A Review on Commiphora Myyrha

In recent years more people throughout world are turning to use medicinal plant products in healthcare system. Worldwide need of alternative medicine has resulted in growth of natural product markets and interest in traditional systems of medicine. Herbal drug technology is used for converting botanicals materials into medicines, where standardization and quality control with proper integration of modern scientific techniques and traditional knowledge is important. [2] Thus it becomes necessary to evaluate the health claims of these agents and to develop standards of quality and manufacture. The herbal industry needs to follow strict guidelines and regulations are needed. Products from many species of Commiphora have been used for various purposes, sometimes as timber, building material, and natural fencing, but more often valued for the aromatic resins produced by several members of the genus. "Myrrh", the common name for these dried resins, is fragrant and has been used both as fragrance and for medicinal purposes (e.g., Balsam of Mecca, C. gileadensis. [3] The generic epithet is derived from Greek ‘kommis’ and ‘phora’ meaning gum bearer. [4] Myrrh has been used as an ingredient for perfumes, incense and cosmetics for thousands of years. According to ancient Greek legend, Greek soldiers carried myrrh with them to treat battle wounds. Myrrh oil is also considered the holy oil of the Jewish faith and is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament in the Bible. [5] This review article is written to gather as much information as possible on the drug Commiphora myrrha and its various species which has been published in various journals.