FolkKB

Blackwood

Haematoxylum campechianum

Haematoxylum campechianum, commonly known as logwood, is a tree species with a history of use in various traditional contexts. It has been traditionally applied as an astringent and anodyne to address conditions such as infections, diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding, leucorrhea, and circulatory complaints, as well as for gangrene and dyspepsia. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal efficacy in humans is limited, though studies have demonstrated that its waste-derived biochar possesses significant adsorption capacities for substances like Congo red and 3-nitrophenol. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diarrhea · astringent
Traditions
Ayurveda · traditional · TCM
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • diarrhea Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • leucorrhea Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bedsore traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • blood clots TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • circulatory complaints TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dyspepsia Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • gangrene traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hematochezia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • infections traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The maximum adsorption capacity of Congo red onto activated biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum waste was 114.8 mg/g under optimal conditions. D PMID
  • The study found that Haematoxylum campechianum's potential distribution might expand, while Haematoxylum calakmulense's could contract due to climate change in southeastern Mexico. D PMID
  • The study found that Haematoxylum campechianum-derived carbonaceous material could adsorb 3-nitrophenol with a maximum capacity of 236.156 mg/g under optimized conditions. D PMID
  • The study explores the historical and contemporary uses of logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) for dyes and stains. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Blackwood?

Blackwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Blackwood traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Blackwood for: diarrhea, astringent, dysentery, bleeding, leucorrhea, anodyne. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Blackwood?

Blackwood appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, traditional, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Blackwood?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Blackwood; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The maximum adsorption capacity of Congo red onto activated biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum waste was 114.8 mg/g under optimal conditions.

How strong is the evidence for Blackwood?

The strongest finding for Blackwood carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Blackwood safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Blackwood in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Blackwood interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Blackwood in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Blackwood?

Blackwood is also known as: Кампешевое дерево, campêche.

Is Blackwood a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Sorption Behavior of Azo Dye Congo Red onto Activated Biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum Waste: Gradient Boosting Machine Learning-Assisted Bayesian Optimization for Improved Adsorption Process. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 The return of natural dyes: the case of logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Deep learning artificial neural network framework to optimize the adsorption capacity of 3-nitrophenol using carbonaceous material obtained from biomass waste. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Climate Change Effect on Haematoxylum campechianum and Haematoxylum calakmulense (Fabaceae): Are We Losing Our Natural Heritage in South-Eastern Mexico? literature abstract metadata