Page 345 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

Pharmacognosy-2 (PG303) Level 2 Clinical Pharmacy-Pharm D

4- Balsam of Peru does not respond to the specific tests for colophony, fixed oils
and other balsams.

Constituents
Balsam of Peru contains about 60% of volatile oil, consisting chiefly of the

esters benzyl cinnamate and lesser amounts of benzyl benzoate and cinnamyl
cinnamate; from 30-38 % of resin esters, mostly peruresinotannol cinnamate with a
small quantity of the benzoate.

Uses
Balsam of Peru is a local irritant. It is also a parasiticide in certain skin

diseases. Externally, it is an antiseptic and is applied either alone as alcoholic
solution or in the form of ointment. Internally, it is a stimulating expectorant but
rarely used.

Balsam of Tolu

Syn.: Tolu Balsam; Tolu; Balsamum Tolutanum

Balsam of Tolu is the balsam obtained by incision from the trunk of
Myroxylon toluifera H.B, and K. (Fam. Leguminosae, Papilionoideae). Balsam of
Tolu contains not less than 32 % and not more than 50 % of total balsamic acids
calculated with reference to the dry alcoholic extractives. The balsam trees grow
abundantly in Colombia.

Preparation
Balsam of Tolu is considered to be a pathological product. On the tree, V-

shaped incisions are made through the bark and the sap wood, and then cups are
placed to receive the flow of balsam.

Description
Balsam of Tolu occurs in brown or yellowish-brown solid or semi-solid

masses, which become hard and brittle on keeping, or drying, or in cold weather,
transparent in thin layers; odor, fragrant and vanilla-like; taste, aromatic and slightly
acidic, adhering to the teeth, when chewed.

Solubility
Balsam of Tolu is practically insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol 90 %, in

chloroform, in acetone, in benzene, and in glacial acetic acid; partially soluble in
carbon disulphide, in ether and in solutions of fixed alkali and insoluble in petroleum
ether.

Tests for Identity

287