Commiphora gileadensis
Commiphora gilipadensis, commonly known as balsam of Gilead, is a storied medicinal shrub native to the Middle East. Renowned since antiquity, its aromatic resin possesses potent antiseptic and healing properties. Historically prized in traditional medicine, this botanical treasure continues to fascinate researchers studying its unique therapeutic and antimicrobial potential.
- Scientific name: Commiphora gileadensis
- Family: Burseraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Sapindales and placed in the family Burseraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Commiphora, specifically as the species Commiphora gileadensis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Burseraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Commiphora | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Commiphora gilmeadensis, is recognized by various names across different cultures and languages. In Polish, it is called balsamowiec właściwy, while in Arabic, it is referred to as بشام. In Chinese, the plant is known as 阿勃參, and in Malay, it is commonly called Pokok Basyam. Additionally, in Czech, it is identified as Myrhovník gileadský.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | balsamowiec właściwy | Wikidata |
| ar | بشام | Wikidata |
| zh | 阿勃參 | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Basyam | Wikidata |
| cs | Myrhovník gileadský | Wikidata |
| sd | بالسان | Wikidata |
| ar | بلسان عجلوني | Wikidata |
| ar | بلسان جلعادي | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the Northeast Tropical Africa region. Its natural range includes several distinct countries within this geographical area. Specifically, it can be found growing in Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. The species is also documented to exist within the borders of Somalia. Finally, its distribution extends through the territories of both Sudan and South Sudan.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Oman | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Saudi Arabia | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Yemen | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Myrrh, possesses several parts that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The leaves are typically small and compound, providing a delicate structure to the shrub, while the stems serve as the primary framework for its growth. A key medicinal component is found within the stem bark, which protects the inner tissues of the plant. When the plant is wounded or cut, it releases aromatic resinous exudates that serve as a natural defense mechanism. It is this collected resin, which hardens upon exposure to air, that is most famously harvested and used globally in traditional medicine and perfumery.- Total parts
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resinous exudates | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| callus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Commiphora gileadensis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 10-hydroxycamptothecin, flavanone, flavonols, justicidin B, limonene.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 10-hydroxycamptothecin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavanone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| justicidin B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| limonene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-cymene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| puromycin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpinen-4-ol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Commiphora gileadensis has 7 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Bradycardiac.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bradycardiac | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Commiphora gileadensis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, bacteria, bacterial infections, fungi, infections.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungi | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |