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balsamum

Balsamum is the name given in historical pharmacology to a group of resinous, aromatic exudates produced by certain tropical trees. The term is Latin for balm and is used for substances valued for their fragrance and resinous content, which have long been employed in medicine, perfumery, and flavorings.

Most important sources are species of the genus Myroxylon in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to Central

Chemically, balsams contain essential oils alongside resinous compounds, including esters of benzoic and cinnamic acids, terpenes,

Safety and regulation: Balsams can be skin sensitizers; balsam of Peru, in particular, is a well-known fragrance

See also: Balsam of Peru, Tolu balsam, Myroxylon.

and
South
America.
The
two
best
known
balsams
are
balsam
of
Peru
and
balsam
of
tolu,
both
harvested
as
hardened
resins
exuded
from
wounds
in
the
trees.
The
resins
are
collected
by
tapping
and
sometimes
purified
to
yield
oleoresin
fractions
used
in
various
applications.
and
other
aromatic
constituents.
They
are
used
as
fragrance
fixatives
and
as
flavorings
in
foods
and
beverages,
and
historically
as
components
of
medicinal
tonics
and
plasters.
In
modern
cosmetics
and
pharmacopeial
preparations,
balsams
serve
as
odor
sources
and
sometimes
as
active
or
inert
ingredients.
allergen.
Tolu
balsam
and
related
resins
may
also
provoke
allergic
reactions
in
sensitive
individuals.
Consequently,
many
cosmetic
and
pharmaceutical
products
limit
their
amounts
or
require
labeling
and
patch
testing.