Divi-Divi tree

The Divi-Divi tree, botanically Caesalpinia coriaria, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen small tree from the family of legumes (Fabaceae). It originally comes from the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America and is today widespread mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Characteristic is its striking, wind-shaped growth form, which has also lent it a symbolic significance in its homeland, for example on Aruba or Curaçao.

The tree reaches a height of about 6 to 9 meters and bears pinnate leaves as well as small yellowish flowers, from which narrow, strongly curved pods develop. These contain the valuable constituent tannic acid (tannin), which has made the Divi-Divi tree economically significant for centuries.

What benefits does the Divi-Divi tree offer?

The Divi-Divi tree is valued in traditional healing for its versatile usability. Studies are increasingly engaging with the tree's effects and so far point to medicinal potential. Although considerably more studies are necessary in order to conclusively understand the effects, here are some of the results of various studies to date:

  • Anti-inflammatory effect: In studies, extracts of the plant demonstrably reduced inflammation and showed a decrease in leukocyte recruitment and inflammation markers in stomach tissue (1,2).
  • Antimicrobial properties: Studies point to a significant antibacterial and antifungal effect against various microorganisms, including pathogens that can be threatening to humans (2,3).
  • Anthelmintic (parasite-fighting) effect: In studies, extracts from C. coriaria proved effective against parasitic nematodes such as those occurring in cattle and small ruminants, and could thus represent a valuable natural alternative for combating gastrointestinal parasites (2,4).
  • Antioxidant effect: The Divi-Divi tree is rich in phenolic compounds and other antioxidants that can potentially protect against cell damage (1,4).
  • Gastroprotective effect: Studies have shown that C. coriaria can protect the stomach lining from damage by acting against ulcers and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes (1).

How does the Divi-Divi tree work in the body?

The effect is based above all on the high content of flavonoids, terpenes, tannins, and various phenolic acids. Worth mentioning here are catechol, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, syringic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and cinnamic acid (2).

Are there risks or side effects?

  • High tannin concentrations: Excessive consumption can impair the absorption of certain nutrients.
  • Not for long-term use: Medicinally, Divi-Divi should only be used in moderate amounts, not long term, and only under medical supervision.
  • Unripe seeds and raw consumption: Can cause gastrointestinal complaints in higher doses.

Conclusion

The Divi-Divi tree (Caesalpinia coriaria) is a remarkable plant that is both culturally and economically significant. Its high content of tannins has made it an important resource for leather processing for centuries, while at the same time it finds use in traditional medicine and in organic farming. Studies associate the plant with a range of potential benefits for health, even though more research is necessary in order to be able to draw final conclusions. With its characteristic, wind-shaped silhouette, it is moreover a landmark of its home regions.

Sources:

  1. Pineda-Peña, E. A., Capistran-Amezcua, D., Reyes-Ramírez, A., Xolalpa-Molina, S., Chávez-Piña, A. E., Figueroa, M., & Navarrete, A. (2023). Gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of Caesalpinia coriaria pods against indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric lesions in Wistar rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 305, 116057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.116057
  2. Cipriano-Salazar, M., Salem, M. Z. M., Elghandour, M. M. M. Y., Selim, S., Lackner, M., & Salem, A. Z. M. (2025). Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Caesalpinia coriaria extract: A review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1629447. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1629447
  3. Pitre-Ruiz, L., Galván-Ayala, D., Castro-Uriana, O., Ávila Mendez, K. J., & Lopez-Pazos, S. A. (2021). In vitro antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd extracts on Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans. Vitae, 28(2), e345381. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.vitae.v28n2a345381
  4. García-Hernández, C., Rojo-Rubio, R., Mendoza-de Gives, P., González-Cortazar, M., Zamilpa, A., Mondragón-Ancelmo, J., Villa-Mancera, A., Olivares-Pérez, J., Tapia-Maruri, D., & Olmedo-Juárez, A. (2022). In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic properties of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits against Haemonchus contortus. Experimental Parasitology, 242, 108401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108401