Tamanu oil sped up wound healing in rats by boosting the body's natural repair response—specifically increasing immune cells and collagen formation by day 7. However, it caused less wound contraction than the comparison treatment (Centella asiatica), which could mean slower visible closing depending on wound type.

Researchers created identical wounds on 21 rats and treated them with either saline, tamanu oil, or Centella asiatica. They measured healing progress and examined tissue samples at days 7, 14, and 21 to see what was actually happening under the skin.

Funding not disclosed in abstract