Balsam of Peru, Myroxylon

Coumarin was first isolated by Vogel in 1820 by extraction from tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata). It was subsequently identified in a large number of plants belonging to many different families. Its better known occurrences are in sweet clover (Melilotus alba and M. officinalis), sweet woodruff (Asperula odorata), vanilla leaf (Trilisa odoratissima), vanilla beans (Vanillaplanifolia), cassia (Cinnamorum cassia), lavender (Lavendula officinalis) and balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae) (Perone, 1972 Maries et al, 1987 Boisde Meuly, 1993 Budavari, 1998). 

Myroxylon. Balsam of Peru. Myroxylon Peruiferum. W. II. 546. Balsamum. The balsam. 

Balsam of Peru is derived from species of Myroxylon such as Myroxylon balsamum and Myroxylon pereirae and has been used in medicinal and cosmetic ointments for centuries. It contains about 25 different substances, including triterpenoids, and can cause allergic reactions. Its sensitizing constituents have been determined (63). 

Melilotus officinalis (sweet clover) Myroxylon species (balsam of Peru) Pithecollobium jiringa (jering fruit) Sophora falvescens (Ku shen) Trifolium pratense (red clover) Gentiana species (gentian)... 

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) Myroxylon species (balsam of Peru)... 

Synonyms Balsam of Peru Balsamum peruvianim Black balsam China oil Honduras balsam Indian balsam Peruvian balsam Surinam balsam Peru Balsams Balsam Peru oil Oil Balsam Peru Peru balsam Myroxylon pereirae klotzsch resin Myrosperum pereira balsam Toluifera pereira balsam Peru balsam oil Myroxylon pereirae klotzsch oil... 

Balsam of Peru is the balsamic, oleo-resinous exudation of the Leguminous tree Myroxylon Balsamtim (var. -Pereira). 

Peru balsam oil is obtained by distillation of the balsam of the tree Myroxylon pereira (Royle) Klotzsch (Fabaceae), called peru balsam. It is a yellow to pale brown, slightly viscous liquid, which may form crystals. The oil has a rather sweet, balsamic odor. 

Balaam of Peru A reddlah-brown syrupy balsam, obtained from a tropical Am rlean traa (Myroxylon perairae), used as a digestive tonic end expectorant and In the treatment of ulcers, etc. 

PERU BALSAM, Balsamum peruvianum. This is a pathological product, which is produced in El Salvador and other Central American countries from the bark of Myroxylon balsamum (L.), Harms var. pereirae (Royal) Harms, family Fabaceae,... 

Balsam Peru. Peruvian balsam Indian balsam China oil Black balsam Honduras balsam Surinam balsam. From Toluifera pereirae (Klotzsch) Bail]. (Myroxylon perei-rae Klotzsch), Leguminosae. Habit. Central America (San Salvador) in forests near Pacific coast. Constit 50-60% cinnamein —esters of cinnamic and benzoic acid about 28% resin, styracine, vanillin Ref Bergemann, Pharmazie 5, 494 (1950) Cortesi, Bull Soc. Pharm. Bordeaux 89, 141 (1951). C.A. 46, 1718b (1952). 

Balsam Tolu. Thomas balsam opobalsam resin Tolu. Ftom Toluifera balsamum L. (Myroxylon tolulferum H. B. K ), Leguminosae. Habit. South America (Venezuela, Colomhia, Peru) on elevated plains and mountains. Constit. 12-15% free cinnamic and benzoic acids about 40% benzyl, etc., estets of these acids (5.2-13.4% cinnamein) 1.5-3% volatile oil. Ref Rosenthaler, Pharm. Ztg-Nachr. 88, 716 (1952). C.A. 47, 5076 (1953). 

Peru balsam, Peru oil. P. balsam is a dark red, viscous but still fluid mass. It is an oil-containing resin secreted when the bark of the indigenous Central American tree species Myroxylon pereirae (Fabaceae) is injured. P. oil is a yellow to light brown, somewhat viscous oil from which the contained cinnamic acid partially crystallizes and has an adhering, sweet, bal-samy odor and a warm bitter taste. 

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