Mira - Myrrha - Commiphora molmol Engler

Professional paper - Review paper

• Author: Danica Kuštrak
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry; (Department of pharmacognosy)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Pharmacy; Pharmacy

Abstract (croatian)

Myrrh is an oleo-gum resin , obtained from the stem of Comothiphora molmol and
other species of Commiphora (Burse race ae), growing in North-East Africa (Somali
Myrrh), and on the Arabian peninsula (Arabian or Yemen Myrrh).
The plants are small trees that sometimes attain a high of 10 meters. The oleo-gum-
resin exudes naturally or from incisions made in the bark. It is at first a yellowish
color, but soon hardens in the intense heat of these countries, becomes darker, and is
then collected. The drug is chiefly collected in Somaliland and sent to Aden.
There are numerous references to myrrh in the Old Testament. Myrrh was an ingredient
of the embalming material of the Egyptians. Its use in incense and perfumes in
ceremonial religious life since the days of remote antiquity is well known.
Myrrh contains 2.5-8% (7-17%) a yellow or yellowish green volatile oil; 25-40% of resin,
50-60% of gum, and some 3 -4% of impurities.
The ether-soluble portion contains a-, P- and y-commiphoric acids, the esters another
resin acid and two phenolic resins.
Commiphora molmol is of medicinal interest. Myrrh is chiefly employed as a stomatologic
in the form of a mouth wash. Like many other resins it has local stimulant and
antiseptic properties. It is used in incense and perfumes.

• Keywords (croatian): mira; stomatolitici
• Language: croatian
• Publication type: Professional paper - Review paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - domestic
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Farmaceutski glasnik
• Numbering: vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 83-90
• p-ISSN: 0014-8202
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:163:834002
• Publication: 2002
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2021-02-16 16:43:09