MYRRH GUM

Toxicity

Oral LD50 for myrrh oil in rats is 1650mg/kg . The Commiphora erlangeriana species is poisonous to humans and other mammals .

Description

Myrrh oleo-gum-resin, also known as herbal myrrh, consists of the physiological exudate of various Commiphora species growing along the coasts of the Red Sea. Commiphorae are small trees or shrubs with a grayish bark, dense characteristic foliage, and rather short, thorny branches. The oleo-gum-resin oozing from cracks in the bark, and sometimes from incisions made on the bark, is a yellowish-white milky liquid. On exposure to air, the liquid hardens to irregularly shaped “tears” of reddish-brown color, exhibiting a warm, aromatic, balsamic, slightly pungent odor. The gum resin is commercially available under different names, depending on the botanical source and the manufacturing site. This distinction is often irrelevant, since different lots may be combined together; thus, it becomes difficult to establish the difference in quality. The commercial product usually consists of small fragments (“tears”) having an irregular shape and a shiny, granular cleavage. The tears are often hollow and fragile. The oleo-gum-resin exudate is the only part used. Myrrh has a warm, balsamic, aromatic odor and a bitter, slightly pungent flavor.
The essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the gum in approximately 3 to 8% yields, is a light-brown to green liquid with a pungent, balsamic, warm odor and corresponding flavor. The oil tends to darken and thicken on exposure to air and light.
Main constituents include d-pinene, dipentene, limonene, cinam- aldehyde, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, m-cresol, sesquiterpenes, and formic and acetic acids.
The derivatives are tincture (10% in 60 to 65% ethanol), fluid extract, and resinoid. The fluid extract, a dark-green liquid with a pleasant odor and warm flavor, is insoluble in water or sugar syrups; it is readily soluble in 80% ethanol. A resinoid can be prepared by traditional extraction with solvents (benzene, petroleum ether). The product is a viscous, orange-brown paste with a strong, warm, balsamic odor and bitter flavor. The absolute is not prepared from the resinoid, but by direct extraction of the gum resin with alcohol. This resin absolute contains 18 to 20% essential oil and is a very dense, viscous liquid at room temperature. A pourable product is manufactured by adding a high-boiling, odorless solvent prior to evaporation of the alcohol.

Chemical properties

Myrrh oleo-gum-resin, also known as herbal myrrh, consists of the physiological exudate of various Commiphora species growing along the coasts of the Red Sea. Commiphora species are small trees or shrubs with grayish bark, dense characteristic foliage, and rather short, thorny branches. The oleo-gum-resin oozing from cracks in the bark, and sometimes from incisions made on the bark, is a yellowish-white, milky liquid. On exposure to air, the liquid hardens to irregularly shaped “tears” of reddish-brown color, exhibiting a warm, aromatic, balsamic, slightly pungent odor. The part used is the oleo-gum-resin exudate.

Physical properties

The fluid extract, a dark-green liquid, is insoluble in water or sugar syrups; it is readily soluble in 80% ethanol

Background

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives such as tinctures, concretes, absolutes, essential oils, oleoresins, terpenes, terpene-free fractions, distillates, residues, obtained from Commiphora abyssinica, Burseraceae.

Indications

FDA approved only for use in food. Historically used for indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, bronchial congestion, arthritic pain, cancer, leprosy, and syphilis. It is also used orally as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and to increase menstrual flow. Topically, myrrh is used for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, chapped lips, hemorrhoids, bedsores, wounds, abrasions, furunculosis, bad breath, and loose teeth. In foods and beverages, myrrh is used as a flavoring component. In manufacturing, myrrh is used as a fragrance and fixative in cosmetics. It is also used in embalming and as incense.

Pharmacokinetics

Myrrh reduces the production of cytokines and reduces the effects of inflammation . It is also suggested to produce an analgesic effect . Myrrh produces cell damage and death in various cancer cell types . Myrrh has been observed to exert anantibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activities . Myrrh reduces liver injury in response to carbon tetrachloride insult, suggesting hepoprotective action . It also displays antioxidant properties . Myrrh reduces low density lipoprotein levels . Myrrh appears to be cardioprotective, producing a decrease in heart rate and restoring blood pressure in response to isoproteronol challenge . Myrrh lowers plasma glucose and insulin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus models suggesting an improvement in insulin sensitivity . Myrrh has been observed to protect against both substance and stress induced gastric lesions .

Metabolism

Not Available