asthma. The nutritional components, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of tonka beans have been studied. Consumed in small doses, coumarin can indeed be indicated as an anti-coagulant, with a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. This natural substance would act as an anti-spasmodic and promote lymphatic drainage.
Increasingly used, whether in cosmetics or perfumes, in cooking or for its health benefits, tonka is a popular ingredient.
It is found in dry, whole or ground seeds for recipes, in powder form to spice up preparations and in capsules for its virtues as a food supplement.
(1) Jang, DS ; Parc, EJ; Hawthorne, MOI ; Vigo, JS ; Graham, J.; Cabieses, F.; Santarsiero, BD; Mesecar, AD ; Fong, HHS ; Mehta, RG; et coll. Constituants potentiels de chimioprévention du cancer des graines de Dipteryx odorata (fève tonka). J. Nat. Prod. 2003 , 66 , 583–587. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
(2) Heghes, SC; Vostinaru, O.; Mogosan, C.; Miere, D.; Luga, Californie ; Filip, L. Profil d'innocuité des nutraceutiques riches en coumarines : une mise à jour. De face. Pharmacol. 2022 , 13 , 1–9. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
(3) Bartnik, M.; Facey, PC Chapitre 8—Glycosides. Pharmacognosie 2017 , 2017 , 101–161.
(4) Gonçalves, JFC ; Vieira, G.; Marenco, RA; Ferraz, JBS; Junior, UMS ; Barros, FCF Statut nutritionnel et surface foliaire spécifique de l'acajou et de la fève tonka sous deux environnements lumineux. Acta Amazon. 2005 , 35 , 23–27. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
