Myrrhe

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 01.08.2023

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Synonym(s)

Myrrh; Real myrrh; Rubber Rina Myrrha; Somali Myrrh

Definition
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Myrrha (from murr = Semitic "bitter") is the officinal product of the bitter-tasting tree resin extracted from the bark and dried from Commiphora abyssinica and Commiphora molomol (= Commiphora myrrhae) the myrrh tree.

Commission E positive monograph is available for myrrha for certain indications.

HMPC monograph: traditional-use: minor ulcers, inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomativitis, gingivitis), minor skin wounds boils
ESCOP monograph
: inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa (aphthae), minor skin inflammation, minor wounds and skin abrasions; supportive in inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa (sore throat) and tonsillitis.
Commission E-monograph: external: mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Recent studies showed comparable results in ulcerative colitis between a mixed preparation with coffee charcoal and chamomile flowers (Myrrhinil-Intest®) and the standard preparation Mesalazin®.

Ingredients
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Efficacy determining contents are 25-40% resin from triterpenes), 2-10% essential oil (sesquiterpenes, with Germacran-Guajan structures (see below sesquiterpenes) e.g. commiferin and furanogermacranes as well as raw mucus, sugar (e.g. arabinose) and proteins.

Effects
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Astringent, disinfecting, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic

Field of application/use
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According to Commission E: non-specific inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat; according to ESCOP monograph: aphthae, small inflammations of the skin, small wounds.
Traditional (no recommendations) for wounds and boils

Limited indication
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Not recommended for children <12 years, during pregnancy and lactation. Without medical advice applications not longer than 1 week

Dosage
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Dab lesions 2-3 times a day with the undiluted tincture (according to Ph.Eur.: 1 part myrrh dissolved in 5 parts 90% ethanol). For rinsing and gargling add 5-10 parts to a glass of water.
Myrrh is often mixed with Ratanhiae Radixin
dental care products.

Undesirable effects
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Allergic reactions to the various Active ingredients

Contraindication
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Allergy to any of the ingredients, pregnancy and sitting time due to lack of data, also children under 12 years.

Recipe(s)
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Trade names
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Phoenix Calophon Ointment, Repha-Os® Oral Spray, Salviathymol® Drops; MYRRHINIL-INTEST®.

Note(s)
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Myrrh is burned as incense, similar to incense.

Literature
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  1. Anand S et al. (2016) Evaluation of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Azadirachta Indica, Commiphora Myrrha, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Against Enterococcus Faecalis using Real Time PCR. Open Dent J 10:160-165.
  2. Al-Jenoobi FI et al. (2015) Orally co-administered oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha decreases the bioavailability of cyclosporine A in rats. Pharmacy 70:549-552.
  3. Langhorst J (2015): Myrrh, dry extract of chamomile flowers and coffee charcoal in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Zeitschr Phytother 36: 247-249.
  4. Su S et al. (2012) Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of individual and combined extracts from Commiphora myrrha, and Boswellia carterii. J Ethnopharmacol 139:649-656.
  5. Su S et al. (2011) Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Commiphora myrrha. J Ethnopharmacol 134:251-258.
  6. Tonkal AM et al.(2008) An update review on Commiphora molmol and related species. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 38:763-796.
  7. Xu J et al. (2012) Four new sesquiterpenes from Commiphora myrrha and their neuroprotective effects. Fitoterapia 83:801-805.
  8. Xu J et al. (2011) Sesquiterpenoids from the resinous exudates of Commiphora myrrha and their neuroprotective effects. Planta Med 77:2023-2028.
  9. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/index.php?en_pflanzen=46
  10. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-commiphora-molmol-engler-gummi-resina_en.pdf
  11. Langhorst J et al. Results of a 12-month, randomized, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of the phytotherapeutic MYRRHINIL-INTEST® compared with mesalazine in clinical remission maintenance of patients with ulcerative colitisZ Gastroenterol; 49 - P090 . DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1285362