myrrh

Myrrh is a natural yellowish resin obtained from the bark of trees in the genus Commiphora, especially Commiphora myrrha. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide and is also employed as a fragrance and flavoring agent in foods and cosmetics. Myrrh contains various bioactive compounds including sesquiterpenes (such as furanodiene), terpenoids, phenolic acids, volatile oils (myrrhol), and resins (myrrhin). Its pharmacological activities include anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytoprotective, cytotoxic (anti-cancer), hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering effects[1][2][3][5][6]. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of inflammatory pathways such as Nuclear factor kappaB pathway signaling by inducing haem oxygenase activity; suppression of Mitogen activated protein kinase pathway components like p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase subunit; inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase to reduce leukotriene production; reduction in oxidative stress via increased antioxidant enzyme activity; antibacterial effects attributed to its ether extract fraction[3][5][6]. Myrrh has been studied for use in mild inflammation of oral/pharyngeal mucosa (e.g., gingivitis), wound healing, pain relief for headaches/joint pain/menstrual cramps/back pain[2][3], ulcerative colitis attenuation[5], reproductive health support[6], hepatoprotection[6], and potential anti-cancer properties against prostate cancer cells[5]. However, robust clinical evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Other names

Commiphora myrrhagum myrrholeo-gum-resin of CommiphoraAbyssinian myrrh