Peru balsam

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Wolfgang Zerbe

Last updated on: 14.08.2023

Synonym(s)

Balsam of Peru; Balsamum peruvianum; INCI designation: Myroxylon pereirae; Peruvian Balsam

Definition
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Viscous, dark brown, slightly bitter, then scratchy tasting, vanilla, benzoin or cinnamon smelling balsam from the smouldering trunks of at least 10 year old Myroxylon balsamum trees. The balm consists of at least 250 different individual substances (of which about 20 have been identified as contact allergens), including benzoic acid esters (benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate), resins containing benzoic acid and cinnamic acid esters, cinnamic acid, vanillin and coumarin. Peru balsam is not sticky or thread-forming and does not dry up.

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)
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Often acts as a contact allergen. Cross allergies with wood tar, propolis, fragrances. Indicator of a spice allergy.

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Spectrum of action
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Antibacterial-antiseptic, granulation-promoting and antiparasitic (especially against itch mites). Effect in topical application, e.g. in infected and poorly healing wounds (ulcus cruris), burns, frostbite and haemorrhoidal diseases; also used in folk medicine for eczema and itching.

Field of application/use
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In food (odorant and flavoring, substitute for vanilla), cigarettes, perfumes, shampoos, ointments for wounds, healing, burns, etc. (see below wound treatment), mineral and cutting oils.

In the past, Peru balsam was frequently used in perfumes and cosmetics under the INCI name"Myroxylon pereirae resin".

On the whole, the use of Peru balsam is strongly declining. Instead, extracts or distillates (essential oils) obtained from the raw balsam by high-vacuum dry distillation are used. These extracts have a significantly lower sensitization potential (Geier J 2017).

Preparations
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Derma-loges® N wound and healing ointment, Peru-Lenicet®

Note(s)
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About 15 ingredients of Peru balsam are also contained in the biennial resin propolis, including some contact allergens.

Positive test reactions to Peru Balsam are difficult to interpret (see below Peru Balsam retesting). They may be due to sensitisation to certain fragrances or to propolis (Vulture J 2017).

Patientinformation
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In case of allergy: Avoid Peru Balsam as contact allergen and if necessary a diet free of Peru Balsam.

Literature
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Duarte I et al (2002) Interference of the position of substances in an epicutaneous patch test battery with the occurrence of false-positive results. Am J Contact Dermat 13: 125-132.
Geier J (2017) Screening substances for fragrance allergy: fragrance mixtures and perubalsam. Allergo J 26: 16-19
Pfutzner W et al (2003) Systemic contact dermatitis elicited by oral intake of Balsam of Peru. Acta Derm Venereol 83: 294-295
Walter P et al (1991) Peru balsam. Dt Dermatol 39: 320-321
https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/perubalsam.php