Storax balsam

For the storax tree, see Styrax.

Storax (Latin: storax; Greek: στύραξ, stúrax),^{[1][2][3][4][5]} often commercially sold as styrax, is a natural fragrant resin isolated from the wounded bark of Liquidambar orientalis Mill. (Asia Minor) and Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Eastern US, Mexico, Central America) (Altingiaceae).^[6] It is distinct from benzoin (also called "storax"), a similar resin obtained from the Styracaceae plant family.

Dry storax

Composition

Purified storax contains about 33–50% storesin, an alcoholic resin, 5–15% cinnamic acid, 5–15% cinnamyl cinnamate, about 10% phenylpropyl cinnamate, as well small amounts of ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, and styrene. Some may contain traces of vanillin or triterpenic acids (oleanolic and 3-epioleanolic acids).^[7]

Uses

Storax has a balsamic, floral/lilac, and leathery smell. It and its derivatives (resinoid, essential oil, absolute) are used as flavors and fragrances, as well as in pharmaceuticals (Friar's Balsam).^[6][8][9] American storax resin (Liquidambar styraciflua), when used as a gum, is meant to work as a breath freshener and clean teeth.^[10]

History

Mnesimachus, Aristotle, Theophrastus (Historia Plantarum), Herodotus, and Strabo mention the storax tree and its balsam. In ancient Greece, storax also denoted the spike at the lower end of a spearshaft.^[11]

Pliny (Historia Naturalis 12.98, 15.26; 24.24) notes the use of storax as a perfume, while Scribonius Largus drank wine flavored with storax.^[12] Ciris mentions storax as a fragrant hair dye.^[13] Dioscorides (De materia medica 1.79) reports its use as incense, similar to frankincense, having expectorant and soothing properties.^[14]

The 10th century Arab historian al-Masudi listed storax gum (mayʿa) as a spice in his book Murūdj al-dhahab (Meadows of Gold).^[15]

Chao Ju-Kuan, a 13th century trade commissioner in Fukien province, described liquid storax gum as a product of Ta-shï (the Arabs).^[16]

This species originated in the Southern regions of Mesopotamia, present day Iraq and in particular Babylon. Babylonians used it for respiratory related diseases. 8

In the nineteenth century, styrene by distilling storax balm.^[17]

In North Africa, for mystical purposes, women burn benzoin and storax in potsherds.^[18]

Safety

Storax resin is "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) at low levels.^[7]