Title: Balsam Tolu
Additional Names: Thomas balsam; opobalsam; resin Tolu
Literature References: From Toluifera balsamum L. (Myroxylon toluiferum H. B. K.), Leguminosae. Habit. South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru) on elevated plains and mountains. Constit. 12-15% free cinnamic and benzoic acids; about 40% benzyl, etc., esters of these acids (5.2-13.4% cinnamein); 1.5-3% volatile oil. Ref: Rosenthaler, Pharm. Ztg.-Nachr. 88, 716 (1952), C.A. 47, 5076 (1953).
Properties: Yellowish-brown or brown, semifluid or nearly solid, resinous mass; aromatic odor and taste; brittle when cold. Insol in water; almost insol in petr ether. Sol in alcohol, benzene, chloroform, ether, glacial acetic acid, partially in carbon disulfide or NaOH.
Use: In perfumery, confectionery and chewing gums. In pharmacy, as ingredient and vehicle for expectorants.
Therap-Cat: Expectorant.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as an expectorant. |