Kunth.
Synonym: Commiphora opobalsamum (L.) Engl.
Family: Burseraceae.
Habitat: Found in countries on both sides of Red Sea.
English: Balsam tree, Balsam of Mecca, Balsam of Gilead.
Unani: Balsaan, Roghan-e-Balsaan (oil), Hab-e-Balsaan (fruit). Ood-e- Balsaan (wood).
Action: Used in diseases of the urinary tract. Balsams are diuretic and stimulate mucous tissues in small doses (nauseatic and purgative in large doses).
In Unani medicine, the fruit is used as an expectorant and emmenagogue, also for neurological affections. The wood is also used as an ingredient in compounds for epilepsy and other nervine disorders. The oil is used externally for its anti-inflammatory and revitalizing properties.
Hook. ex Stocks
Synonym: Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl. C. wightii (Arn.) Bhandari.
Family: Burseraceae.
Habitat: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.
English: Indian Bdellium, Gum Guggul.
Ayurvedic: Guggul, Devadhoop, Kaushika, Pur, Mahishaaksha, Palankash, Kumbha, Uluukhala.
Unani: Muqallal yahood, Muql, Bu-e-Jahudaan
Siddha/Tamil: Erumaikan Kungiliyam.
Action: Oleo-gum-resin—used for reducing obesity and in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica.
Key application: In the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholestero- laemia and obesity. (WHO.)Guggulipid is hypocholesteremic. Guggul resin contains steroids—gug- glsterones Z and E, guggulsterols IV, diterpenoids; volatile oil, including other constituents, contains a terpene hydrocarbon cembrene A. E- and Z- guggulsterones are characteristic constituents, which distinguish C. mukul from other Commiphore sp.Guggul resin increases catechola- mine biosynthesis and activity in cholesterol-fed rabbits, inhibits platelet aggregation, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and appears to activate the thyroid gland in rats and chicken. Z- guggulsterone may increase uptake of iodine by thyroid gland and increase oxygen uptake in liver and bicep tissues. (Planta Med 1984,1, 78-80.)The gum is also used in hemiplegia and atherosclerotic disorders; as a gargle in pyrrhoea aveolaris, chronic tonsilitis and pharyngitis. Fumes are recommended in hay fever, chronic bronchitis and nasal catarrh.Oleo-gum resin of Balsamodendron caudatum is also equated with Guggul in Siddha medicine.
Dosage: Oleo-gum-resin—2-4 g (API Vol. I.) 500 mg to 1 g (CCRAS.)... balsamodendron mukul
Nees.
Synonym: Commiphora molmol Engl.C. abyssinica (Berg.) Engl.
Family: Burseraceae.
Habitat: Arabia, Somaliland.
Ayurvedic: Bola, Hiraabola, Surasa, Barbara, Gandharasa.
Unani: Murmakki, Bol.
Siddha/Tamil: Vellaibolam.
Action: Oleo-gum-resin—em- menagogue (used for irregular menstruation and painful periods), anti-inflammatory (on pharyngitis and gingivitis), antiseptic, bacteriostatic, antiviral, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, stomachic, carminative (in dyspepsia), a leuco- cytogenic agent (increases number of white cells in the blood). Used externally for treating acne, boils and pressure sores, internally as a blood purifier.
Key application: In topical treatment of mild inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. (German Commission E.) As a gargle or mouth rinse for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, tonsillitis, common cold and gingivitis. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)The gum (30-60%) contains acidic polysaccharides, volatile oil (2-10%) including other constituents, heer- abolene, eugenol, furanosequiterpenes and monoterpenes.Myrrh is taken as a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion; used generally externally or as a gargle.Aqueous suspension of the gum resin decreased ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats. (JEthnopharmacol, 1997, Jan 55(2), 141150.)
Dosage: Gum-resin—3-5 g (CCRAS.)... balsamodendron myrrha
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