Balsams-Synonyms Styrax; Sweet oriental gum; Levant Storax; Purified or prepared Storax; American Storax; Liquid Storax

1. Storax

Synonyms Styrax; Sweet oriental gum; Levant Storax; Purified or prepared Storax; American Storax; Liquid Storax;

Biological Source Storax is the balsam obtained from the trunk of Liquidamber orientalis Mill., termed as Levant Storax, or of L. styraciflua L., known as American Storax belonging to the natural order Hamamelidaceae.

Preparation The natural balsam storax is a pathological product formed as a result of injury caused to the plant. It generally, exudes into the natural pockets between the bark and the wood and may be located by exerscences on the outerside of the bark. These pockets, that may contain upto 4 kg of the balsam, are conveniently tapped with the help of strategically positioned gutters, and the product is ultimately allowed to fill into containers. The crude storax, thus collected, is further purified by dissolving in ethanol, filtration and subsequent evaporation of the solvent to obtain the pure storax.

Characteristic Features The balsam storax is a semiliquid grayish, sticky, opaque mass (Levant Storax), or a semisolid sometimes solid mass softened by gentle warming (American Storax). In general, storax is transparent in thin layers, possesses a characteristic agreeable balsamic taste and odour. It is, however, denser than water. It is almost insoluble in water, but completely soluble in 1 part of warm ethanol, ether, acetone and CS₂.

Chemical Constituents Storax contains the following chemical compounds, namely: α-and β-storesin and its cinnamic ester (30-50%), styracin (5-10%); phenylpropyl cinnamate (10%); free-cinnamic acid (5-15%); levorotatory oil (0.4%); small amounts of ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, traces of vanillin and styrene (C6H5CH=CH2).

Besides, Levant storax contains free storesinol, isocinnamic acid, ethylvanillin, styrogenin, and styrocamphene.

In addition to these, American Storax contains styaresin (i.e., -cinnamic acid ester of the alcohol styresinol, an isomer of storesinol) and styresinolic acid. It also yields upto 7% of a dextrorotatony volatile oil, styrol and traces of vanillin.

Chemical Tests

1. Benzaldehyde Test—Treat 1 g of storax with 5 ml of K₂Cr₂O₇ solution (10% w/v) followed by a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid (36 N) it produces benzaldehyde, which may be detected easily as the odour of bitter almonds.

2. Mix 1g of storax with 3 g of pure sand (SiO₂) and 5 ml of KMnO₄ solution (5% w/v) and heat it gently. It gives a distinct odour of benzaldehyde.

Uses

1. It is used in fumigating pastilles and powders.

2. It finds its application in perfumery.

3. It is employed as an imbedding material in microscopy.

4. It is used as an expectorant, antiseptic and stimulant.

5. It is employed as a preservative for fatty substances e.g., lard and tallow.

6. It is also used as a flavouring agent for tobacco.

7. It is a vital ingredient of “Compound Benzoin Tincture”.

Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar