Peru Balsam

Scientific Name(s): Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms.
Common Name(s): Balsam of Peru, Balsamo blanco, Baumier du Perou, Black balsam, Indian balsam, Peru balsam, Perubalsambaum, Peruvian balsam

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 20, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Peru balsam has been used in the treatment of dry socket in dentistry, topically as a treatment for wounds and ulcers, and in suppositories for hemorrhoids. However, there are only older, small case studies to support this use. The material is not used internally.

Dosing

Peru balsam has been used topically in 5% to 20% formulations for wounds and burns. Case reports and small clinical studies report the efficacy of balsam combined with other ingredients in the management of certain wounds; however, there are no recent, well-controlled clinical studies to support appropriate dosing.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Systemic toxicity following application of Peru balsam to the nipples of breast-feeding mothers has been reported.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Peru balsam is an allergen. The use of its constituents is widespread and found in cosmetics as well as foods, including ketchup. Cross-reactivity with naturally occurring sources of similar chemicals has been reported with orange peel, clove, and tomatoes.

Toxicology

Information is lacking.

Scientific Family

• Fabaceae (pea)
• Leguminosae (bean)

Botany

The species Myroxylon balsamum is a tall tree (15 to 23 m high) native to the high plains and mountains of Central and South America. The plant bears evergreen pinnate leaves and racemes of white flowers. The hardwood tree contains oil that is naturally resistant to insects and has a characteristic scent. The plant is the only species within the genus Myroxylon; however, there are 2 varieties, var. pereirae and var. balsamum, known as balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu, respectively. (See Tolu Balsam).Duke 2002, USDA 2012 Synonyms are Myroxylon pereirae (Royle) Klotzsch, Myrospermum pereirae Royle (basionym), and Toluifera pereirae (Royle) Baill.

History

Crude Peru balsam is a dark brown, thick liquid with an aromatic smell similar to that of cinnamon and vanilla and a bitter taste. It is obtained from the tree after the bark has been removed. The trunk is wrapped with rags that are later boiled to extract the resin.Leung 2003

The balsam was imported almost exclusively from El Salvador to Europe through Peruvian ports, which is how the material derived its name.Amado 2006, Evans 1989 Central and South American natives used the material to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. They also used the material as a diuretic and to expel worms. Formerly, it was used widely as a treatment for scabies; it has also been used in suppositories for hemorrhoids and in dentistry in the treatment of dry socket (postextraction alveolitis) and as a component of dental impression material. Today, the material is in a number of pharmaceutical preparations and plays an important role in perfumery. It is not used as an internal medication.Leung 2003, Osol 1955

Chemistry

The balsam contains 50% to 65% of a volatile oil called cinnamein, along with about 25% resin. The volatile oil primarily contains benzyl cinnamate and other benzoi...