mate and benzyl benzoate, and 50–64% of a
high-boiling volatile oil, referred to as cinna-
mein; and 20–28% resin. The volatile oil
consists mainly of benzoic and cinnamic acid
esters such as benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinna-
mate, and cinnamylcinnamate (styracin), with
small amounts of nerolidol, free benzyl
alcohol, and free benzoic and cinnamic acids
also present. Other constituents include traces
of styrene, vanillin, and coumarin (KARRER;
MARTINDALE;REMINGTON).
PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES
Balsam of Peru has mild antiseptic and anti-
bacterial properties and is believed to promote
thegrowth ofepithelial cells; alsoantiparasitic
(especially for scabies) (BLUMENTHAL1).
TOXICOLOGY
Balsam Peru is one of the most common
contact allergens. Dermatitis as a result of
contact with this balsam is documented in
many countries.1–4A double-blind, placebo-
controlled study found that taken orally, bal-
sam of Peru caused allergic dermatitis to flare.^5
USES
Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic.
Balsam of Peru is used extensively in topical
preparations for the treatment of wounds, skin
graft healing, indolent ulcers, scabies, diaper
rash, hemorrhoids, anal pruritus, bedsores,
intertrigo, eczema, and others; in hair tonic
and antidandruff preparations, feminine hy-
giene sprays, and as a fixative or fragrance
ingredient in soaps, detergents, creams, lo-
tions, and perfumes, with maximum use level
upto 0.8% in perfumes.Balsam of Peru oiland
resinoid, obtained by high-vacuum distillation
and/or solvent extraction of the balsam, are
also used in cosmetics.1,6,7
Balsam of Peru is also used in dental pre-
parations, especially for the treatment of dry
socket (postextraction alveolitis) and as a
component in certain dental impression ma-
terials, and dentifrices.^8
Food. Balsam and oil are extensively used as
a flavor ingredient in major categories of
foods, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic
beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked
goods, and gelatins and puddings, with the
highest reported average maximum use level
of about 0.0015% (15.33 ppm) for the balsam
in candy.
Traditional Medicine. Reportedly used in
treating cancer.^9
COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS
Balsam, resinoid, and oil. Balsam of Peru was
formerly official in N.F. XII.
Regulatory Status. Approved in the United
States for topical OTC preparations, cos-
metics and dietary supplements (WICHTL). Ex-
tractive, essential oil, and solvent-free oleo-
resin are GRAS for use in foods (§182.20).
Subject of a German therapeutic monograph;
externally preparations allowed for infected
or poorly healing wounds, burns, ulcers,
frost-bite, ulcus cruris, bruises, hemorrhoids
(BLUMENTHAL1;WICHTL).
REFERENCES
See the General References forADA;ARCTANDER;BLUMENTHAL1;DERMARDEROSIAN AND BEUTLER;FEMA;
GOSSELIN;GRIEVE;GUENTHER;JIANGSU;MARTINDALE;PHILLIPS;TERRELL;YOUNGKEN.
- D. L. J. Opdyke,Food Cosmet. Toxicol.
12 (Suppl.), 951 (1974).
- B. M. Hausen,Am. J. Contact Dermat., 12 ,
93 (2001).
3. O. Hammershoy,Contact Dermatitis, 6 ,
263 (1980).
4. Y. Olumide,Contact Dermatitis, 17 ,85
(1987).
70 Balsam peru
