Tonka Beans. Dipteryx odorata.
Habitat: South America.
The beans vary widely in appearance, from 2-5cm long and about 1cm diameter,
greyish or black.
Parts Used: Seeds.
Constituants; Coumarin, about 1-3%, with 7-hydroxycoumarin, (=umbelliferone)
and coumarin glycosides. Fixed oil, sugars, phytosterols.
Medicinal Use: Formally used as a tonic and aromatic. Rarely used medicinally
now as coumarin has cardiotoxic effects but may be used for flavouring and perfumery
Tonka beans are also known as wishing beans.
Seed
