Benzoin
OTHER NAME(S): Baume Benjoin, Benjamin Tree, Benjoin de Sumatra, Benzoe, Benzoin Tree, Benzoïne, Gum Benjamin, Gum Benzoin, Haminjon Toba, Loban, Lohban, Palembang Benzoin, Siam Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin, Styrax benzoin, Styrax tonkinensis, Styrax paralleloneurum, Benjuí, Benjoin
Overview
Benzoin is the sap (gum resin) that comes from cuts in the trunk of trees that belong to the Styrax family.
Benzoin is used on the skin for ulcers, bed sores (pressure ulcers), cracked skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Benzoin is used in small quantities in foods as a flavoring.
There is some evidence that benzoin might act as a skin protectant and may also help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.
There is some evidence that benzoin might act as a skin protectant and may also help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Canker sores.
- Common cold.
- Cough.
- Cracked skin.
- Croup.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
- Cold sores (herpes labialis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the voice box (laryngitis).
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
- Sore throat.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of benzoin for these uses.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause skin rashes in some people.
When taken by mouth: Benzoin is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in medicinal amounts. Taking compound benzoin tincture accidentally by mouth has caused stomach bleeding.
When inhaled: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled with the steam from hot water.
Precautions
When applied to the skin: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause skin rashes in some people.
When taken by mouth: Benzoin is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in medicinal amounts. Taking compound benzoin tincture accidentally by mouth has caused stomach bleeding.
When inhaled: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled with the steam from hot water.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if benzoin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Benzoin overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of benzoin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for benzoin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Robbers JE, Speedie MK, Tyler VE. Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
- Gennaro A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 19th ed. Lippincott: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Williamson EM, Evans FJ, eds. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: CW Daniel Company Ltd., 1998.
- Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 172 -- Food additives permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.510
- Parmar RC, Patel DM, Patel MV, et al. Medicated adhesive dressing is a safe and non-inferior cutaneous seal as compared to compound tincture benzoin dermal seal for percutaneous interventions. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(7):2384-8.