Myrrh Oil

Description

Refer to MYRRH, GUM.

Chemical properties

Myrrh oil is obtained from the gum by steam distillation; it is a light brown or green liquid with the characteristic odor of the gum.
d²⁵₂₅ 0.995–1.014; n²⁰_D 1.5190–1.5275; α²⁰_D ?83 ° to ?60 °; acid number: 2–13; saponification number: 9–35; solubility: 1 vol in 7–10 vol of 90% ethanol; solutions are occasionally opalescent or turbid.
Typical aroma-determining compounds of themyrrh plant are furanosesquiterpenoids such as (?)-lindestrene. Myrrh oil and myrrh resinoids are used in perfume compositions to create oriental notes.Myrrh extract and Myrrh tincture are also utilized in oral care and corresponding preparations.

Chemical properties

The oil, obtained by steam distillation of the gum, in approximately 3 to 8% yields. It has a pungent, balsamic, warm odor and corresponding flavor. The oil tends to darken and thicken on exposure to air and light.

Physical properties

The oil is a light-brown to green liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils, but is only slightly soluble in mineral oil. It is insoluble in glycerin and in propylene glycol. Under the influence of air and light, the oil becomes darker in color and more viscous

Occurrence

Found in several species of gum-resin Commiphora (fam. Burseraceae), mainly C. myrrha, C. abyssinica and C. schiniperi.

The Uses of Myrrh Oil

Myrrh traditionally has been used internally to treat upper respiratory congestion, pharyngitis, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, stomatitis, leprosy, syphilis, and leg ulcers. Topically, it is used to treat wounds, decubitus ulcers, and hemorrhoids. Contemporary use is mostly limited to fl avoring in foods and fragrance in cosmetic products.

Preparation

By steam distillation of the gum.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Commiphora, Burseraceae.

Essential oil composition

Main constituents include d-pinene, dipentene, limonene, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, m-cresol, sesquiterpenes and formic and acetic acids.