Calanolide A (Calophyllum Lanigerum)

Medically reviewed by Chris Schwerdt. Last updated on April 22, 2025

General Information

Description:

Calophyllum lanigerum is an evergreen brushwood or tree growing from 2 – 38 metres tall. The bole, which is usually without root spurs, is up to 81 cm in diameter. The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber. Calanolide A is produced from Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum, an exceedingly rare representative of the Guttiferae or mangosteen family. Samples of Calophyllum Lanigerum var austrocoriaceum were first found in 1987 on an NCI-sponsored expedition trip in Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Once it was identified that Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum may be applied activity in HIV treatment, researchers returned to the original kerangas forest near Lundu (Sarawak, Malaysia) to gather more plant matter for getting the active compound.

Indications:

Calanolide A is applied for HIV treatment.

About Chris Schwerdt

Chris Schwerdt, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist with over two decades of experience in long-term care, pharmacy operations, and regulatory consulting. He has led closed-door pharmacy businesses and serves on Pharmacy & Therapeutics committees for both industry and government programs. His work focuses on medication policy development, formulary strategy, and optimizing patient care through drug utilization review. Chris is affiliated with ASCP, ASHP, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.