CAS: Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number
Background
Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam of Peru) is a dark brown, viscous, liquid mixture
derived from the Central American tree Myroxylon pereirae or Toluifera pereirae. It has a pleasant aromatic odor due to
cinnamein, an essential
oil containing cinnamic acid and vanillin.
Balsam of Peru contains 30 to 40% complex aromatic resins, many of unknown
composition. The remaining chemicals include cinnamic acid, cinnamic
alcohol, cinnamic
aldehyde, vanillin,
benzyl acetate, benzyl
alcohol, eugenol, isoeugenol,
benzyl benzoate, benzyl
cinnamate, benzoic
acid, coniferyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, farnesol, styracine,
and neroli oil.
Balsam of Peru is frequently used in standard screening patch-test
series as an indicator of fragrance
sensitivity since it detects up to 50% of fragrance allergies.
Many of the allergens found in fragrances are either ingredients of
balsam of Peru or chemically related.
Balsam of Peru is used in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavorings.
It has antifungal, antibacterial, and scabicidal activity. Although the
International Fragrance Association (IFRA) recommends that balsam of Peru
not be used as a fragrance ingredient because of its sensitizing potential,
it can still be found in eg. diaper products.
A positive patch-test to balsam of Peru is a marker for spice allergy.
Flare-ups of dermatitis in balsam of Peru-sensitive patients (stomatitis,
cheilitis, generalized or resistant anogenital or palmar and plantar dermatitis)
have occurred after the ingestion of spices. The peelings of citric fruit
contain essential oils that may cross-react with Balsam of Peru. Contact
allergies may also be found in backers (vanille, cinnamon) and dentists (eugenol).
Synonyms
Balsam of Peru
Balsam Peru
Balsamum peruvianim
Black balsam
China oil
Honduras balsam
Indian balsam
Peruvian balsam
Surinam balsam
Uses
Baby products, diaper powders and ointments
Cosmetics, fragrances
Flavors, pastries, cakes, soft drinks, wines, and liquours
Pharmaceuticals
Spices
Topical medications
Cross-Reactions
Balsam Tolu
Benzoates
Colophony
Cinnamates
Styrax
Benzoin
Tiger balm
Beeswax
Benzaldehyde
Benzylsalicylate
Coniferyl alcohol
Coumarin
Eugenol
Isoeugenol
Farnesol
Propanidid
Propolis
Diethylstilbesterol
Unusual Reactions
Contact urticaria
Erythema multiforme-like
Photoallergy
Phototoxic
Productkenmerken (Summary in
Dutch)
Perubalsem is een hars die wordt gewonnen uit de bast van de Myroxylon
pereirae, een Zuid-Amerikaanse boom. De hars werd vroeger gebruikt in
cosmetica en parfums. Het gebruik is sinds 2005 verboden voor cosmetica. Het mag
wel in gezuiverde vorm gebruikt worden (maximaal 0.4%). Het gaat dan om
een destillaat (perubalsemolie) of een extractie (perubalsem absolute).
Perubalsem bestaat uit vele verschillende stoffen; de samenstelling kan
wisselen. Belangrijke componenten zijn benzylbenzoaat, kaneelaldehyde en
verschillende andere cinnamaten (kaneelachtige stoffen). Perubalsem veroorzaakt
vaak contactallergie, bij circa 6% van de geteste mensen. De stof is opgenomen in
de Europese standaardreeks
en er is een patiëntenfolder
over allergie voor perubalsem. Wie allergisch reageert op perubalsem, reageert vaak ook op één of
meer parfumbestanddelen. Het wordt daarom gezien als een indicator voor een
parfumallergie. Ook kan zo iemand allergisch zijn voor stoffen die voorkomen in
de schil van citrusvruchten. Naast contactallergie komen ook niet-allergische reacties
voor (roodheid, jeuk,
zwelling).
Allergeen testsubstantie: Balsam of Peru 25% Van
der Bend E0008 (Europese standaardreeks)
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References
1.
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Rudzki E, Grzywa Z. Immediate reactions to balsam of Peru,
cassia oil and ethyl vanillin. Contact Dermatitis 1976;2(6):360-361.
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Forsbeck M, Skog
E. Immediate reactions to patch tests with
balsam of Peru. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3(4):201-205.
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Temesvari
E. et al. Contact urticaria provoked by balsam of
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Lynde CW, Mitchell JC,
Patch testing with balsam of Peru and
fragrance mix. Contact Dermatitis 1982;8(4):274-277.
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Veien
NK. et al., Oral challenge with balsam of Peru in patients
with eczema: a preliminary study. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9(1):75-76.
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Reduction of intake of balsams in patients
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WG. How to instruct patients sensitive to fragrances.
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14.
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AA. Perfume dermatitis in children sensitized to balsam
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13-06-2011
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