4. Myrrh
Synonyms Gum Myrrh,
Myrrha.
Biological Source Myrrh is
an oleo-gum-oresin obtained from the stem and branches of Commiphora
obyssinica (Berg) Engler or from other species of Commiphora belonging
to family Burseraceae.
Preparation The plants
usually exude yellow coloured resin after proper incisions are made in the bark
of a tree. It gradually hardens and becomes dark or reddish-brown in
appearance. The mass is collected by the native tribals of Somalia for trading.
Characteristic Features
Myrrh normally occurs either in the form of isolated irregular, rounded tears
of 2.5 cm in diameter or as masses duly formed by the agglomeration of these
tears. The tears are dull, rough and reddish-brown in appearance. It has a
strong aromatic odour and possesses an acrid, bitter taste.
Chemical Constituents Myrrh contains
volatile oil (7-17%), resin (20-25%), gum (57-61%), and bitter principle (3 to
4%). The volatile oil consists of eugenol, m-cresol and cuminaldehyde.
The resin is found to consist
of a mixture of α-, β-, and γ-commiphoric acids (resin acids).
Besides, it also contains two phenolic resins α- and β-heerabomyrrholic
acids which are ether insoluble.
The oleo-gum-resin yields
alcohol-soluble extract not less than 30%. It also contains phenolic compound
such as: pyrocatechin and protocatechuic acid. The crude
alcohol-insoluble fraction i.e., ‘gum, comprises of protein (18%)
and carbohydrate (64%) made up of arabinose, galactose and glucuronic
acid. However, the gum is found to be associated with an oxidase enzyme.
Chemical Tests
1. Myrrh when triturated
with water produces an yellow-emulsion.
2. When myrrh (0.1 g) is
triturated with 0.5 g of pure washed sand (SiO2) in the presence of ether, filtered
and evaporated on an electric water-bath, it forms a thin film of violet colour
on being exposed to bromine vapours in a closed dessicator.
Uses
1. It is used chiefly in
perfumes and incense.
2. It is frequently employed as
an antiseptic and stimulant.
3. Myrrh acts as an
astringent to the mucous membrane and hence it find its application in oral hygiene
formulations, such as: gargles, mouth-washes.
4. It is also used as a
carminative.
Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar
Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar
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