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Abstract
Peru Balsam, a resinous substance derived from Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, has historically been used as a topical ointment for various skin conditions such as scabies, poorly healing wounds, eczema, and haemorrhoids. The ingredients responsible for these properties are not fully elucidated. We investigated the chemical composition of two Peru Balsam samples, one historical and one modern, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify the active ingredients responsible for its pharmaceutical properties. Both Peru Balsam specimens investigated had similar compositions, showing the stability of the substance. Components identified are effective against scabies, exhibit antimicrobial activity and aid skin penetration. These properties are consistent with historical uses of Peru Balsam. Several ingredients are also known allergens. This study, combining chemical information with scientific literature related to pharmaceutical properties of natural substances, represents a breakthrough in the elucidation of active ingredients in Peru Balsam.
Graphical Abstract
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the Arts and Humanities Research Council for supporting the project “From natural resources to packaging, an interdisciplinary study of skincare products over time” (AH/N007174/1) from which this study on Peru Balsam developed.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Marabel Riesmeier
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Marco Mattonai
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Szu Shen Wong
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Margaret-Ashley Veall
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
John Betts
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Matthew Johnston
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Erika Ribechini
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.
Thibaut Devièse
TD and SW designed the project. JB and MJ provided access to the RPS Peru Balsam specimen. MR, MM and MAV performed the analyses. MR, MM, SW, MAV, ER and TD interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing of the article.