Tolu balsam tree
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The tolu balsam tree belongs to the genus of balsam trees (Myroxylon) within the subfamily of the papilionaceous plants (Faboideae). it grows up to 25 m high. Its distribution area includes Central and South America.
The solvent toluene (C6H5-CH3) can be obtained from tolu balsam by distillation.
Like peru balsam, tolu balsam is obtained by live resination, i.e. injury of the stem bark and collection of the balsam flow. Tolu balsam hardens when exposed to air, forming a reddish-brown, vanilla-scented crystalline mass.
HMPC: not processed
ESCOP: not edited
Commission E-monograph: Catarrh of the respiratory tract, now obsolete.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Balsam trees grow as small and evergreen trees, which reach growth heights of up to 12 m. They have prominent, approximately 15 cm long leaves and lateral or terminal inflorescences, whose petals are white and stamens yellow. The 7 to 11 cm long legume contains only one seed.
Myroxylon balsamum is the parent plant of Balsamum tolutanum (named after the Colombian city of Tolu), the air-hardened balsam mass.