Benzoin resin/ˈbɛnzoʊ.ɪn/ orbenzoin, orbenjamin (corrupted pronunciation)[1] is abalsamicresin obtained from thebark of several species of trees in the genusStyrax. It is used in perfumes and some kinds ofincense and as aflavoring and medicine (seetincture of benzoin). It is distinct from the chemical compoundbenzoin, which is ultimately derived chemically from benzoin resin; the primary active ingredient of benzoin resin is actuallybenzoic acid, not benzoin.
Benzoin is sometimes calledgum benzoin orgum benjamin,[2] and in IndiaSambrani orloban, though loban is, viaArabiclubān, a generic term forfrankincense-type incense, e.g., fragrant tree resin.[3][4] The syllable "benz" ultimately derives from the Arabic lubān jāwī (لبان جاوي, "frankincense from Java"). (mid 16th century: from Frenchbenjoin, based on Arabiclubānjāwī ‘incense of Java’.)
Benzoin is also calledstorax, not to be confused with thebalsam of the same name obtained from theAltingiaceae family.
Benzoin resin is a common ingredient inincense-making andperfumery because of its sweetvanilla-likearoma andfixative properties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of churchincense used inRussia and some otherEastern Orthodox Christian societies, as well asLatin Catholic churches.[5] Benzoin is used in theArabian Peninsula and Hindu temples ofIndia, where it is burned oncharcoal as an incense. It is also used in the production ofBakhoor (Arabic بخور - scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and theHorn of Africa. Benzoin is also used in blended types ofJapanese incense,Indian incense,Chinese incense (known as Anxi xiang; 安息香), andPapier d'Arménie as well as incense sticks.
There are two common kinds of benzoin, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra. Benzoin Siam is obtained fromStyrax tonkinensis, found acrossThailand,Laos,Cambodia, andVietnam. Benzoin Sumatra is obtained fromStyrax paralleloneurus (syn.Styrax sumatranus) andStyrax benzoin, which grows predominantly on the island ofSumatra.[6][7] Unlike Siamese benzoin, Sumatran benzoin containscinnamic acid in addition tobenzoic acid.[8] In the United States, Sumatra benzoin is used in pharmaceuticals and Siam benzoin is used as a flavouring agent and fragrance.[9]
In perfumery, benzoin is used as afixative, slowing the dispersion ofessential oils and other fragrance materials into the air.[7] Benzoin is used incosmetics, veterinary medicine, and scented candles.[8] It is used as aflavoring in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods,chewing gum, frozen dairy,gelatins,puddings, and soft candy.[10]
In anesthesia and surgery, it is used as an adhesive to secure wound and catheter dressing and is available as a sterile preparation.[11]
| Animal products | |
|---|---|
| |
| Edible plants / roots | |
| Mushrooms | |
| |
|
|
| Resins | |
| Sap / gum / etc. | |
| Other | |
| Related | |
