Chemical Properties
Styrax oil and styrax resinoid are obtained from styrax balsam, which is collected
fromthe artificially injured trees, Liquidambar orientalis Mill. (Turkey) and
Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Honduras) (Hamamelidaceae).
Styrax resinoid is a light gray to dark gray-brown, viscous liquid that is prepared
by solvent extraction. It has a sweet balsamic, slightly grass-like odor and is used
in perfumery as a fixative.
Steam distillation of the balsam gives styrax oil, a light yellow liquid that contains
a relatively large amount of cinnamic acid, which partially crystallizes.
Styrax oil has a sweet, balsamic odor with a styrene-like top note. It is used in perfumery
in floral compositions. Styrax products are produced only on a very small scale.
Chemical Properties
The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the crude resin in approximately 0.5 to 1.0% yields. The oil has a balsamic, sweet, slightly spicy odor. Based on the source, the oils are categorized as Asian (levant oil) storax (L. orientalis) and American storax (L. styraciflua).
Physical properties
Both the oils are colorless to pale-yellow liquids.
Occurrence
Storax is a tree found in Turkey.
Uses
Traditionally, storax has been used in warm-mist vaporizers and as an expectorant. It is used as a diuretic and to treat diarrhea and sore throat. In addition, it is used in the furniture, cosmetic, and food industries. Externally, storax is used to treat wounds and ulcers.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Liquidambar orientalis or Liquidambar styraciflua, Hamamelidaceae.
Essential oil composition
The oil contains several chemicals, the major ones being terpinen-4-ol, α-pinene and sabinene.*
