Siam Benzoin is a balsamic resin derived from stem of Styrax tonkinensis Craib., belonging to family Styraceae.
SIAM BENZOIN
Biological Source
Siam Benzoin is a balsamic resin derived from stem of Styrax tonkinensis Craib., belonging to
family Styraceae.
Geographical Source
The trees are present in North Laos, North Vietnam, Annam, and
Thailand.
Collection
Siam Benzoin is also a pathological resin produced by incising
the bark and by fungus attack. The stem of 6–8 years old plant is incised when
balsam exudates. The resin is obtained in the form of liquid which is solidified.
Characteristics
Siam Benzoin occurs as tears or in blocks of variable sizes
and reddish brown externally, but milky-white or opaque internally. Matrix is
glassy, reddish-brown, resinous, brittle but softening on chewing and become
plastic-like on chewing. It has vanilla-like odour and a balsamic taste.
Chemical Constituents
The principal constituent of Siam Benzoin is coniferyl
benzoate (60–80%) (3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol). Other constituents
are free benzoic acid (10%), triterpene siaresinolic acid (6%), vanillin, and
benzyl cinnamate.
Chemical Tests
1. Heat Sumatra Benzoin (5 g) with 10%
aqueous potassium permanganate solution. A bitter almond-like odour is
produced due to oxidation of cinnamic acid present in Sumatra Benzoin. This
test is negative in case of Siam Benzoin.
2. To a petroleum ether solution of
Benzoin (0.2 g), two to three drops of sulphuric acid are added in a China
dish. Sumatra Benzoin produces reddish-brown colour, whereas Siam Benzoin shows
purple-red colour on rotating the dish.
3. To alcoholic solution of Benzoin
ferric chloride solution is added. A green colour is produced in Siam Benzoin
due to the presence of phenolic compound coniferyl benzoate. This test is
negative in case of Sumatra Benzoin which does not contain sufficient amount of
phenolic constituents.
Uses
Siam Benzoin acts as antiseptic, culinary and expectorant;
it is used to prepare benzoinated lard, cosmetics, fixatives, and in perfumery.
It is superior to the Sumatra Benzoin with respect to antioxidative effect in
lard and other fats.
Marketed Products
It is one of the ingredients of the preparation known as
Friar’s Balsam.
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