Hevea brasiliensis is one of several plants commonly referred to as the Rubber Tree, but is in fact, the primary source of natural rubber today.
Other common names are the Pará Rubber Tree, Sharinga Tree and Seringueira.
Originating from the Amazon rainforest in South America, the Pará Rubber Tree is now widely grown in tropical regions worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia.
It is a tall, deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height and is primarily cultivated for its latex. The tree has a smooth, greyish bark and trifoliate leaves, with white or yellowish flowers.
The primary use of Pará Rubber Tree is the production of natural rubber from its latex, which is a critical material in manufacturing tires, gloves, and many other products. The tree’s wood, known as rubberwood, is highly valued for making furniture and flooring due to its durability and attractive grain. Additionally, the bark and leaves have applications in traditional medicine, while the latex is also used in adhesives and various industrial products.
Traditionally, the latex of Pará Rubber Tree has been used by indigenous Amazonian tribes for treating wounds, as a laxative, and for anti-inflammatory properties. The bark and leaves have also been used in various folk remedies, such as poultices and decoctions for fevers and skin conditions.
There is interest in the use of the latex of Pará Rubber Tree for wound healing, as it has shown superior results in stimulating migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, as well as accelerated wound healing through preclinical models.
Through scientific investigation, Pará Rubber Tree has been found to exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
An interesting study found that Pará Rubber Tree latex possesses significant antimicrobial properties. This research highlighted the potential of latex-derived compounds in creating new treatments for infections and enhancing the shelf-life of various products by preventing microbial growth.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Real Rubber Tree
