Styrax benzoin
Styrax benzoin, commonly known as Benzoin, is a fragrant resin-producing tree prized in traditional medicine and perfumery. Extracted from its bark, this aromatic substance possesses potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. It is widely utilized in topical salves and aromatherapy to soothe skin irritations and respiratory ailments.
- Scientific name: Styrax benzoin
- Family: Styracaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it falls under the family Styracaceae. Finally, it is specifically categorized within the genus Styrax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Styracaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Styrax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Styrax benzoin, is recognized by various names across different languages and regions. In Portuguese, it is referred to as Benjoeiro, while in Azerbaijani, it is called Benzoy stiraksı. In Lithuanian, the common name is Benzoinis stirakas, and in Malay, it is known as Pokok Kemenyan. Furthermore, in Russian, the plant is identified as Стиракс бензойный.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Benjoeiro | Wikidata |
| az | Benzoy stiraksı | Wikidata |
| lt | Benzoinis stirakas | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Kemenyan | Wikidata |
| ru | Стиракс бензойный | Wikidata |
| my | ကက္ကုကမျဉ်း | Wikidata |
| et | Bensoestüüraks | Wikidata |
| zh | 黏脂安息香 | Wikidata |
| ja | アンソクコウノキ | Wikidata |
| ko | 안식향나무 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several different continents and regions. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within the country of Guinea. Its presence extends to the Western Indian Ocean, where it grows in Mauritius. The species is also located within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in Bangladesh. Finally, its range reaches into Indo-China, covering both Cambodia and Laos.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Styrax benzoin, is highly valued for the aromatic substances derived from its trunk, which are harvested through a process of wounding the bark. The primary medicinal and fragrant components obtained are the benzoin gum and benzoin resin. The benzoin gum is a soft, sticky substance that exudes from the tree, while the benzoin resin is the more solidified, balsamic material collected after the exudate has partially dried. Both of these plant parts are widely utilized in traditional and modern medicine for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| benzoin gum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Benzoin resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Styrax benzoin has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Benzoin resin, benzoin gum.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Benzoin resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| benzoin gum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Styrax benzoin has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Styrax benzoin has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include erythema, wounds.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| erythema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |