ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 5 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Medicinal properties of Commiphora gileadensis
David Iluz1,2,3,4*, Miri Hoffman1, Nechama Gilboa-Garber1 and Zohar Amar3
1The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900 Israel.
2Department of Environmental Science and Agriculture, Beit Berl Academic College, Doar Beit Berl 44905, Israel.
3Talpiot College, Holon 58500, Israel.
4Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.
Accepted 24 August, 2015
Abstract
Commiphora gileadensis is a plant that was cultivated in ancient times in the land of Israel, particularly in the oases of the Dead Sea Basin — Ein Gedi and Jericho. The plant, also known as balsam, was renowned for the expensive perfume that was produced from it, as well as for exceptional medicinal properties that were attributed to its sap, wood, bark, and seeds. This article presents the historical sources describing these health-related properties and preliminary laboratory studies demonstrating the pharmacological effects of balsam sap. Investigations of the antimicrobial activity of C. gileadensis showed the plant sap inhibitory effect against Bacillus cereus and the blocking of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectins. These results corroborate the historical sources crediting the usefulness of balsam sap as an antiseptic agent.
Key words: Commiphora gileadensis, balsam, resin, perfume, antimicrobial effects.