説明
Bulnesia sarmienti Lor. is a wild tree 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft.) high,
widespread in the woods of Argentina and in the Gran Chaco area
of Paraguay. This variety yields the true guaiac, Guaiacum officinale
L., also a tree native to tropical America (Caribbean Islands),
grows wild or cultivated in Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba, and Colombia.
This variety yields a resinous substance from which a tincture
is prepared. The wood and sawdust from the tree are the parts
used. Guaiac has a soft, pleasant, rose-like odor reminiscent of tea
roses.
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of chipped wood
of B. sormienti in approximately 3% yields. It is a thick, viscous,
orange-brown mass with a woody, rose-like odor reminiscent of
tea rose. Sometimes the oil exhibits a smoky note. The main
constituent of the oil, also known as champaca wood oil, is guaiol,
a sesquiterpene alcohol (85%).
The derivatives are fluid extract, tincture (mainly from G. officinale
L.). The tincture is generally a 10% solution in 60% ethanol. The
fluid extract is a reddish-brown liquid with a pleasant odor and
burning, bitter taste.
