949. Balsam Peru

Nomenclature

Peruvian balsam; Indian balsam; China oil; Black balsam; Honduras balsam; Surinam balsam.

Description and references

From Toluifera pereirae (Klotzsch) Baill. (Myroxylon pereirae 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).

Properties

Dark brown, viscid liquid; pleasant aromatic odor; warm, bitter taste and persistent aftertaste. d 1.150-1.170. Insol in water, olive oil; sol in alcohol, chloroform and glacial acetic acid, usually with a slight opalescence. Partly sol in ether, petr ether.

Use

In perfumery and some chocolate flavorings; also in masking of odors.

Therapeutic Category

Vulnerary; ectoparasiticide (scabies).

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Vulnerary; miticide.

Keywords

Topical Protectant