Balsam of Peru in Herbal Medicine: Properties of the Balsam of Peru

Scientific name

Myroxylon balsamum L. var. pereirae, syn. Pereira Harms

Family

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Origin

Central and South America.

Especially widespread along the coasts of El Salvador, it is also present in Sri Lanka and Jamaica.

Synonyms

Balsam of Peru

Parts Used

The drug is given by the resinous exudate obtained by incision, beating and burning of the bark.

The tree reacts to the trauma by producing a resinous liquid that oozes from the wound and is collected by the operators.

Chemical constituents

• Essential oil: mixture of esters of cinnemic acid, once called "cinnameina" (the major constituents are benzyl cinnamate and benzyl benzoate), represents the most important fraction for the therapeutic effects of the balsam of Peru;
• Resins;
• Triterpenes.

Property

The main properties of the balsam of Peru concern its balsamic, antiseptic, antiparasitic and healing activity.

These properties are due to a mixture of esters composed mainly of benzyl benzoate; thanks to its antiparasitic activity, this substance is used in isolated form in gels and emulsions for the treatment of scabies.

The balsam of Peru is mainly used externally for healing purposes, but it is also present in medicinal specialties that can be used by inhalation.

Against cough and bronchitis

The use of balsam of Peru is approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of inflammation of the respiratory tract.

For this application it is used, again for external use, by inhalation (fumigations): according to the instructions, a dose (drops or soluble tablets) is diluted in half a liter of boiling water and the vapors are breathed in, conveying them to the nose with the hands or by covering the head with a towel.

At one time, the balsam of Peru was also used for internal use as an anti-catarrhal, but this use was abandoned due to poor tolerance.

Against burns, wounds and hemorrhoids

The use of balsam of Peru is approved by the German Commission E for infected and slow-healing wounds, pressure sores, leg ulcers and chilblains.

For these applications it is used in the form of ointments, while for haemorrhoidal disease there are specific products in suppositories that exploit its astringent action.

Contraindications

Attention to the ascertained hypersensitivity towards one or more components, but also in subjects allergic to cinnamon (cross-reactivity).

The cutaneous application should be avoided in subjects with atopic tendency (predisposition to develop allergic phenomena).

Pharmacological interactions

• no important drug interactions are known.

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