Balsamodendron myrrha 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
Action Oleo-gum-resin—emmenagogue (used for irregular
menstruation and painful periods), anti-inflammatory (on pharyngitis and gingivitis), antiseptic, bacteriostatic, antiviral, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, stomachic, carminative (in dyspepsia), a leucocytogenic 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, heerabolene, 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.
Dosage Gum-resin—3—5 g.