Tolu balsam

Tolu balsam is a natural, aromatic resin obtained from the trunk of the *Myroxylon balsamum* tree, native to South America. It is a complex mixture containing up to 80% resin, with significant amounts of cinnamic acid, benzoic acid and their esters (notably benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate), as well as small quantities of volatile oils and vanillin. Traditionally used in medicine for its mild antiseptic and expectorant properties, it has been included in cough syrups and topical preparations for minor skin conditions such as bedsores or cracked nipples. Tolu balsam is also widely used in perfumery for its warm vanilla-cinnamon scent, as well as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Its mechanism of action is not fully characterized but may involve breaking up congestion (expectorant effect) or acting as a skin protectant[1][3][4][5].

Other names

tolu balsambalsam of tolubálsamo de tolúbaume de toluresin toluresina tolutanathomas balsamopobalsammyroxylon balsamummyroxylon pereirae