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Myrrhe

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 01.06.2024

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Synonym(s)

Myrrh; Real myrrh; Rubber Rina Myrrha; Somali Myrrh

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Myrrha (from murr = Semitic "bitter") is the medicinal product of the dried, bitter-tasting tree resin extracted from the bark of Commiphora abyssinica and Commiphora molomol (= Commiphora myrrhae), the myrrh tree.

Myrrha has a positive monograph from Commission E for certain indications.

Quality is listed in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: minor ulcers, inflammation of the oral mucosa(stomatitis, gingivitis), minor skin wounds boils
ESCOP monograph: inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa(aphthae), minor skin inflammation, minor wounds and skin abrasions; supportive for inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa (sore throat) and tonsillitis.
Commission E monograph: external: minor inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Recent studies have shown comparable results in ulcerative colitis between a mixed preparation with coffee charcoal and chamomile flowers (Myrrhinil-Intest®) and the standard preparation Mesalazin®.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Efficacy determining contents are 25-40% resin from triterpenes), 2-10% essential oil (sesquiterpenes, with Germacran-Guajan structures (see below sesquiterpenes) e.g. commiferin and furanogermacranes as well as raw mucus, sugar (e.g. arabinose) and proteins.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Astringent, disinfecting, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

According to Commission E: non-specific inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat; according to ESCOP monograph: aphthae, small inflammations of the skin, small wounds.
Traditional (no recommendations) for wounds and boils

Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Not recommended for children <12 years, during pregnancy and lactation. Without medical advice applications not longer than 1 week

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

Dab lesions 2-3 times a day with the undiluted tincture (according to Ph.Eur.: 1 part myrrh dissolved in 5 parts 90% ethanol). For rinsing and gargling add 5-10 parts to a glass of water.
Myrrh is often mixed with Ratanhiae Radixin
dental care products.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Allergic reactions to the various Active ingredients

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Allergy to any of the ingredients, pregnancy and sitting time due to lack of data, also children under 12 years.

Recipe(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Ratanhia myrrh adstringens (NRF 7.1.)

Trade namesThis section has been translated automatically.

Phoenix Calophon Ointment, Repha-Os® Oral Spray, Salviathymol® Drops; MYRRHINIL-INTEST®.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Myrrh is burned as incense, similar to incense.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Anand S et al. (2016) Evaluation of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Azadirachta Indica, Commiphora Myrrha, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Against Enterococcus Faecalis using Real Time PCR. Open Dent J 10:160-165.
  2. Al-Jenoobi FI et al. (2015) Orally co-administered oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha decreases the bioavailability of cyclosporine A in rats. Pharmacy 70:549-552.
  3. Langhorst J (2015): Myrrh, dry extract of chamomile flowers and coffee charcoal in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Zeitschr Phytother 36: 247-249.
  4. Su S et al. (2012) Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of individual and combined extracts from Commiphora myrrha, and Boswellia carterii. J Ethnopharmacol 139:649-656.
  5. Su S et al. (2011) Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Commiphora myrrha. J Ethnopharmacol 134:251-258.
  6. Tonkal AM et al.(2008) An update review on Commiphora molmol and related species. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 38:763-796.
  7. Xu J et al. (2012) Four new sesquiterpenes from Commiphora myrrha and their neuroprotective effects. Fitoterapia 83:801-805.
  8. Xu J et al. (2011) Sesquiterpenoids from the resinous exudates of Commiphora myrrha and their neuroprotective effects. Planta Med 77:2023-2028.
  9. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/index.php?en_pflanzen=46
  10. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-commiphora-molmol-engler-gummi-resina_en.pdf
  11. Langhorst J et al. Results of a 12-month, randomized, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of the phytotherapeutic MYRRHINIL-INTEST® compared to mesalazine in the clinical maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitisZ Gastroenterol; 49 - P090 . DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1285362
  12. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/myrrhe.php

Authors

Last updated on: 01.06.2024

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles