Commiphora myrrha

Commiphora myrrha, called myrrh,[1] African myrrh,[1] herabol myrrh,[1] Somali myrrhor,[1] common myrrh,[3] is a tree in the Burseraceae family. It is one of the primary trees used in the production of myrrh, a resin made from dried tree sap. The tree is native to the Arabian peninsula (Oman, Yemen) and to Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Northeast Kenya).[4] It is called 'mur' (المر) in Arabic, meaning bitter. It famously comes from Mecca, so it is called 'Mur Makki'.

Commiphora myrrha
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Commiphora
Species:
C. myrrha
Binomial name
Commiphora myrrha
(Nees) Engl.[1]
Synonyms[2]
List
    • Balsamea myrrha (T.Nees) Oken
    • Balsamea myrrha Baill.
    • Balsamea playfairii Engl.
    • Balsamodendrum myrrha T.Nees
    • Commiphora coriacea Engl.
    • Commiphora cuspidata Chiov.
    • Commiphora molmol (Engl.) Engl. ex Tschirch
    • Commiphora rivae Engl.

Description
Spiny branches of C. myrrha

Commiphora myrrha is very spiny and it grows to a height of about 5 m (16 ft).[5] Its short, hairless, thick, and flaky trunk has two layers of bark. The upper layer is silvery, whitish, reddish, or bluish-grey and has a papery-texture. Underneath it, the bark is green and performs photosynthesis.

Due to this species' high variability, Commiphora myrrha can be difficult to distinguish from other species within the Commiphora genus.[6] The leaves of Commiphora myrrha are a greyish-green colour with a papery texture.[5] The plant's leaves may come in an oblong or oval shape and are between 6-44mm long, and 3-20mm wide.[5][7] Each leaf alternates and consists of three leaflets in a pinnately compound arrangement.[5]

The plant's yellow-red flowers are dioecious and are arranged in a panicle inflorescence.[5][7] The flowers of the common myrrh are very tiny and are oval shaped. The male flowers are only 3-4mm long and flower early. Its smooth, brown fruit is about the same size as the flowers, and is shaped like an egg.

Resin

From the stem of Commiphora myrrha, its oleoresin oozes from incisions in the bark and dries into small clumps of sap.[8][9] The resin's fragrance and its medicinal properties come from the various classes of terpenoids it contains.[10] Additionally, the common myrrh tastes sour, bitter, and aromatic.

Distribution and habitat

Native to eastern and northeastern Africa and the Arabian peninsula, this plant grows on slopes and valleys in desert regions with open Vachellia.[6][7][8] It grows at an elevation of approximately 250 to 1,300 m (820 to 4,270 ft) with a yearly mean rainfall of about 23 to 30 cm (9.1 to 11.8 in). It does best in thin soil, primarily in areas with limestone.[11]

Myrrh, the hardened resin extracted from Commiphora myrrha

History

Myrrh extracted from Commiphora myrrha was a precious commodity in the ancient world, as it was used to create perfumes and incense.[8] Myrrh was traditionally used in the ancient world as an insect repellent, incense for religious rituals and in embalming the dead.[7][8] Physicians also took advantage of its medicinal properties, treating it for several ailments, including wounds, diseases such as leprosy and syphilis, and to help with digestion and menstruation.

Medicinal properties

It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pest and can be used for fumigation or oral use.[10] It has been used as an astringent, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, anti-viral anti-tussive, emmenagogue, and anti-spasmodic agent. It was commonly included in mixtures used to treat worms, wounds, and sepsis. It is also a potent treatment for gingivitis, canker sores, sore throat, boils, arthritis, and acne.[12] Due to its medicinal properties, it is imagined as a potential preventative and therapeutic agent for several diseases, including COVID-19.[10]

Modern uses

Resin from Commiphora myrrha continues to be an important source of myrrh, which is a key ingredient that adds flavour to meat products, desserts, soft drinks, gum, and sweets.[6] Moreover, its use as a fragrance in incense has extended to other cosmetic products, such as mouthwash,[7] soaps, and perfumes.

References
  1. "Commiphora myrrha". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  2. "Commiphora myrrha". The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  3. Kynes S (8 November 2013). Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Aromatic Alchemy for Personal Blends. Llewellyn Worldwide. pp. 191–. ISBN 978-0-7387-3715-7.
  4. "Commiphora myrrha". Cactus art: The world of cacti & succulents. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  5. "Commiphora myrrha". www.cactus-art.biz. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  6. "Myrrh - American Botanical Council". www.herbalgram.org. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  7. "Commiphora myrrha Myrrh, Myrrh Gum PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  8. "Commiphora myrrha". www.cactus-art.biz. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  9. "Myrrh - American Botanical Council". www.herbalgram.org. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  10. Batiha GE, Wasef L, Teibo JO, Shaheen HM, Zakariya AM, Akinfe OA, et al. (November 2022). "Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update". Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. 396 (3): 405–420. doi:10.1007/s00210-022-02325-0. PMC 9672555. PMID 36399185.
  11. "Commiphora myrrha Species Information". World of Forestry Centre. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  12. El Ashry, E. S. H.; Rashed, N.; Salama, O. M.; Saleh, A. (2003-03-01). "Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh". Die Pharmazie. 58 (3): 163–168. PMID 12685809.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.