Synonyms:
Styrax, Prepared Styrax, Styrax Preparatus, Liquid Storax
Biological source:
Storax is the purified balsam obtained from the wounded trunk of Liquidambar orientalis Mill of the family I-Iammalidaceae.
Geographical source:
The plant grows in the forests of Asiatic Turkey, where the drug is collected and prepared.
Macroscopical and microscopical characters:
Storax is a grayish to brownish, semi-transparent viscous liquid or a semi-fluid substance. It usually contains some vegetable debris, including sclerenchymatous fibres. Storax possesses an agreeable, aromatic balsamic odour and a sharp pungent taste. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and carbon disulphide.
Chemical constituents:
Storax contains resin, cinnamic acid, esters of cinnamic acid, vanillin and styrene.
Uses:
Storax is a stimulant and antiseptic. Its uses are similar to those of Peru Balsam.