Benzoin/ˈbɛnzoʊ.ɪn/orbenjamin(corrupted pronunciation)[1]is abalsamicresinobtained from thebarkof several species of trees in the genusStyrax.It is used in perfumes and some kinds ofincenseand as aflavoringand medicine (seetincture of benzoin). It is distinct from the chemical compoundbenzoin,which is ultimately derived chemically from benzoin resin; the primary active ingredient of benzoin resin is actuallybenzoic acid,not benzoin.
Benzoin is sometimes calledgum benzoinorgum benjamin,[2]and in IndiaSambraniorloban,though loban is, viaArabiclubān,a generic term forfrankincense-type incense, e.g., fragrant tree resin.[3][4]The syllable "benz" ultimately derives from the Arabic lubān jāwī (لبان جاوي, "frankincense from Java" ).
Benzoin is also calledstorax,not to be confused with thebalsam of the same nameobtained from theHamamelidaceaefamily.
Benzoin is a common ingredient inincense-making andperfumerybecause of its sweetvanilla-likearomaandfixativeproperties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of churchincenseused inRussiaand some otherEastern Orthodox Christiansocieties, as well asLatin Catholicchurches.[5]Benzoin is used in theArabian Peninsulaand Hindu temples ofIndia,where it is burned oncharcoalas an incense. It is also used in the production ofBakhoor(Arabic بخور - scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and theHorn of Africa.Benzoin is also used in blended types ofJapanese incense,Indian incense,Chinese incense(known as Anxi xiang; an tức hương ), andPapier d'Arménieas well as incense sticks.
There are two common kinds of benzoin, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra. Benzoin Siam is obtained fromStyrax tonkinensis,found acrossThailand,Laos,Cambodia,andVietnam.Benzoin Sumatra is obtained fromStyrax paralleloneurus(syn.Styrax sumatranus) andStyrax benzoin,which grows predominantly on the island ofSumatra.[6][7]Unlike Siamese benzoin, Sumatran benzoin containscinnamic acidin addition tobenzoic acid.[8]In the United States, Sumatra benzoin is more customarily used in pharmaceutical preparations, Siam benzoin in the flavor and fragrance industries.[9]
In perfumery, benzoin is used as afixative,slowing the dispersion ofessential oilsand other fragrance materials into the air.[7]Benzoin is used incosmetics,veterinary medicine, and scented candles.[8]It is used as aflavoringin alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods,chewing gum,frozen dairy,gelatins,puddings,and soft candy.[10]
In anesthesia and surgery, it is used as an adhesive to secure wound and catheter dressing and is available as a sterile preparation.[11]
See also
edit- Friar's Balsam– Pungent solution of benzoin resin in ethanol
References
edit
- ^Wedgwood, Hensleigh(1855)."On False Etymologies".Transactions of the Philological Society(6): 67.Archivedfrom the original on 2020-06-26.Retrieved2018-09-22.
- ^C. F. Leyel (2007).Herbal Delights.Health Research Books. p. 242.ISBN9780787314125.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-07-09.Retrieved2020-09-21.
- ^A. Dietrich (1986), "LUBĀN",The Encyclopaedia of Islam,vol. 5 (2nd ed.), Brill, p. 786a
- ^Thomas Kinkele (30 Jun 2005).Incense and Incense Rituals.Lotus Press. p. 117.ISBN9788180565298.Archivedfrom the original on 9 July 2022.Retrieved21 September2020.
- ^St. Alban Blend
- ^Saputra, Muhammad Hadi; Sagala, Saut Aritua Hasiholan; Lee, Han Soo (2020-01-16)."Species distribution ofStyrax sumatranain North Sumatra using Maxent modelling approach ".Forum Geografi.33(2): 196–208.doi:10.23917/forgeo.v33i2.9056.ISSN2460-3945.
- ^abKarl-Georg Fahlbusch; et al. (2007), "Flavors and Fragrances",Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry(7th ed.), Wiley, p. 87
- ^abKlemens Fielbach; Dieter Grimm (2007), "Resins, Natural",Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry(7th ed.), Wiley, p. 4
- ^Duke, James A. (2007).Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible.CRC Press. p. 446.ISBN978-0-8493-8203-1.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-04-21.Retrieved2022-04-14.
- ^George A. Burdock (2010), "Benzoin Resin",Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients(6th ed.), Taylor & Francis, pp. 139–140
- ^"Benzoin adhesive".