Myrrh–Commiphora chemistry

Abstract

Myrrh and opopanax has been used throughout history in incense and as a perfume. Since Bible times it has been used for the treatment of wounds. The first attempts to identify content compounds were almost 100 years ago. In this review we discuss the present state of knowledge in the chemistry of substances of Commiphora spp.

Full text

3
MYRRH – COMMIPHORA CHEMISTRY
Lumír O. Hanuš
a
*, Tomáš Řezanka
b
, Valery M. Dembitsky
a
,
Arieh Moussaieff
a
a
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Hebrew University, Ein Kerem Campus,
Jerusalem 91120, Israel
b
Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague, 142 20
Czech Republic
e-mail: lumir@cc.huji.ac.il
Received: May 25, 2005; Accepted: June 5, 2005
Key words: Myrrh/Commiphora
Myrrh and opopanax has been used throughout history in incense and as a perfume.
Since Bible times it has been
used for the treatment of wounds. The first attempts to identify content compounds were almost 100 years ago. In this
review we discuss the present state of knowledge in the chemistry of substances of Commiphora spp.
INTRODUCTION
Myrrh and the similar but lower quality opopanax are
the hardened, resinous exudates obtained from trees of
certain Commiphora species of the Burseraceae family.
Myrrh and opopanax oils are occasionally used as flavour-
ing agents. Somalia and Ethiopia are by far the largest pro-
ducers of the two resins. Northern Somalia is the world’s
largest source of incense and myrrh, which are forestry
products. Aromatic flora, producing frankincense and
myrrh, are indigenous to the mountain slopes. Somalia
supplies most of the world’s myrrh and opopanax (about
1 500 tonnes in 1987). The People’s Republic of China
is the largest market for all two resins, mainly for use in
traditional medicines. In early 1994, clean Somali myrrh
was available at US $ 5/kg. Somali opopanax was priced
at US $ 3.50/kg (clean) and US $ 3.00/kg (natural).
Commiphora species are small trees or shrubs with
short, thorny branches. True myrrh is produced by
C. myrrha, a variable species found in southern Arabia
and northeast Africa (chiefly Somalia) as far south as
northeast Kenya. Other resin-producing Commiphora oc-
cur in southern Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia
and Kenya. C. erythraea and C. kataf, the main sources
of opopanax, are abundant in many parts of southern
Arabia, Somalia, eastern Ethiopia and Kenya.
In Arabic the word murr means “bitter”, it has been
used throughout history in incense and as a perfume. It
is said that the Greek soldiers would not go into battle
without a poultice of myrrh to put on their wounds. It is
often used in toothpastes and in the perfume industry. It
tends not to dissolve very well in water however.
Myrrh consists of water-soluble gum, alcohol-soluble
resins and volatile oil. The gum contains polysaccharides
and proteins, while the volatile oil is composed of ster-
oids, sterols and terpenes. Myrrh’s characteristic odor is
derived from furanosesquiterpenes.
Since Bible times it has been used as a medicine and
wound dressing and has been closely associated with
the health and purification rituals of women. It was first
described in the Chinese medical literature. The use of
myrrh medicinally was recorded in China in A.D. 600
during the Tang Dynasty. Myrrh is used today in Chinese
medicine to treat wounds, relieve painful swelling, and
to treat menstrual pain due to blood stagnation. Myrrh
is called mo yao in China. It has long been used in the
Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Commiphora opobalsamum balm is the thickened gum
from the juice of the balsam tree, which was abundant in
Judea. It is native to southern Arabia and Abyssinia, was
cultivated on the plains of Jericho and the Jews believed
it was planted by King Solomon. According to history the
Queen of Sheba brought balm to Solomon on the occa-
sion of her visit. Balm was rare and costly when exhibited
in Rome for all people to see. After the conquest of Judah,
it was brought by Pompey for display. When Vespasian
destroyed Jerusalem, balm was among his spoils. Balm
was the emblem of Palestine and newly cultivated shrubs
were protected by sentries.
General
On this place we must mention the most known
Commiphoras, namely Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.,
true myrrh, officinal myrrh, Heera Bol tree; C. myrrha
(Nees) Engler var molmol Engler (C. molmol Engl. ex
Tschirch), Somalian myrrh; Commiphora abyssinica (Berg)
Engler (syn. Commiphora madagascarensis Jacq.), Arabian
myrrh, Abyssinian myrrh; Commiphora africana (A. Rich.)
Engl., myrrh, African bdelium; Commiphora guidottii
Chiov., sweet myrrh, habag-hady (name in Somalia);
Biomed. Papers 149(1), 3–28 (2005)
© L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff

4
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
Commiphora mukul (Hook ex Stocks) Engl. (Commiphora
wightii (Arnott.) Bhanol.), guggul, guggulu, false myrrh;
Commiphora opobalsamum ( C. gileadensis (L.) Christ.;
Balsamodendron meccansis Gled.), balm of the Mecca;
Commiphora erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl., opopanax (origi-
nally Hemprichia erythraea); Commiphora erythraea var.
glabrascens, opopanax and Commiphora kataf (Forssk.)
Engl., african opopanax.
Pernet
mention the places of known Commiphoras
1
:
Commiphora Jacq. – over 200 species around Read Sea
in East Africa, 20 species in Madagascar and 6 in India;
C. abyssinica Engl., “myrrh” –Ethiopia and Jemen; C.
agallocha Eng. – India; C. africana – Ethiopia and sub-
saharian Africa
C. aprevali (Baill) Guill. – Madagascar; C. Boiviniana
Engl. – tropic Africa; C. charten Birdw. – tropic Africa; C.
erythraea Engl., “opopanax” or “bisabol” – mediteranean
region and Ethiopia; C. kataf Engl., “african opopanax”
– Arabia; C. merkeri Engl. – tropic Africa; C. mukul Engl.
– India; C. myrrha Engl., “officinal myrrh” – Arabia and
Lybia and Somalia; C. opobalsamum, “balm of the Mecca”
– Arabia and Somalia; C. Pervilleana Engl., “matambe-
lona” – Madagascar; C. pilosa Engl. – tropic Africa; C.
pyracanthoides (syn. C. glandulosa Schinz.) – tropic Af-
rica; C. Roxburgii Alston (syn. C. agalocha); C. Schimperi
Engl. – Ethiopia and Erythrea; C. simplicifolia H. Perr.,
“sangathy” – Madagascar; C. ugogensis Engl. –tropical
Africa and C. Zimmermannii Engl. – tropical Africa.
The following new species were described by Thulin
2
:
Commiphora arenaria from bushland on sand in south-cen-
tral Somalia, C. gardoensis from limestone slopes in the
Qardho area in north-eastern Somalia, C. stellatopubescens
from bushland on limestone outcrops or stony ground in
the Hiiraan Region in south-central Somalia, C. spinulosa
from limestone rocks on the escarpment along the Gulf of
Aden in northeastern Somalia, C. lobatospathulata from
bushland on sand in central and southcentral Somalia, C.
quercifoliola from bushland on shallow soil over limestone
near Eil in north-eastern Somalia, C. chiovendana from
bushland in northern and central Somalia, C. multifoliolata
from limestone hills and ridges in south-western Somalia,
C. murraywatsonii from limestone outcrops near Hobyo in
central Somalia, and C. kucharii from bushland on shallow
soils over limestone in central and southern Somalia.
The next publication goes further to inform as about
present state of distribution of Commiphora spp. (ref.
3
)
Commiphora myrrha is the chief source of myrrh today,
but C. erythraea was the principal source of ancient and
classical time. A number of oleo-gum-resins called bdel-
liums are produced in Arabia and Somalia from vari-
ous species of Commiphora and resemble myrrh; these
were probably counted as myrrh in classical times and
are probably used for adulteration today. The “per-
fumed bdellium” (opopanax or bisabol myrrh) is from
C. erythraea. Common myrrh (or hirabol myrrh) is ob-
tained from C. myrrha (Nees) Engl. Abyssinian myrrh is
obtained from C. madagascariensis Jacq. (C. abyssinica).
Other species sometimes passing as myrrh or bdellium
include C. africana (A. Rich.) Engl., C. anglosomaliae
Chiov., C. gileadensis (L.) Christ. (C. opobalsamum (L.)
Engl., C. hildebrandtii Engl., C. kataf (Forsk.) Engl., C.
molmol Engl. ex Tschirch (Somalian myrrh), C. mukul
(Hook.) Engl., and C. schimperi (Berg) Engl. Myrrh has
been employed for incense and embalming since ancient
times. Myrrh is employed by perfumers as an absolute,
oil, or resinoid. Myrrh is included in the formulations of
a number of modern perfumes, is used by many herbalists
as an astringent for the mucous membranes of the mouth
and throat.
Myrrh
As mentioned by Guenther
4
, myrrh (also called heer-
abol-myrrh or bitter myrrh) is gum-resin obtained from
several species of Commiphora (fam. Burseraceae), notably
C. abyssinica (Berg) Engler, C. schimperi (Berg) Engler,
and C. myrrha (Nees) Engler var molmol Engler. Genus
Commiphora comprises more than 200 species, all native
to Africa, Arabia, Madagascar and India.
In order to collect gum, the natives make incisions
into the bark, causing the exudation of a yellowish ole-
oresin. Exposed to the air, this dries, hardens and turns
reddish-brown.
Myrrh is partly soluble in ethanol (∼ 30 % alcohol-
soluble material) and is also partly soluble in water and in
ether. Since antiquity myrrh has served as a constituent of
incense. Oil of myrrh is a valuable ingredient in perfumes
(balsamic, heavy odour).
The chemistry of myrrh oil was first investigated by
Lewinsohn (Arch. Pharm. 244, 412, 1906), von Frie-
drichs (Arch. Pharm. 245, 432, 1907) and Trost and Doro
(Ann. chim. Applicata 26, 126, 1936). These authors
found the following constituents: α-pinene 1, dipentene
[= (±)-limonene], limonene 2, cuminaldehyde 3, cinnamic
aldehyde 4, eugenol 5, m-cresol 6, heerabolene (probably
tricyclic sesquiterpene), cadinene (?), a sesquiterpene
(?), a bicyclic sesquiterpene (C
15
H
24
), a tricyclic sesquit-
erpene (C
15
H
24
), formic acid, acetic acid, myrrholic acid
(?, C
16
H
21
O
3
.COOH) and palmitic acid.
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Later was from “Commiphora myrrha” resin isolated
the following compound – isolinalyl acetate 7, 3-epi-lupe-
nyl acetate 8, lupeone 9, 3-epi-α-amirin 10, α-amirone 11,
acetyl β-eudesmol 12 and a sesquiterpenoid lactone
5
.

5
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
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Another laboratory reported on the following in
oil of myrrh
6
: 11.9% curzerene 13 (ref.
7–10
), 12.5% fura-
noeudesma-1,3-diene 14, 1.2% 1,10(15)-furanodien-6-
one 15 (ref.
11, 12
), 3.5% lindestrene 16 (ref.
13–15
), 11.7 %
curzerenone 17 (ref.
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dihydropyrocurzerenone 19, 1.5 % 3-methoxy-10(15)-di-
hydrofuranodien-6-one 20, 0.1 % 3-methoxyfuranoguaia-9-
en-8-one 21, 0.2 % 2-methoxy-4,5-dihydrofuranodien-6-one
22, and 0.9 % 3-methoxy-10-methylenefuranogermacra-1-
en-6-one 23. These authors also reported that a mixture
of furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and lindestrene possessed a
typical myrrh odor, while dihydropyrocurzerenone pos-
sessed a resinous myrrh odor; the latter compound best
represented the odor of myrrh by itself.
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2-acetoxyfuranodiene 24 and 2-methoxyfuranodiene
25 were isolated from chloroform extract of ground myrrh
(commercially available) with the help of flash chroma-
tography by Monti
18
. The absolute configuration of these
compounds was determined.
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Ma et al. (ref.
19
) described an analytical supercritical
fluid extraction (SFE) system and its application to GC/
MS of frankincense and myrrh, Chinese medicines. The
result shows that analytical SFE is a more afficient tech-
nique for investigating Chinese medicine compounds. In
addition the information generated supplements to the
available literature on title medicines and revealed its po-
tential application in the compound study of the Chinese
herbal medicine.
The constituents of the supercritical fluid extraction
and the steam distillate of myrrh and Curcuma zedoaria,
two Chinese herbal medicines with the help of GC/ITD
studied Yu
20
. Fourty one and 45 compounds were identi-
fied, respectively, in myrrh and C. zedoaria which were
mainly sesquiterpenoids and furanose sesquiterpenoids.
The feature of their ion trap mass spectrum is also dis-
cussed.
The purity of myrrh batches of various origin
were tested according to the DAB 10 (10
th
German
pharmacopeia)
21
. The contents and structures of the gum
fractions were identical despite differences in the essential
oil fractions. The raw gums were heterodisperse systems
and contained ∼ 70% 4-methyl-glucuronogalactone pro-
tein. Therefore, a classification of myrrh in the group of
arabinogalactan proteins is no longer correct.
Wang
22
analyzed by capillary GC/MS and GC/FTIR
the chemical components of the essential oil of myrrh
obtained from Kenya. The oil contained monoterpenes
and sesquiterpenes. Researchers identified sixteen main
constituents.
The constituents of essential oil in myrrh and gum
opopanax were analyzed by GC-MS. Fifteen compounds
in Myrrh and 33 compounds in gum opopanax were
identified and their percent content was detected. The
main constituents of myrrh was furanoeudesma-1,3-diene
14 and the main constituent of gum opopanax was trans-
β-ocimene 26 (ref.
23
).
With the help of Fourier-transform Raman spectros-
copy myrrh can be easily distinguished from frankincense
and different colored specimens can be identified. Rela-
tive proportions of compounds in a sample, and hence
the color, is dependent on the climatic and environmental
conditions. Myrrh shows more variety in its color (myrrh
red, myrrh orange, myrrh yellow, myrrh brown and myrrh
black) and in the observed Raman spectra. The common
bands which occur for myrrh samples are not specific
enough for identification of individual colored myrrh
samples
24
. Such non-destructive methods of analysis are
preferred by archeologists.
Tree resins have been used extensively throughout his-
tory. Tree resins are composed of terpene and terpenoid
compounds, and diterpenoids and triterpenoids are the
most common. Diterpenoids and triterpenoids have not
been found together in a resin; thus, resins from each
group have differing properties. Frankincense and myrrh
are resins that contain triterpenoid components. Fourier
transform-Raman spectrometry has potential as a non-
destructive and noninvasive means of identifying both
ancient and modern resin samples in situ. Because of
that it has advantages particularly in the field of archeo-
logical sciences. The spectra of myrrh are very different
than those of any of the other resins examined. Myrrh

6
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
cannot be mistaken for any other resin because it has a
high enough proportion of gum to make its spectra unlike
those of any of the resins examined by the authors. The
spectra of myrrh are easily distinguished from those of
the diterpenoid and triterpenoid resins
25
.
Commiphora myrrha
The isolation and characterization of D-galactose 27,
L-arabinose 28, and 4-methyl D-glucuronic acid 29 as
component of gum myrrh (Commiphora myrrha Holmes)
are described.
The gum myrrh has been used as incense for many
centuries. In more recent times, the gum has found medi-
cal usage as an antiseptic, the tincture being applied to
inflammatory and ulcerated conditions of the throat and
mouth.
Extraction with 90% aqueous alcohol the resins
are largely removed and the crude polysaccharides are
obtained. After hydrolysis at least 15 aminoacids were
detected and in fractions D-galactose, L-arabinose, and
4-methyl D-glucuronic acid (in proportions 4 : 1 : 3) were
identified
26
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Hydrolysis of purified polysaccharides of gum myrrh
(Commiphora myrrha Holmes) gave high yields of a mix-
ture of neutral sugars and acidic oligosaccharides. The
latter after isolation and purification gave 1:6 mixture of
two aldobiuronic acids, identified as 6-O-(4-O-methyl-β-
D-glucuronosyl)-D-galactose 30 and 4-O-(4-O-methyl-α-
D-glucuronosyl)-D-galactose 31 (ref.
27
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From Commiphora myrrha sesquiterpen commiferin
32 was isolated
28
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Chromatography of hexane extracts of Commiphora
erythraea Engler gum, the source of opopanax oil, led to
isolation and identification of known furanodienone 18.
The same extraction of Commiphora myrrh (Nees)
Engler, the source of myrrh oil, resulted in two new
furanosesquiterpenoids, 2-O-acetyl-8,12-epoxygermacra-
1(10),4,7,11-tetraene 24 and 2-O-methyl-8,12-epoxyger-
macra-1(10),4,7,11-tetraene 25 (ref.
29
). Both gums were
collected in Kenya.
The eight samples of resin collected in Kenya and
attributed to Commiphora myrrha (one of them called
C. ellenbeckii) and Commiphora holtziana have been ex-
amined. These have yielded a wide range of sesquiterpe-
nes, notably furanosesquiterpenes based on eudesmane,
elemane and germacrene (Table 1). The distribution of
these compounds is discussed in relation to the collection
and commerce of myrrh-like resins in Kenya. The simple
sesquiterpenes identified in C. holtziana were comparable
to those recorded for opopanax oil
30
.
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Table 1. Major sesquiterpenes identified from
Commiphora myrrha and C. holtziana.
Components
C. myrrha C. holtziana
germacrone
a
33 ++
C 22 –+
D 34 –+
B 35 –+
furanodiene
b, c
36 +–
2-methoxyfuranodiene 25 +–
4,5-dihydrofuranodiene-6-one 37 ++
β-selinene 38
–+
lindestrene 16 +* +
furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14 +–
β-elemene 39
+ +**
γ-elemene 40
++
δ-elemene 41
–+
elemol 42 –+
isofuranogermacrene
c
13 +** –
curzerenone 17 ++
α-cubebene 43
+–
β-bourbonene 44
–+
* found in all samples, ** found in most of the samples
a
31, 32
, b
33
, c
9
B = (1E)-3-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-
one
C = (1(10)E,2R*,4R*)-2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-
1(10),7,11-trien-6-one
D = rel-2R-methyl-5S-acetoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)Z-
en-6-one

7
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Gum resins of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engler are
important commercial products (fragrant oil) in Kenya,
Ethiopia and Somalia. Hexane-soluble viscosous oil is re-
sponsible for the characteristic odor of the gum. With the
help of high-performance liquid chromatography the oil
mixture was separated into pure compounds. These were
identified with GC/MS as known furanosesquiterpenoids
isofuranogermacrene (= isogermafurene) 13, lindestrene
16, furanoeudesma-1, 3-diene 14 and furanodiene (= iso-
furanodiene) 36. Based on the presence or absence of
these compounds, it is possible to differentiate or detect
adulteration of commercial gum resins labeled as C. myrrh
myrrh oil from C. erythraea opopanax oil
34
.
The best quality of myrrh is obtained from the spe-
cies Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. This myrrh one
can find also under synonyms C. rivae Engl, C. coriacea
Engl., C. molmol (Engl.) Engl. and C. habessinica (Berg.)
Engl. var. grossedentata Chiov. Myrrh is collected from
other species of Commiphora as well. These include: C.
Africana (A. Rich.) Engl., C. erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl., C.
gileadensis (L.) C. Chr., C. habessinica (Berg) Engl., C.
hodai Sprague, C. kua (R. Br. Ex Royle) Vollesen, C.
quadricinta Schweinf., C. schimperi (Berg) Engl. and C.
truncate Engl.
Chemical investigation of Commiphora has been
done on some Kenyan species occurring also in Ethio-
pia. The main volatile components include monoterpenes
(limonene 2, p-cymene 45, α-terpineol 46) and sesquiter-
penes (β-bisabolene 47)(ref.
35
).
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A furanoeudesmane, 5αH-8,12-furanoeudesma-1,3-
diene (furanoeudesma-1,3-diene) 14, was synthetised
36
.
A natural product isolated first from Commiphora molmol
and later from Commiphora myrrh oil was synthetised
enantiomerically pure.
The resin of Commiphora myrrha, collected in Ethio-
pia, was extracted with aqueous ethanol and petroleum
ether. Following partition and column chromatography
gave previously reported antihyperglycemic compounds,
furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14 and 2-O-acetyl-8,12-epoxyger-
macra-1(10),4,7,11-tetraene 24 (ref.
37
).
Commiphora myrrha Engl., a plant found in some
African and Asian countries (as Kenya, India or Peo-
ple’s Republic of China), yields a yellow nonvolatile
gum resin (myrrh), which has been used as a food ad-
ditive, a fragrance, and a traditional medicine. Authors
here reported isolation of two new sesquiterpenoids as
well as four known derivatives from a Chinese sample of
C. myrrha. After exudates extraction with ethyl acetate
and column chromatography on silica gel four already
known compounds were eluted, namely curzerenone 17,
furanogermacra-1(10)Z,4Z-dien-6-one 48, rel-3R-meth-
oxy-4S-furanogermacra-1E,10(15)-dien-6-one 49 and
Table 2. Relative concentration (%) of components of the
hydrodistillates of Commiphora sphaerocarpa, C. holtziana,
C. kataf and C. myrrha (GC-MS).
Components
C. s. C. h. C. k. C. m.
α-pinene 1
0.6 – – –
myrcene 52 1.5 – – –
δ-elemene 41
– – 0.4 2.1
α-copaene 53
5.3 1.1 tr 0.2
β-bourbonene 44
– – 0.7 1.2
β-ylangene 54
– – – 0.3
β-elemene 39
6.7 5.0 6.4 8.7
α-gurjunene 55
7.0 – 0.5 –
trans-caryophyllene 56 1.0 – 0.5 1.3
γ-elemene 40
–––1.1
α-humulene 57
0.7 0.4 0.7 0.6
alloaromadendrene 58 – – – 0.2
γ-muurolene 59
– – – 0.2
germacrene D
d
60 – 23.0 9.0 3.2
β-selinene 38
8.0 7.0 2.0 0.6
α-selinene 61
11.0 – 2.4 0.5
bicyclogermacrene
e
62 – – – 0.2
α-guaiene 63
6.0 – – –
γ-cadinene 64
4.7 – 0.3 1.2
δ-cadinene 65
2.1 1.1 1.0 0.4
furanodiene 36 – – – 19.7
isofuranogermacrene 13 – – – 2.0
elemol 42 – – – 0.2
germacrene-B 66 5.0 7.2 7.1 4.3
furanoeudesma-1,4-diene 67 –––1.2
furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14 – – – 34.0
lindestrene 16 – – – 12.0
β-eudesmol 68
– – 2.0 –
T-cadinol 69 7.0 – – 1.6
2-methoxyfuranodiene 25 –––2.1
2-acetoxyfuranodiene 24 –––tr
curzerenone 17 furanodi-
enone 18
13.0 6.1 1.0 –
germacrone 33 1.0 2.0 3.0 –
A 51 2.0 11.4 22.0 –
dihydropyrocurzerenone 19 1.2 – 3.4 –
B 35 2.4 1.0 tr –
C 22 3.0 3.1 13.0 –
d
40,41
, e
42,43
A = (1E)-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one
B = (1E)-3-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-
one
C = (1(10)E,2R
*
,4R
*
)-2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-
1(10),7,11-trien-6-one

8
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
Table 3. Relative concentration (%) of components in
Commiphora myrrha var. molmol essential oil.
Compound %
δ-elemene 41
0.5
β-bourbonene 44
0.6
β-elemene 39
8.4
β-caryophyllene 56
0.7
γ-elemene 40
2.6
α-humulene 57
0.3
dehydroaromadendrane 70 0.1
9-epi-caryophyllene 71 0.4
γ-muurolene 59
0.3
alloaromadendrene 58 1.7
curzerene 13 40.1
γ-cadinene 64
0.8
δ-cadinene 65
0.3
β-sesquiphellandrene 72
0.2
selina-3,7(11)-diene 73 0.2
elemol 42 0.2
caryophyllene alcohol 74 0.4
caryophyllene oxide 75 0.2
cis-β-elemenone 76
0.8
furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14 15.0
γ-eudesmol 77
2.7
furanodiene 36 1.1
7-epi-α-eudesmol 78
2.2
2-O-methyl-8,12-epoxy- germacra-
1(10),4,7,11-tetraene, isomer I* 25
0.5
2-O-methyl-8,12-epoxy- germacra-
1(10),4,7,11-tetraene, isomer II* 25
3.9
2-hydroxyfuranodiene 79 0.2
10-epi-γ-eudesmol acetate 80
0.3
2-O-acetyl-8,12-epoxy-germacra-1(10),4,7,11-
tetraene, isomer I* 24
6.5
2-O-acetyl-8,12-epoxy-germacra-1(10),4,7,11-
tetraene, isomer II* 24
0.3
* correct isomeric form was not determined
rel-2R-methoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)E-en-6-one 22.
The structures of the new compounds, rel-1S,2S-epoxy-
4R-furanogermacr-10(15)-en-6-one 50 and rel-2R-methyl-
5S-acetoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)Z-en-6-one 34, were
elucidated by spectroscopic methods and with the aid of
molecular modeling
38
.

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The genus Commiphora comprises over 150 species,
most of which are confined to Eastern Africa, with few
species also occurring in Arabia and India. The composi-
tion of true myrrh, derived from C. myrrha was compared
with some of its adulterans (C. sphaerocarpa Chiov., C.
holtziana Engl. and C. kataf (Forssk. Engl.) (Table 2). The
petrolether extract of C. sphaerocarpa gave after chroma-
tography over silica six compounds. One of them, (1E)-
8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one 51, is a new
furanosesquiterpene
39
.
Analysis of true myrrh failed to confirm presence of
curzerenone, furanodienone, (1E)-3-methoxy-8,12-epoxy-
germacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one and (1(10)E,2R
*
,4R
*
)-2-
methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1(10),7,11-trien-6-one.

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Hydrodistillation of the crushed air-dried oleo-gum
resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. var. molmol
yielded 3.1 % of oil. The chemical composition of the es-
sential oil was examined using GC and GC/MS (Table 3).
The relative percentage of the 32 compounds (about
94.6 % of the oil) identified in this oil was calculated from
the total ion chromatogram
44
.
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/!C

9
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Most previous reports were based on materials ob-
tained from markets rather than from properly identified
trees. Authors here described the results on the volatile
oils (obtained by hydrodistillation) of resin collected in
Ethiopia from two Commiphora spp. (C. myrrha and C.
guidotti). The oils were analysed by GC/MS (Table 4).
Using
1
H- and
13
C and GC/MS analysis authors estab-
lished in their previous work the absence of oxygenated
furanosesquiterpenes, curzerenone and furanodienone,
and other C-6 oxygenated furanosesquiterpenes in the
essential oil as well as extracts of myrrh
45
. The source of
adulterant resins coming mainly from C. sphaerocarpa, C.
holtziana and C. kataf.
/
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Ethyl acetate extract of an exudate of Commiphora
myrrha, which had been collected in People’s Republic
of China, was separated by column chromatography on
silica gel and RP-18 (ref.
46
). From collected fractions
seven compounds (aromatic sesquiterpenes) were iso-
lated and identified – myrrhone 92 (a weak floral with
relatively strong animal-like note; a new sesquiterpene),
epicurzerenone 48 (with the same odour as the previous
one), furanogermacra-1E,10(15)-dien-6-one 93, 2-meth-
oxy-furanogermacra-1(10),4-diene 25 (a slightly floral
and weak leathery odour), T-cadinol 69 (very interesting
animal and castoreum-like odour quality), 3α-hydroxy-T-
cadinol 219 (a slightly leathery odour), and a well-known
sesquiterpene, eudesm-4(15)-ene-1β,6α-diol 222 (the same
odour quality as T-cadinol).
The structures of these compounds were determined
on the basis of spectral data, especially of NMR evidence
(
1
H- and
13
C-NMR spectra) and with the help of positive
atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectra
(APCI MS) and electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI
MS).
Table 4. The composition of Ethiopian
Commiphora essential oils.
Compound
C. myrrha C. guidotti
limonene 2 – 0.2
(Z)-β-ocimene 26
– 0.7
(E)-β-ocimene 26
– 33.0
δ-elemene 41
2.1 –
α-copaene 53
0.2 –
(E)-β-ocimene epoxide 81
– 0.3
β-bourbonene 44
1.2 –
cis-α-bergamotene 82
– 0.3
1-methyl-4-acetylcyclohex-1-ene 83 – 0.5
β-ylangene 54
0.3 –
α-bergamotene 82
– 3.0
α-santalene 84
– 15.8
trans-β-bergamotene 85
– 6.6
β-elemene 39
8.7 0.1
6-methyl-3,5-heptadiene-2-one 86 – 0.4
β-caryophyllene 56
1.3 –
epi-β-santalene 87
– 0.6
γ-elemene 40
1.1 –
alloaromadendrene 58 0.2 –
(Z)-β-santalene 88
– 0.4
nonanol – 0.2
(Z)-β-farnesene 89
– 0.8
(E)-β-farnesene 89
– 0.8
α
-humulene 57
0.6 –
γ-muurolene 59
0.2 –
germacrene D 60 3.2 1.6
cis-α-bisabolene 99
– 22.2
β-selinene 38
0.6 –
α-selinene 61
0.5 –
bicyclogermacrene 62 0.2 –
decanol – 1.2
δ-cadinene 65
0.4 0.2
γ-cadinene 64
1.2 –
2,6-dimethyl-3(E),5(E),7-octatrien-
2-ol 90
– 0.7
germacrene B 66 4.3 –
furanodiene 36 19.7* 0.1
elemol 42 0.2 –
furanoeudesma-1,4-diene 67 1.2 –
furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14 34.0* –
lindestrene 16 12.0* –
T-cadinol 69 1.6 –
(E)-α-santalal 91
– 0.4
2-methoxyfuranodiene 25 2.1 –
* Confirmed by co-injection and NMR.

10
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
/
/

/
/
/
/
Commiphora molmol
From the hexane extract of the essential oil of myrrh,
Commiphora molmol Engler, three new furanogermacrenes
(2-methoxy-4,5-dihydrofuranodiene-6-one 22 – C
16
H
22
O
3
,
5-acetoxy-2-methoxy-4,5-dihydrofuranodiene-6-one 34
– C
18
H
24
O
5
and 3-methoxy-10-methylene-furanogerma-
cra-1-ene-6-one 49 – C
16
H
20
O
3
) have been with the help
of column chromatography isolated and their structures
elucidated
47
.
The non-polar fraction of hexane extract of myrrh,
the resin of Commiphora molmol Engler, gave on col-
umn chromatography as the main compound the new
furanoeudesmane, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene 14. Another
isolated compounds were α-copaene 53, bourbonene
44, furanodiene 36, β-elemene 39 and furanoeudesmane
lindestrene 16. From the polar fraction of the essential oil
another new furanosesquiterpene of the eudesmane type
was isolated by liquid chromatography, furanoeudesma-
1,4-diene-6-one 94, besides curzerenone 17 and furanodi-
ene-6-one 18 (ref.
48
).
From the fractionated essential oil of myrrh, Commi-
phora molmol, several compounds were isolated and
identified by column chromatography. In addition to
1(10)E,4E-furanodiene-6-one 18 and its cis-isomer
1(10)Z,4Z-furanodiene-6-one 18, which were separated
without difficulty, was isolated curzerenone 17 and 2-meth-
oxyfuranoguaia-9-ene-8-one 95. 2-Methoxyfuranodiene 25
was separated from the accompanying furanoeudesma-
1,4-diene-6-one 94. From an accompanying unidentified
furanosesquiterpene ketone was separated 2-acetoxyfuran-
odiene 24. The last identified compound was 4,5-dihydro-
furanodiene-6-one 37 (ref.
49
).
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Myrrh, a commercially used resin, is mostly from
Commiphora molmol, growing wild in Somalia, Jemen
and Arabia. It is mainly used in toothpastes and tinctures
for treatment of gingivitis. Myrrh is composed of the es-
sential oil (2–10 %), the ethanol soluble resin (25–40 %)
and the watersoluble gum (30–60 %). The watersoluble
gum fraction of myrrh has been found to comprise of a
mixture of proteoglycans (with dominating amounts of
uronic acid polymers). After hydrolysis and degradations
structural investigations revealed chains of galactose 27,
chains of arabinose 28 and 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid 29
(“4-O-methyl-glucurono-galactan”), arabino-3,6-galactan-
protein fractions and protein. Authors studied sugar and
amino acid compositions of the fractions and sugar link-
ages of the fractions. Partial structure of the fractions
was proposed. The covalent binding of protein and car-
bohydrate moiety is most probable. In the crude gum the
two aldobiuronic acids 6-O-(4-O-methyl-D-glucuronosyl)-
D-galactose 30 and 4-O-(4-O-methyl-D-glucuronosyl)-D-
galactose 31 were identified (ratio 6 : 1)(ref.
50
). It is not
sure, whether the different proteoglycans represent differ-
ent polymers resulting from the biosynthesis sequence or
whether they derive from a partial degradation during
isolation or storage of myrrh.
In antiquity, myrrh was used by the Egyptians for em-
balming and by the Jews as anointing oil. In St Mark’s
Gospel, “vinum murratum”, wine with myrrh, was of-
fered to Christ before crucifixion. Hexane extract of
Commiphora molmol with analgesic activity was separated
by silica gel column chromatography and semi-prepara-
tive HPLC. From the three identified sesquiterpenes the
most abundant compound was furanoeudesma-1,3-diene
14 (> 90 %). The other compounds were isofuranogerma-
crene 13 and furanodiene 36. The first two compounds
were analgesic
51
.
The non-polar fraction of myrrh resin from Commiphora
molmol was extracted with hexane. This extract was sepa-
rated by column chromatography. With a combination of
mass spectrometry and
1
H-NMR were characterized dif-
ferent fractions. These gave eight sesquiterpene fractions,
namely 1, furanodiene 36, furaneudesma-1,3-diene 14 and
curzerene 13; 2, methoxyfuranodiene 25; 3, acetoxyfuran-
odiene 24; 4, curzerenone 17; 5, furanodiene-6-one and
methoxyfuranoguaia-9-ene-8-one 95; 6, furanogermacrene-
3 49; 7, furanogermacrene-1 22 and fraction 8, furano-
germacrene-2 34 (ref.
52
). All these compounds had been
described previously. The fractions were tested. Fraction
5 (furanodiene-6-one and methoxyfuranoguaia-9-ene-8-one
in approximately equivalent amounts) showed antibacte-
rial and antifungal activity against standard pathogenic
strains. These compounds also had strong local anaes-
thetic activity.
Commiphora opobalsamum
The cardiovascular effects of aqueous extracts from the
branches of Commiphora opobalsamum (syn. Commiphora
gileadensis (L.) Engl.), tree from the mountains of Ramal-
lah, were investigated. The intravenous administration of
4 mg/kg of the aqueous extract depressed systemic arterial
blood pressure by 20 % (P < 0.01) and reduced heart rate
of anaesthetised rats by 14 % (P < 0.05). The hypotensive
and the bradycardiac effects were immediate and in a dose
related manner. The hypotensive effect of C. opobalsamum
was inhibited by the pretreatment with atropine sulfate (1-
4 mg/kg). These results suggest that the hypotensive effect
of C. opobalsamum is due to the activation of muscarinic
cholinergic receptors
53
.
Opopanax
The monoterpene hydrocarbon composition of 29 es-
sential oils was determined with the help of downward
chromatostrip procedure, followed by gas chromato-

11
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
graphic analysis identification based on comparison of
retention times with known compounds. In one of this
commercially available non-citrus essential oils, opopanax
(C. erythrea), were found almost entirely ocimene 26 with
trace amounts of α-pinene 1, sabinene 96, ∆
3
-carene 97,
myrcene 52, d-limonene 2, and terpinolene 98 (ref.
54
).
From authentic essential oil of opoponax with the help
of column chromatography followed by gas chromatog-
raphy α-bisabolene 99, β-bisabolene 47, and γ-bisabolene
100 were separated
55
.

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From several commercial essential oils 36 sesquiter-
penes were isolated in sufficient quantity, purified by gas
chromatography and identified from infrared spectra.
When it was possible, the individual sesquiterpene hy-
drocarbon was isolated from more than one essential oil
(21 sesquiterpenes). From opopanax for high resolution
infrared spectra were isolated α-bergamotene 82, β-bisabo-
lene 47, γ-bisabolene 100 (may be a mixture), γ-cadinene
64, δ-cadinene 65, ar-curcumene (α-) 101 and α-santalene
84 (ref.
56
).
Regan and Andrews examined samples of oil of opo-
panax and isolated and identified in it α-santalene 84 and
α-bisabolene 99 (ref.
57
). They did not find any β-bisabo-
lene and γ-bisabolene.
Another scientific team re-examined their samples
following column and gas chromatographic purification
and concluded that oil of opopanax contains α-santalene
84, α-bisabolene 99 and β-bisabolene 47, as well as some
other isomeric bisabolene
58
.
The sesquiterpenes of opopanax oil were studied.
Opopanax oil (also called bisabol myrrh) is obtained by
the steam distillation of the natural oleo-gum-resin from
the tree Commiphora erythrea glabrascens Engler. Dur-
ing this study, trans-β-ocimene 26 was confirmed as the
major monoterpenic hydrocarbon constituent and 18 ad-
ditional sesquiterpenes were identified. The five major ses-
quiterpene hydrocarbon constituents were identified as
cis-α-bergamotene 82, α-santalene 84, trans-α-bergamotene
82, trans-α-bisabolene 99, and β-bisabolene 47. Between
another 13 were δ-elemene 41, α-cubebene 43, α-copaene
53, β-elemene 39, caryophyllene 56, γ-elemene 40, epi-β-
santalene 87, β-santalene 88, humulene 57, γ-muurolene
59, ar-curcumene 101, γ-cadinene 64, and δ-cadinene 65
(ref.
59
).
For revision of the configuration of natural (+)-α-bisab-
olene from opopanax oil were stereospecifically syntetised
(E)- and (Z)-α-bisabolenes. Whilst (Z)-α-bisabolene re-
motely recalls the typical odour of Opopanax, there is
no trace of it in (E)-bisabolene. Authors also isolated α-
bisabolene from the oil of opopanax. After purification it
was identical with (+)-(S, Z)-α-bisabolene 99 (ref.
60
).
Commiphora mukul
The gum-resin of Commiphora mukul furnishes essen-
tial oil (∼ 0.4 %) consisting chiefly of myrcene 52 and
“dimyrcene” (camphorene 102) were isolated
61
.

Composition of the gum resin from Commiphora
mukul (syn. Balsamodendron mukul Hook ex Stocks),
commonly known as “guggul”, was studied. Complete hy-
drolysis of the gum revealed the presence of L-arabinose
28, D-galactose 27, L-fucose 103, 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic
acid 29 and aldobiouronic acid (built up of D-galactose
and 4-O-methyl-D-glucose) 104 (ref.
62
).
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The degraded gum of Commiphora mukul gave after
acid hydrolysis an aldobiouronic acid, 6-O-(4-O-methyl-
β-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-D-galactose alone with
D-galactose. The degraded gum prepared by the autohy-
drolysis was converted into its fully methylated deriva-
tive. Methanolysis and subsequent acid hydrolysis of the
methylated polysaccharide furnished neutral and acidic
sugar fraction. Paper chromatographic separation of the
neutral fraction furnished three sugars, namely 2,4,6-tri-
O-methyl-D-galactose 105, 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-galactose
106 and 2,4-di-O-methyl-D-galactose 107 and an acidic
sugar fraction gave 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid
108 (in the ratio 1 : 6 : 2 : 3). It was established that the
degraded gum is a branched polysaccharide
63
.
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Hydrolysis of methylated Commiphora mukul gum
furnished 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-D-galactose 109, 2,3-di-
O-methyl-L-arabinose 110, 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-galactose
106, 2,4-di-O-methyl-D-galactose 107 and 2,3,4-tri-O-me-
thyl-D-glucuronic acid 108 in the ratio 1:1:1:2:1. The pro-
visional structure advanced shows the gum to be a highly
branched polysaccharide
64
.

12
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
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The Commiphora mukul was extracted with alcohol
and the extract, after removal of the solvent, was par-
titioned between water and ether. Two crystalline com-
pounds were isolated from the unsaponifiable portion
of the ether-soluble residue and identified as myricyl
alcohol 111 (m.p. 83-4°) and β-sitosterol 112 (m.p. 137-
8°)(ref.
65
). The aqueous fraction was chromatographed
by a 2-dimensional method using buthanol-acetic acid-
water (100:22:50) as the solvent mixture and ninhydrin
as the developing agent. The amino acids cystine, histi-
dine, lysine, arginine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid,
threonine, alanine, proline, thyrosine, tryptophan, valine,
leucine, and isoleucine were detected.
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
With the help of column chromatography of petro-
leum ether extract of Commiphora mukul a crystalline
needles were isolated
66
. An isolated compound (steroid)
showed significant anti-inflammatory activity on rat paw
edema produced by carrageenin. The activity is dose de-
pendent and much more potent than the resin fraction
present in C. mukul.
The compound was found to be three times more po-
tent than the resin fraction isolated from the same drug
in inhibiting carrageenin oedema in rats. In the present
study was tested efficacy of this compound in a chronic
model of inflamation in rats. It looks that this drug is
likely to be therapeutically effective as anti-inflammatory
or anti-rheumatic drug
67
.
Myrcene 52, the monocyclic diterpenoids α-cam-
phorene 102 and cembrene 113 were isolated from gum
resin of Commiphora mukul Engl (Indian gum gugul). For
the diterpene alcohol allylcembrol 114, isolated from the
overground parts of C. mukul, the structure 2-hydroxy-
4,8,12-trimethyl-1-isopropyl-3,7,11-cyclodecatriene was
proposed
68
.
 
(
(/
Mukulol (allylcembrol) 114 is a new cembrane alcohol
which was isolated from the aerial parts and also from the
resin of Commiphora mukul
69
. The allylcembrol structure
was established by mild dehydration which yielded cem-
brene and by spectral analysis. Allylcembrol and its C2
epimer were synthetized from isocembrol.
Guggulu (Sanskrit) is the gum resin exudates from
the tree Commiphora mukul (Hook, ex Stocks) Engl. and
is article of commerce in India. Chromatography of pe-
troleum ether soluble fraction gave a diterpene hydrocar-
bon (C
20
H
32
), a diterpene alcohol (C
20
H
34
O), (+)-sesamin
115, cholesterol 116 and two other new isomeric C
21
H
28
O
2
steroids, which were identified as 4,17(20)-(trans)-preg-
nadiene-3,16-dione 117 (guggulsterone, Z-isomer) and
4,17(20)-(cis)-pregnadiene-3,16-dione 118 (guggulsterone,
E-isomer). These two steroids were assigned trivial names,
Z- and E-guggulsterone respectively. Ethyl acetate frac-
tion gave additional three new sterols and a long-chain
aliphatic triols. The three new sterols have been desig-
nated guggulsterol-I 119, guggulsterol-II 120 and guggul-
sterol-III 121 (ref.
70
).
//
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The structures of previously isolated new diterpene
hydrocarbon and diterpene alcohol from Commiphora
mukul were elucidated and named cembrene-A 122 and
mukulol 114 (ref.
71
).
As the authors reported before, they isolated from ethyl
acetate extract of the gum-resin exudates from the tree
Commiphora mukul more polar fraction, which yielded
colourless prismatic needles of a mixture, now identified
as octadecan-1,2,3,4-tetrol 123, nonadecan-1,2,3,4-tetrol
124 and eicosan-1,2,3,4-tetrol 125 with minor amounts of
other components, possibly lower (C
16
, C
17
) and higher
(C
21
, C
22
) homologous tetrols
72
. This was the first reported
occurrence of such compounds in nature.
N
N
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Guggulsterol IV 126 and guggulsterol V 127 were iso-
lated from the neutral fraction after saponification of the
chloroform extract of guggul gum (Commiphora mukul),
and their structures were detected by NMR, mass spectra,
and chemical modification
73
.

13
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
/
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Previously described mukulol 114, a diterpenoid from
gum-resin of Commiphora mukul, was studied and its ab-
solute stereochemistry established
74
.
The stereochemistry of guggulsterol-I, a component
of the exudate of Commiphora mukul, was established
by a single crystal x-ray difraction analysis to be 20(R),
22(R) (ref.
75
).
Fig. 1: A computer generated perspective drawing of guggul-
sterol-I. Hydrogens are omitted for clarity. Adopted
by authors.
The major flavonoid components of the flowers of
Commiphora mukul were identified as quercetin 128,
quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinoside 129, quercetin-3-O-β-D-ga-
lactoside 130, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside 131, querce-
tin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide 132. The other components were
ellagic acid 133 and pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside 134
(ref.
76
).

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The seed oil from Commiphora mukul contained li-
noleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids. The unsaponifi-
able matter contained sitosterol 112, stigmasterol 135,
cholesterol 116, campesterol 136, and α-spinasterol 137
(ref.
77
).

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Bajaj and Sukh tried to find other minor components
from the gum-resin of Commiphora mukul. The neutral
ethyl acetate soluble fraction was separated on silica gel.
A detailed chromatographic analysis of the less polar cut
led to the isolation of four C
21
steroids. Three of these,
16β-hydroxy-4,17(20)Z-pregnadien-3-one 138 (Z-guggul-
sterol, this compound was reported to occur in nature for
the first time), 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 139 and 20β-
hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 140, were known compounds.
The fourth compound, which is a new naturally occurring
C
21
steroid, has been designated guggulsterol-VI 141 (16-
α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one). Stereochemistry at C-20 and
C-22 in guggulsterol-I has been clarified
78
.

14
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
/(
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Absolute stereochemistry of a new class of naturally
occurring lipids named guggultetrols, components of sa-
ponified Commiphora mukul resin, was elucidated after
synthesis of these compounds. The main compound was
identified by direct comparison with synthetic compounds
as D-xylo (2S, 3S, 4R-configuration), e.g. D-xylo-octade-
cane-1,2,3,4-tetrol (D-xylo-guggultetrol-18) 142. As was
already concluded earlier, guggultetrol-20 143 have the
same configuration at the chiral center
79
.
With the discovery of the hypolipidemic activity of
the gum resin, some chemical investigations have been
reported. It was found that guggul resin is a complex mix-
ture of various classes of chemical compounds, such as
lignans, lipids, diterpenoids and steroids. From the ben-
zene phase, a waxy solid, which is a mixture of esters
based on homologous long chain tetrols and ferrulic acid
was identified (144, 145) (ref.
80
).
#(
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23
3
N
N
2
3
3
#//
#(
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N
N
A review with 42 references on the development of
gum guggulu, a potent hypolipidemic agent, in India, was
published
81
.
Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhand produces an oleo
gum resin of several medicinal properties. The plant in-
fected with Phoma sp. cause changes in the total chloro-
phyll (36.65 % decline), soluble sugars (62.77 % reduced)
and proteins, phenols (8.1 % increase) and mineral ele-
ments (drastic reduction in K
+
and Na
+
) in leaf tissues
82
.
The resins of Commiphora mukul (source of gum gug-
gul in India) and Commiphora incisa (a form of frankin-
cense originating from Somalia and Ethiopia) revealed
the anti-inflamatory activity. The resins were extracted
by steam distillation. Isolated, previously reported, man-
sumbinone 146 and mansumbinoic acid 147 showed anti-
inflammatory effects on oedema and on adjuvant-induced
arthritis
83
.
(
(
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(
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(//#

The gum resin of Commiphora mukul consisted of α-
pinene 1, myrcene 52, cadinene, geraniol 148, methylhep-
tanone 149, eugenol 5, d-α-phellandrene 150, d-limonene
2, (±)-bornyl acetate 151, 1,8-cineole 152, (±)-linalool 153,
methylchavicol 154 and α-terpineol 46 (ref.
84
).
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A high-performance liquid chromatographic method
has been developed and validated for the profiling and
quantitative determination of Z- and E-guggulsterones
117, 118 in Commiphora mukul (guggul) crude resin ex-
tracts and final products (tablets, capsules), used today
as hypocholesterolemic
85
.
Z- and E-guggulsterone 117, 118 are the main ingredi-
ents of an ayurvedic drug “Guggulip”, marketed in India
as hypolipidaemic drug. The method was developed for
simultaneous determination of these stereoisomers in
spiked serum
86
.
Lowest quantitation limit was 25 ng/ml.
This method was applied for the estimation of this two
stereoisomers in rat serum after a single oral dose of Z-
isomer. Repeated analysis showed that the Z→E conver-
sion does not take place in the spiked serum samples, and
hence the formation of the E-isomer can be attributed
solely due to the in vivo process.
Biotransformation of E-guggulsterone (pregna-
4,17(20)-cis-diene-3,16-dione) 118 by Aspergillus niger re-
sulted in the formation of four near hydroxyl derivatives
identified as 7β-hydroxypregna-4,17(20)-trans-diene-3,16-
dione 155, 7β-hydroxypregna-4,17(20)-cis-diene-3,16-dione
156, 7β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,16-dione 157, and 7β,15β-
dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,16-dione 158. The biotransforma-
tion of 1 with Cephalosporium aphidicola also resulted
in the formation of four new steroidal derivatives as
11α-hydroxypregna-4,17(20)-trans-diene-3,16-dione 159,
11α-hydroxypregna-4,17(20)-cis-diene-3,16-dione 160,
11α,15β-dihydroxypregna-4,17(20)-trans-diene-3,16-dione
161, and 11α,15β-dihydroxypregna-4,17(20)-cis-diene-3,16-
dione 162. The structures of these compounds were elu-
cidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic
techniques
87
.

15
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
/
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The gum resins of guggul (Balsamodendron or
Commiphora mukul Hook.) are prescribed in India as Ay-
urvedic folk medicines. Guggul is produced by drying the
milky-white sap of the tree for one year. From methanolic
extract were isolated five new polypodane-type triterpene
compounds, myrrhanols A, B, and C, and myrrhanones
A and B, together with three known constituents. Myrrha-
nol A 163 and myrrhanone A 165 were characterized.
Myrrhanol A displays a potent anti-inflammatory effect
88
.
The structures and absolute configurations of myrrhanol
A and myrrhanone A were determined on the basis of
chemical and physicochemical evidence
89
.
From the methanolic extract from guggul-gum resin,
the resin of Commiphora (Balsamodendron) mukul, three
new polypodane-type triterpenes, myrrhanol B 167 and
myrrhanones B 168 and A acetate 170, and a new octanor-
dammarane-type triterpene, epimansumbinol 171, were iso-
lated together with 17 known compounds – myrrhanol A,
myrrhanone A, (8R)-3β,8-dihydroxy-polypoda-13E,17E,21-
triene (myrrhanol C) 169, (8R)-3-oxo-8-hydroxy-poly-
poda-13E,17E,21-triene 166, 4-pregnene-3,16-dione,
20S-acetyloxy-4-pregnene-3,16-dione, 4,17(20)-(cis)-pregna-
diene-3,16-dione, 4,17(20)-(trans)-pregnediene-3,16-dione,
16β-acetyloxy-pregn-4,17(20)-trans-dien-3-one, 3α-acety-
loxy-5α-pregnan-16-one, 20R,22R-dihydroxycholest-4-en-3-
one, guggulsterol-I, isocembrol 172, 4-epiisocembrol 173,
mukulol, and diayangambin 174. The 50% aqueous meth-
anolic extract showed potent anti-inflammatory effect on
adjuvant-induced air-pouch granuloma in mice
90
.
(
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The conformation of steroid nucleus of guggulsterone
E 118, isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Commiphora
mukul, was studied
91
. The study did not establish the ab-
solute configuration of this molecule. It has been marked
in India as hypolipidaemic drug.
Commiphora wightii is a branched shrub or a small
tree found in some states of India and Pakistan. Guggul,
the exudates of C. wightii is used in Ayurvedic literature
as medicine. Guggul lipid (= a mixture of lipid steroids
isolated from the resin) is a potent hypolipidemic agent.
It was found that the ethyl acetate extract of C. wightii
showed significant in vitro cytotoxicity. After column
chromatography two ferrulates were characterized. The
absolute configuration of one of the known ferulates
(guggultetrol-18 142), was deduced as D-xylo (2S, 3S,
4R-configuration). The alcohols obtained by hydrolysis
of the ferulates were concluded to be a mixture of (Z)-5-
tricosene-1,2,3,4-tetraol 175 and (Z)-5-tetracosene-1,2,3,4-
tetraol 176 (ref.
92
).
This new class of naturally occurring
lipids showed strong cytotoxic activity and some free radi-
cal scavenging activity.
#//
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N
Three new and five known compounds were isolated
from the oleogum resin of Commiphora wightii (Arnott.)
Bhand. [syn. = Commiphora mukul (Hook ex Stocks)
Engl.], which is endemic to the Indian peninsula and
grows wild in India and Pakistan. This exudates possess
a variety of pharmacological activities. Five previously
isolated compounds were Z-guggulsterone 117, E-gug-
gulsterone 118, guggulsterol-I 119, myrrhanol A 163 and
myrrhanone A 165. Another three compounds, Guggul-
sterone-M 177, dehydroguggulsterone-M 178 and guggul-
sterol-Y 179, were new
93
.

16
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
/
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An ethanolic extract of air-dried trunk of Commiphora
wightii (Arn.) Bhandari (= C. mukul Hoox ex Stocks) was
separated on column packed with silica gel to give a new
antifungal flavone named muscanone 180 and already
known naringenin 181 (ref.
94
).
Muscanone was active
agains Candida albicans in microbial sensitive assay.
/
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Guggulu, the gum resin from Commiphora mukul,
was boiled with water prior to extractions. Bioassay-
guided isolation of compounds from the hexane-soluble
portion of the methanol extract of guggulu yielded 14
compounds. Seven of them, (1E,4E,8E)-4,8,14-trimethyl-
11-(1-methylethyl)-14-methoxycyclotetradeca-1,4,8-triene
182, (2E,12E)-2,7,13-trimethyl-9-(1-methylethyl)-15-
oxabicyclo[12.1.0]pentadeca-2,12-dien-7-ol 183,
(4Z,6E)-4,7,12,15,15-pentamethylbicyclo[9.3.1]pent
adeca-4,6-dien-12-ol 184, pregn-4-ene-3,16-dione 185,
(13E,17E,21E)-8-hydroxypolypodo-13,17,21-trien-3-one
186, (13E,17E,21E)-polypodo-13,17,21-triene-3,18-diol 187
and 5,5’-tetrahydro-1H,3H-furo[3,4-c]furan-1,4-diylbis[7-(meth-
oxy)-1,3-benzodioxole] 188 were novel compounds
95
.
/#(
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Other Commiphoras
During the initial study were found in petrol extract of
the stem bark of Commiphora kua three labile C
22
octanor-
dammarane triterpenes, 16-hydroperoxymansumbin-13(17)-
en-3-one 189, 16-hydroperoxymansumbin-13(17)-en-3β-ol
190 and 16-hydroperoxy-3,4-seco-mansumbin-3(28),13(17)-
dien-3-oic acid 191 which rapidly degraded to give
breakdown products identified as mansumbin-13(17)-en-
3,16-dione 192, 3β-hydroxymansumbin-13(17)-en-16-one
193 and 16-oxo-mansumbin-3(28),13(17)-dien-3-oic acid
194 (ref.
96
).
(/
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Steam distillation of the oleo-resin of Commiphora
kua var. kua Vollesen (syn. Commiphora flaviflora), a
tree growing wild in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, gave
a volatile oil, in which was found α-pinene 1, p-cymene
45, α-thujene 195, β-pinene 196, limonene 2, sabinene
96, terpinene-4-ol 197, car-3-ene 97 and myrcene 52. In
the residue after steam distillation and after ethyl acetate
extraction and column chromatography were identified
these known furanosesquiterpenoids, 2-O-acetyl-8,12-
epoxygermacra-1(10),4,7,11-tetraene 24 and 2-O-methyl-
8,12-epoxygermacra-1(10),4,7,11-tetraene 25, a known
bisabolene, xanthorrhizol 198, and a new bisabolene, 2-
methyl-5-(5
’
-hydroxy-1
’
,5
’
-dimethyl-3
’
-hexenyl)phenol 199
(ref.
97
).
 
/(
/(


/(
(/

 
Four active compounds, mansumbinone 146, man-
sumbinoic acid 147, picropolygamain 200 and lignan-1
(methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropolygamain) have been puri-
fied from anti-inflammatory extracts of Commiphora kua
98
.
These molecules inhibit the formation of myeloperoxidase
products.

/
/
/
/
/
/

17
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Commiphora kua (J. F. Royle) Voleesen var. gowlello
(Sprague) J. B. Gillett, a 3-5 m tall tree is found mainly in
Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Arabia. It produces wood
that is used to make household utensils, furniture and
tools. During rainy season, its trunk is cut and sucked to
quench thirst. In dry season, the tree produces a brown
resin, which is used as incense.
Ground resin from this tree was extracted with petrol.
TLC analysis of this extract indicated the presence of at
least six compounds. With the help of column chroma-
tography over silica gel four already known compound
– mansumbinone 146, mansumbinol 201, (16S, 20R)-di-
hydroxydammar-24-en-3-one 202 and T-cadinol 70 – and
two new octanordammarane triterpenes, 15α-hydroxy-
mansumbinone 203 and 28-acetoxy-15α-hydroxyman-
sumbinone 204, were isolated and identified. Structures
of these two compounds were elucidated by spectro-
scopic techniques (MS, IR, UV,
1
H- and
13
C-NMR, X-ray
analysis)
99
.
(
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The residue from steam distilled resin of Commiphora
kua, collected near Wajir in Kenya, a novel bisabolene,
6-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(5’-hydroxy-1’(R),5’-dimethylhex-
3’-enyl)-phenol 205 together with two new dammarane
triterpenes, 3β,16β,20(S),25-tetrahydroxydammar-23-ene
207 and 3β-acetoxy-16β,20(S),25-trihydroxydammar-23-
ene 208, have been isolated after extraction with ethyl
acetate and column chromatography on silica gel. In
addition were identified known compounds as 2-methyl-
5-(4’(S)-hydroxy 1’(R),5’-dimethylhex-5’-enyl)-phenol
206, 3β,16β,20(R)-trihydroxydammar-24-ene 209 and its
acetate derivative, 3β-acetoxy-16β,20(R)-dihydroxydam-
mar-24-ene 210, β-amyrin 211 and its acetate derivative,
2-methoxyfuranodienone, and 2-acetoxyfuranodienone. 2-
Methyl-5-(4’(S)-hydroxy-1’(R),5’-dimethylhex-5’-enyl)-phe-
nol 206 displayed fungicidal activity against Cladosporium
cucumernum on TLC assay
100
.
2(
2!C
2/
(
(/
/(
/(
2(
2!C
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/(
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The genus Commiphora Jacq. (= Balsamodendron
Kunth), natural order Burseraceae, has not been exten-
sively studied before. Myrrh is usually obtained from
C. abyssinica (Berg) Engl., C. molmol Engl. and C.
opobalsamum (L.). It has been found to consist of volatile
oils, mostly mono- and sesquiterpenes. The presence of
triterpenes has never been suggested.
C. pyracanthoides Engl. (= C. glandulosa Schinz), a
tree growing in the arid parts of Southern Africa, is rich
source of triterpene acids, both free and combined as
glycosides. Five free acids (comic acid A 212, B 213, C
214, D 215, and E 216) were isolated from the ethereal so-
lution of the resin
101
. In contrast, the resin from C. mukul
is completey devoid of triterpenoids.

#//(
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The structures of commic acid C (2β,3β-dihydroxy-
olean-12-ene-23-oic acid) 214 and commic acid D
(2β,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-ene-23-oic acid) 215 with two hy-
droxyl groups and one double bond from Commiphora
pyracanthoides Engl. were elucidated
102
.
Another communication concerns the structure of
comic acid E 216 (1β,2β,3β-trihydroxyurs-12-ene-23-
oic acid) with three hydroxyl groups from Commiphora
pyracanthoides Engl.
103
.
From the essential oil of C. guidotti, isolated by steam
distillation of the gum resin, seven sesquiterpene hydro-
carbons and one furanosesquiterpenoid, fuaranodiene,

18
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
were identified. The GC/MS revealed car-3-ene 97, α- 84
and β-santalene 88, epi-β-santalene 87, β-bergamotene 85,
β-farnesene 89, α- 99 and β-bisabolene 47, and furanodi-
ene 36 (ref.
104
).
The structures of three main compounds
– α-santalene, α-bisabolene and furanodiene – were con-
firmed, after their isolation with the help of HPLC in pure
form, by MS,
1
H-NMR and
13
C-NMR.
An ethyl acetate extract of a resin of Commiphora
guidottii Chiov. (scented myrrh, bissabol) gave after purifi-
cation on column packed with silica gel the pharmacologi-
cally active (smooth muscle relaxing effect) sesquiterpene
(+)-T-cadinol 69 (ref.
105
).
Ethyl acetate extract of scented myrrh (Commiphora
guidotti Chiov.) was purified by silica gel chromatography
and seven compounds were obtained. The major compo-
nent, T-cadinol 69, has previously been shown to possess
smooth muscle-relaxing properties. Between other isolat-
ed compounds, more polar sesquiterpenes, cadinanetriol
(4β,5α,10β-trihydroxycadinane) 217 and guaiane (6β,10β-
dihydroxy-4(15)-guaiene) 218 were new compounds. 3α-
Hydroxy-T-cadinol 219 and 3-oxo-T-cadinol 220 were
reported for the first time as natural products. Already
known isolated compounds were identified as (-)-oplo-
panone 221 and eudesme 222 (ref.
106
).
The smooth muscle
relaxing properties of all isolated compounds were 5–10
times less potent than that of T-cadinol (cadinanetriol
was inactive).
(/
/(
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It is concluded that the botanical origin of scented
myrrh – “bissa bol” (Hindi) or “hebbakhade” (Somali) – a
major article for export from Somalia since ancient times,
is Commiphora guidottii (Burseracae) and not C. erythraea
as generally has been presumed. The reasons for the previ-
ous confusion were discussed and an updated synonymy
and distribution map for C. guidottii was given
107
.
The mass spectra of previously isolated methyl com-
mates A to E 212–216 from Commiphora pyracanthoides
were illustrated
108
.
From hexane extract of the essential oil of Commiphora
abyssinica (Berg) Engler have been with the help of col-
umn and preparative chromatography isolated α-pinene
1, limonene 2, dipenthene, cuminaldehyde 3, cinnamalde-
hyde 4, eugenol 5, m-cresol 6, formic acid, acetic acid, pal-
mitic acid, nine sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (δ-elemene
41, β-elemene 39, α-copaene 53, β-bourbonene 44, germa-
crene D 60, caryophyllene 56, humulene 57, γ-cadinene
64 and δ-cadinene 65), the sesquiterpene alcohol (elem-
ol 42) and the furanosesquiterpenoids furanodiene 36,
furanodienone 18, isofuranogermacrene 13, curzerenone
17 and lindestrene 16 (ref.
109
).
A Bursera latex containing 6.5% steroid fraction (a)
was obtained from Commiphora abyssinica and separated
by column chromatography to give a, m. 144-6°, [α]
D
20
–37°, and a was acetylated to give a product, mp. 112°,
[α]
D
20
–45°. The mass spectrum of a shows the presence of
cholest-5-en-3β-ol 116 (b), [α]
D
20
-39°, ∆
5
-campestan-3β-ol
136 (c), [α]
D
20
-33°, and ∆
5
-sitostan-3β-ol 112 (d), [α]
D
20
-36°. NMR data for a were given. a contains 68 % b, 9 %
c, and 5 % d (ref.
110
).
The gum of Bdellium that was studied was African
in origin, produced by Commiphora africana. The Gal-
banum gum probably came from Ferula galbaniflua. The
former gum was more resistant to hydrolysis than the lat-
ter, contained more protein, and consumed more perio-
date during oxidation. In both instances galactose 27 and
arabinose 28 were resistant to oxidation, suggesting that
these sugars were involved in 1→3 linkages or branching at
position 3. The amount of HCOOH produced was higher
in the case of Bdellium gum, and suggested the oxidation
of terminal molecules and branching. The uronic acids
were galacturonic 220 and 4-methyl-glucuronic 224, the
latter predominating
111
.
(/
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The essential oils obtained from the leaves of Commi-
phora africana and Xylopia aethiopica from Benin were
analyzed by GC, GC/MS and
13
C-NMR. Leaf essential
oil of C. africana contained fairly high amounts of ses-
quiterpenes, among which α-oxobisabolene 225 was the
most important (61.6 %). X. aethiopica was characterized
by a high content of β-pinene 196 (34.9 %), elemol 42
(14.9 %) and α-pinene 1 (11.6 %)
112
.
The leaf essential oil
of X. aethiopica contained mainly sesquiterpenoid com-
pounds which amount to about 36.6 %.
The leaf oil of Commiphora africana, obtained by
hydrodistillation, has been analyzed by GC, GC/MS
coupling and
13
C-NMR spectroscopy (Table 5). The two
major compounds identified in the oil were α-oxobisabo-
lene 225 (61.6 %) and γ-bisabolene 100 (10.0 %)
113
.
The methanolic extract of bark of the plant Commi-
phora africana gave a homogenous product through chro-
matographic separation which after crystallization from
methanol furnished needles characterized as dimethyl-
terephthalene (benzene-1-dicarboxylic acid dimethylester)
229 on the basis of spectral analysis
114
.

19
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Table 5. Relative concentrations (%) of volatile components
of the leaf oil of Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl. from
Benin.
Compound Percentage
α-thujene 195
0.1
α-pinene 1
0.2
p-cymene 45 0.1
1,8-cineole 152 0.1
cyperene 226 0.4
β-caryophyllene 56
0.4
(Z)-β-farnesene 89
4.7
aromadendrene 58 1.5
α-humulene 57
0.2
ar-curcumene 101 3.5
germacrene D 60 0.5
β-selinene 38
0.4
β-bisabolene 47
3.1
(Z)-γ-bisabolene 100
10.0
spathulenol 227 0.2
α-bisabolol 228
4.0
α-oxobisabolene 225
61.6
ar-curcumene 101 3.5
(
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A heavily spined shrub or small tree found in Kenya,
Commiphora incisa Chiov. (syn. C. candidula Sprague),
exudes after injury a liguid, which quickly hardens and
formed resin becomes with age crystalline. An ether ex-
tract of this resin was prepared. On chromatographic
column packed with silica two aryltetralin lignans were
isolated. The first lignan appeared to be the known lignan
polygamain 230 [Hokanson G.C.: J. Nat. Prod. 42, 378
(1979)] previously reported from Polygala polygama Walt.
The second one, an isomer of the first one, was identified
as picropolygamain 200 (ref.
115
).
/
/
/
/
/
/


The resin of Commiphora incisa Choiv. (syn C.
candidula Sprague) collected in Kenya and extracted with
diethyl ether gave after purification on column with silica
gel two already known lignans (polygamain and picropoly-
gamain) and four triterpene deraivatives (mansumbinone
146, 3,4-seco-mansumbinoic acid 147, mansumbinol 201
and 16(S),20(R)-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-one) 202
(ref.
116
).
(It was later found to be C. kua.)
Authors referred, that about one half of the samples,
previously reported as Commiphora incisa has now been
identified as being of Commiphora kua (J. F. Royle)
Vollesen (?syn. C. flaviflora). Diethyl ether extracts of C.
incisa gave after chromatographic column minor com-
pound 1α-acetoxy-9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3β-ol 231 and
the major compound 29-norlanost-8,24-dien-1α,2α,3β-
triol 232 (ref.
117
).
(/
/!C
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

Commiphora rostrata grows in Kenya, Somalia and
Ethiopia. It is small tree up to 3 m height. The simple
leaves are edible. Gas chromatography revealed in the oil
from stem bark volatile resin at least 30 components, the
22 have been identified as: 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, 2-de-
canone (65 % in resin), 2-undecanone (24 %), 2-dodecan-
one (5 %), 2-tridecanone, 3-undecanone, 2-tetradecanone,
2-pentadecanone, 2-decanol, 2-undecanol, 2-dodecanol,
2,2-dimethylnonanol, 2,2-dimethyldecanol, 2,2-dimethyl-
undecanol, 2,2-dimethyldodecanol, tridecanal, tetradeca-
nal, pentadecanal, hexadecanal (1.5 %), heptadecanal and
octadecanal
118
. It seems probable that the volatile resin of
C. rostrata plays a role in defence against potential pests
and pathogens.
The major alkanone constituents of the resin of
Commiphora rostrata, 2-decanone and 2-undecanone, and
a series of structural analogues were bioassayed for their
repellency against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais
in olfactometric assays
119
. All the aliphatic ketones and
aldehydes showed comparable or greater activity than
the synthetic commercial insect repellent N,N-diethyl
toluamide (DEET). In the 2-alkanone series the C-8 and
C-9 compounds demonstrated significantly higher activity
than their shorter- and longer-chained congeners. Ana-
logues differing in the relative positions of the carbonyl
group, including aldehydes, showed a variable pattern of
repellency. Alkanols appeared to be mildly attractive to
the weevil. The results supported author’s previous sug-
gestion that the resin constituents may play an allomonal
role in the ecosystem where the plant thrives.
A new pentacyclic triterpene, 2α,3β,23-trihy-
droxyolean-12-ene 233, was isolated from the roots of
Commiphora merkeri
120
.
The compound has anti-inflam-
matory and analgesic activity.

20
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
(/
(/
/(

Extraction of the stem bark of Commiphora dalzielli
Hutch. (a shrub or small tree indigenous to Ghana) with
petroleum gave seven dammarane triterpenes. The two
compounds were identified as common lupeol 234 and
β-amyrin 211. Five of them were separated by column
chromatography with silica gel and circular preparative
thin-layer chromatography. After purification epilupeol
235, cabraleadiol 3-acetate 236, cabraleone 237, cabralea-
diol 238 and isofouquierone 239 (ref.
121
).
Both the acetate
and isofouquierone appear to be new compounds.
2 B/(
2 A/(
2
(
(
(
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/(
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/((
(
(
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In the essential oil of Commiphora quadricincta a
large number of the compounds were identified by GC-
MS and the following compounds with retention times of
authentic samples (Table 6). A significant number of the
compounds identified were terpenoids. Volatiles collected
before the rains were comparatively richer, particularly in
the more volatile fractions
122
.
Table 6. Compounds identified in the essential oil of C.
quadricincta (evidence by MS and retention time).
Compound
Before
rains
After
rains
α-pinene 1
+–
camphene 240 +–
β-pinene 196
++
o-xylene 241 –+
m-xylene 242 ++
p-xylene 243 –+
β-myrcene 244
+–
limonene 2 ++
α-phellandrene 148
+–
(E,E)2,4-nonadienal 245 ++
β-ocimene 26
++
4-carene 246 +–
styrene 247 –+
phenylacetaldehyde – +
α-ocimene 248
–+
p-cymene 45 ++
α-terpinolene 96
++
4-nonanone + –
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one 249 ++
3,4-dimethyl-octane + –
1-hexanol – +
nonanal + –
1-heptanol – +
α-cubebene 43
++
linalool 153 ++
copaene 53 ++
(Z)-β-farnesene 89
++
linalyl acetate 250 –+
caryophyllene 56 ++
(+)-aromadendrene 251 ++
alloaromadendrene 58 ++
(E)-β-farnesene
89
++
ledene 252 –+
γ-cadinene 64
++
β-cedrene 253
+–
α-farnesene 254
–+
α-guaiene 63
++
(E)-isoeugenol 255 +–

21
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Table 7. Composition of the essential oil in the oleo-resin
of Commiphora tenuis.
Compound Area %
α-thujene 195
8.94
α-pinene 1
60.84
camphene 240 0.26
sabinene 96 6.29
β-pinene 196
8.79
β-myrcene 61
1.80
3-carene 97 3.66
p-cymene 45 0.90
β-thujene 257
0.91
limonene 2 5.52
cis-β-ocimene 258
0.15
trans-β-ocimene 26
< 0.1
γ-terpinene 259
tr
α-pinene-epoxide 260
tr
α-thujone 261
tr
α-campholenal 262
tr
trans-verbenol 263 tr
verbenol 263 tr
pinocarvone 264 tr
p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol* 265 tr
p-mentha-1(7)-dien-8-ol* 266 tr
terpinen-4-ol 197 tr
p-cymen-8-ol 267 tr
myrtenal 268 tr
α-terpineol 46
tr
myrtenol 269 tr
bornyl acetate 151 tr
eucarvone 270 tr
copaene 53 0.26
β-bourbonene 44
tr
β-elemene 39
1.07
β-caryophyllene 56
< 0.1
humulene derivative tr
alloaromadendrene 58 tr
β-gurjunene 271
tr
β-selinene 38
tr
α-selinene 62
tr
α-muurolene 272
tr
δ-cadinene 65
tr
* = tentative identification


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/(
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An exudate from Commiphora tenuis was collected in
Ethiopia. After removal of the gum from the gum-resin and
column chromatography four free triterpenes. The main
triterpene was characterized as 3β-O-acetoxyolean-12-en-
28-oic acid 256 (ref.
123
).
After steam distillation the oil was
taken up in n-pentane and analyzed by GC and GC-MS.
Composition of the essential oil in the oleo-resin was as
follows (37 compounds were identified – Table 7).
#//(
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(/
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It was shown that several compounds which were
previously reported to occur in myrrh are not present
in true myrrh but originate from adulterant resins of
other Commiphora species. This is also the case of 2-
methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1(10),7,11-trien-6-one with

22
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff
stereochemistry as (1(10)E,2R
*
,4R
*
)-2-methoxy-8,12-epox-
ygermacra-1(10),7,11-trien-6-one 22 and furanodienone
with stereochemistry as (1(10)E,4E)-8,12-epoxygermacra-
1(10),4,7,11-tetraen-6-one 18 (ref.
124
). These compounds
are obtained from the resin of other Commiphora species,
namely C. sphaerocarpa, C. holtziana and C. kataf. In this
work both compounds were isolated from petrol extract
of the resin of C. sphaerocarpa and analyzed by X-ray
crystallography and NMR for stereochemistry (are given
13
C-NMR spectral data of furanodiene).
Very little is known about the chemistry of resins de-
rived from others than usually studied Commiphora spe-
cies, of which there are more than 50 in Ethiopia
125
.
Commiphora erlangeriana, occurring in Ethiopia and
Somalia is known as “dhunkal”. “Dhunkal” resin is toxic
to humans and animals. However, the fruits are edible and
sold in markets during rainy seasons. The powder resin
was extracted with a mixture of methanol – ethyl acetate.
After column chromatography four new lignans were
identified in extract, two of the polygamain-type, named
erlangerin A 273 (the most abundant compound – 41 %)
and erlangerin B 274, and two related to podophyllotoxin,
named erlangerin C 275 and erlangerin D 276 (ref.
126
).
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As the resin of Commiphora erlangeriana is known to
be poisonous to humans and animals and has traditionally
been used as an arrow poison, the recently found four er-
langerins (A to D) were studied for their toxicity to mam-
malian cells. Two human (HeLa and EAhy926) and two
murine (L929 and RAW 264.7) cell lines were used for
toxicity assays. As assessed by the MTT assay, the effects
of erlangerin C and D closely follow the activity profile of
podophyllotoxin: they induced a concentration-dependent
cytotoxicity in the murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7)
and a cytostatic effect in HeLa, EAhy926 and L929 cells.
In contrast, erlangerins A and B suppressed cell viability
at relatively higher concentrations (EC
50
values higher
than 3µM as compared with nM concentration range for
erlangerins C and D and podophyllotoxin) and their ac-
tivity appears to be consistent with a cytotoxic mode of
action in all cell lines studied
127
.
A new 5-methylchromone glycoside, named 7-O-meth-
ylaloeresin A (2-acetonyl-8-C-β-D[2'-O-(E)-4-hydroxycinna
moyl]glucopyranosyl-7-methoxy-5-methylchromone) 277,
was isolated from Commiphora socotrana (Burseraceae)
128
.
Its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic data (MS,
UV,
1
H- and
13
C-NMR).
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Volatile oils obtained by the steam distillation of aro-
matic resin with attractive odour from Boswellia neglecta,
Commiphora africana, Commiphora campestris and
Commiphora ogadensis have been examined by capillary
GC and GC/MS. In each case the volatile oils appeared
entirely monoterpenoid in constitution (Table 8). All four
oils were generally characterized by high concentration of
α-pinene 1. Other constituents that were important mark-
ers of individual species included α-thujene 195 (B. n., C.
a.), sabinene 96 (C. c.), myrcene 52, car-3-ene 97 (C. o.)
and p-cymene 45 (B. n., C. a.)
129
.
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Bioassay-guided fractionation of a crude extract from
Commiphora africana led to the isolation of the dihydro-
flavonol glucoside phellamurin 279 (ref.
130
).
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Samples of the liquid resin obtained spontaneously
on cutting the woody parts of Commiphora terebinthina
Vollesen (which occurs widely in northern Kenya and
southern Ethiopia) and Commiphora cyclophylla Chiov.
(occurs in southern Ethiopia) were examined. Both con-
sist primarily of monoterpene hydrocarbons (no oxygen-
ated derivatives were detected) with limonene 2 as the
major component; the resin from C. t. was richer in ses-
quiterpenes (Table 9)
131
.

23
Myrrh – Commiphora chemistry
Table 8. Concentration (%) ranges of 12 monoterpenes in
the volatile portion of the resins.
Terpene
C. africana C. campestris C. ogadensis
α-thujene 195
3.9–42.4 – 0–1.3
α-pinene 1
23.8–67.2 32.6–83.0 37.1–68.8
camphene 240 0–2.4 0–3.1 –
sabinene 96 0–10.4 1.0–37.3 0 – 1.0
β-pinene 196
4.2–12.1 2.8–9.7 1.1–2.3
myrcene 52 0–2.1 – 3.0–38.6
α-phellandrene
150
–* – –
car-3-ene 97 0–1.7 – 8.6–16.8
p-cymene 45 0–28.0 0–3.3 –
limonene 2 0–8.6 0–.8 2.6–2.7
terpinen-4-ol 197 0–13.1 0–14.4 –
verbenone 278 0–7.1 0–3.0 –
* Present in two West African samples from Bourkina Faso
Table 9. Relative concentrations (%) of volatile
components of the resins.
Compound
C. terebinthina C. cyclophylla
α-thujene 195
–11.9
α-pinene 1
5.7 12.0
sabinene 96 4.7 12.1
β-pinene 196
0.6 1.9
myrcene 52 1.4 2.0
decane 0.5 –
car-3-ene 97 0.5 1.8
limonene 2 50.4 46.9
δ-elemene 41
0.2 –
longipinene 280 0.8 –
α-cubebene 43
3.9 –
β-elemene 39
3.0 0.7
t-caryophyllene 56 1.4 0.1
β-cubebene 281
11.1 0.2
α-muurolene 272
3.7 –
δ-cadinene
65
1.6 –
published. The structure of the novel compound was de-
termined as 1,2-epoxyfurano-10(15)-germacren-6-one 283,
using spectrometric techniques. Some previous
13
C-NMR
assignments for the known compounds were corrected or
clarified
132
.
β-sitosterol 112, m.p. 138°, and cedrelone 282,
m.p. 203-4°, were isolated from hexane extracts of
Balsamodendron pubescens roots as well as a 4,7-dimeth-
oxy-5-methylcoumarin characterized as siderin 284
(ref.
133
). A novel synthesis of siderin and 6,8-dimethoxy-
4-methylcoumarin was given.
/
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The resin of Commiphora confusa afforded two new
dammarane triterpenes, (3R,20S)-3,20-dihydroxydammar-
24-ene 285 and (3R,20S)-3-acetoxy-20-hydroxydammar-24-
ene 286 along with the known triterpenes, cabraleadiol
3-acetate 236 and α-amyrin 287 (ref.
134
).
(/
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Color and precipitation reactions proved the pres-
ence of condensed tannins and these were detected for
the powdered bark and alcoholic extract of Commiphora
angolensis, respectively. An unsuccessful attempt was
made by using ascending paper chromatography to iden-
tify the phenolic compounds present. By elution of a
fraction separated on a thick paper chromatogram with
HCl-MeOH, ascending paper chromatography separated
petunidin 3-rhamnoglucoside 288 (buthanol – acetic acid
– water, BuOH – HCl and 1% HCl)
135
.
The resins from the African Burseraceae are important
items of commerce, as glues, tick repellents, medicinals
and perfumes. The content compounds of these resins
are not yet well identified. Three known – (1E)-3-meth-
oxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one 35, rel-2R-
methyl-5S-acetoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)Z-en-6-one 34
and (1(10)E,2R
*
,4R
*
)-2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-
1(10),7,11-trien-6-one 22 – and one novel furanoger-
macrenes have been isolated and identified from the
ethanolic extract of a resinous exudates (a commercial
sample) of Commiphora holtziana from Kenya. The struc-
ture of the known compounds was determinated by com-
parison of
1
H- and
13
C-NMR spectra with those already

24
L. O. Hanuš, T. Řezanka, V. M. Dembitsky, A. Moussaieff

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Seeds of Commiphora guillaumini Perr. tree were col-
lected at Madagascar. The frozen arils were ground and
extracted with cyclohexane. Supercritical fluid chromatog-
raphy – atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass
spectrometry was employed for the determination of the
lipid composition in the arils. From tri- and diacylglyc-
erols tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP), PPS, PPO, PPL, POS,
POO, PLO, LSS, POLn, OSS, OOS, OOO, OOL, OLL,
LLL, OP and OO (P = palmitoyl, S = stearoyl, O = ole-
oyl, L = linoleoyl, Ln = linolenoyl) were identified. From
identified triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols are possi-
ble all positional permutations, since it is not possible
to determine the positional isomers of the glycerols by
MS. The assigned structure represents one of the possible
positional permutations. The presence of the known ant
attractant 1,2-dioleoylglycerol in arils of the seeds of C.
guillaumini was confirmed
136
.
The steam distilled resin residue of Commiphora confuse
samples obtained from well identified trees (around Salt-
lik, Kenya) has yielded after acetone extraction and fol-
lowing column chromatography on silicagel four novel
dammarane triterpenes characterised as (20S)-3β-acetoxy-
12β,16β-trihydroxydammar-24-ene 289, (20S)12β,16β-
trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3β-O-β-glucopyranoside 290,
(20S)-3β-acetoxy-12β,16β,25-tetrahydroxydammar-23-ene
291, and (20S)-3β,12β,16β,25-pentahydroxydammar-23-ene
292. The known compounds β-amyrin 211, 3β-amyrinac-
etate, 2-methoxyfuranodienone, 2-acetoxyfuranodienone,
(20R)-3β-acetoxy-16β-dihydroxydammar-24-ene 293, 3β-
hydroxydammar-24-ene 294, 3β-acetoxydammar-24-ene
295, 3β-acetoxy-16β-hydroxydammar-24-ene 296, (20R)-
3β,16β-trihydroxydammar-24-ene 297, and β-sitosterol 112
were also isolated from the same extract. The structures
of the compounds were determined using spectroscopic,
physical, and chemical methods
137
.
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