Research Update:Myrrh,Commiphora Myrrha

  seminal trace...Myrrh Extract.Myrrh Powder,Commiphora Myrrha.Commiphora extract.CAS.NO.100084-96-6.84929-26-0;EINECS RN:284-510-0;Commiphora Myrrha extract.Commiphora erythraea, ext.Resin .commiphoric acids,gums,bitter principle...

 


   Phytochemical info of Myrrh,Commiphora Myrrha

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 Definition:Myrrh,Commiphora Myrrha are majorly composed of
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   Research Update:Myrrh,Commiphora Myrrha

  Hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitory activities of the herbal formulation Triphala guggulu.:J Biosci. 2007 Jun;32(4):755-61.

 Myrrh (guggulu) oleoresin from the Commiphora mukul tree is an important component of antiarthritic drugs in Ayurvedic medicine. Clinical data suggest that elevated levels of hyaluronidase and collagenase type 2 enzymes contribute significantly to cartilage degradation. Triphala guggulu (TG) is a guggulu-based formulation used for the treatment of arthritis. We assessed the chondroprotective potential of TG by examining its effects on the activities of pure hyaluronidase and collagenase type 2 enzymes. Triphala shodith guggulu (TSG), an intermediate in the production of TG, was also examined. A spectrophotometric method was used to assay Hyaluronidase activity, and to detect potential Hyaluronidase inhibitors. Aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of TSG showed weak but dose-dependent inhibition of hyaluronidase activity. In contrast, the TG formulation was 50 times more potent than the TSG extract with respect to hyaluronidase inhibitory activity. A validated X-ray film-based assay was used to measure the gelatinase activity of pure collagenase type 2. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of the TG formulation were 4 times more potent than TSG with respect to collagenase inhibitory activity. Components of Triphala were also evaluated for their inhibitory activities on hyaluronidase and collagenase. This is the first report to show that the T2 component of Triphala (T.chebula) is a highly potent hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitor. Thus, the TG formulation inhibits two major enzymes that can degrade cartilage matrix. Our study provides the first in vitro preclinical evidence of the chondroprotective properties of TG.

  Effect of Commiphora molmol on Bithynia connollyi with special reference to their morphology and medical importance.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2006 Aug;36(2):701-12.Shoukry NM.Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Education, Suez Canal University, Suez, Egypt.

 Morphological studies on B. connollyi dealt with the shell description, concerning colour, number of whorls, measurements, the correlation coefficient between shell shape and thickness, weight, length and width. Electrophoretic studies were carried out on snail's foot. Examination of B. connollyi showed a lot of gymnocephalus cercariae of liver fluke, Opisthorchis sp. Commiphora mohmol (Myrrh) has molluscicidal effect on B. connollyi at concentration (80 ppm) after 72 hr exposure. The mortality rate increased with the increasing the exposure time (death 100% at 72 hr. with 80 ppm & death 100% at 96 hr. with 40 ppm). Based on safety to man, animals and environment, C. molmol is highly recommended as a cheap herbal molluscicide.

  Effect of Commiphora molmol on adults, egg masses and egg-deposition of Biomphalaria arabica under laboratory conditions.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2006 Apr;36(1):305-14.Al-Mathal EM, Fouad MA.Department of Zoology, College of Science for Girls, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

 Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) has molluscicidal effect on Biomphalaria arabica snails at low concentration (40 ppm) after 48 hours exposure. The number of dead-snails increased with increasing the time of exposure. One day-old egg masses were more susceptible (death 100% with 80ppm) to the ovicidal effect of C. molmol than the five-day old ones (Death 95% with 80ppm). However, the eggs were more resistant to the C. molmol effect than the adult snails, embryogenesis began to stop at 20 ppm and eggs were all killed at 60 & 80 ppm. B. arabica fecundity decreased at 1 ppm. Based on safety to man and animals, C. molmol is recommended as a safe molluscidide.

  Protection by turmeric and myrrh against liver oxidative damage and genotoxicity induced by lead acetate in mice.:Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2006 Jan;98(1):32-7.El-Ashmawy IM, Ashry KM, El-Nahas AF, Salama OM.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria Univerity Research Development, Alexandria, Egypt.

 The effects of lead acetate in the diet (0.5% w/w) on reduced GSH, activity of phase II metabolizing enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate and bone marrow chromosomes of mice simultaneously supplemented with powdered turmeric and myrrh for 8 weeks were investigated. Five groups of Swiss male albino mice, each of 30 mice, the first group received a basal diet and served as negative control, the second group received basal diet supplemented with lead acetate only and served as positive control. The other three groups received basal diet supplemented with lead acetate and 1% or 5% turmeric powder and 1% myrrh powder, respectively. Results revealed a significant decrease in the amount of GSH in all treated groups compared with negative control. Also, the activity of GSH S-transferase was significantly decreased in positive control compared with other groups. However, co-administration of the protective plants resulted in a significant increase in the activity of GST compared with both positive and negative control groups. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in positive control alone, while co-treatment with the protective plants resulted in reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation by 31% and 49% in mice receiving 1% and 5% turmeric powder respectively and 45% in 1% myrrh treated when compared with their respective positive control group. Lead genotoxicity was confirmed through significant reduction in the number of dividing cells, increased total number of aberrant cells and increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations. Simultaneous treatment with these plants significantly reduced the genotoxicity induced by lead administration and the powerful protection was observed with 5% powdered turmeric. It may be concluded that turmeric and myrrh are useful herbal remedies, especially for controlling oxidative damages and genotoxicity induced by lead acetate intoxication.

  Efficacy of Citrus reticulata and Mirazid in treatment of Schistosoma mansoni.:Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2005 Nov;100(7):771-8. Epub 2006 Jan 9.Hamed MA, Hetta MH.Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. manal_hamed@yahoo.com

 This work has been carried out to investigate the effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on mice livers after treatment with the ethanolic extract of Citrus reticulata root or the oleo-resin extract from Myrrh of Commiphora molmol tree (Mirazid), as a new antishistosomal drug. Marker enzymes for different cell organelles were measured; succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes; glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase); acid phosphatase (AP) and 5'- nucleotidase. Liver function enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also estimated. Parasitological studies through ova count and worm burden will also be taken into consideration. The results showed a marked reduction in SDH, LDH, AST, and ALT enzyme activities and a significant increase in G-6-Pase, AP, 5'- nucleotidase, and ALP after S. mansoni infection. A noticeable alteration in LDH subunits were also noticed. Treatment with C. reticulata or Mirazid improved all the previous enzyme activities with a noticeable reduction in ova count and worm burden.


  Effect of Mirazid (Commiphora molmol) on experimental heterophyidiasis.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2005 Dec;35(3):1037-50.Fathy FM, Salama O, Massoud AM. Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria.

 Mirazid (MZ), an oleo-resin extract derived from Myrrh was reported in several experimental and clinical trails to be safe and effective against other trematodes like schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. This experimental work aimed at investigating the possible efficacy of MZ against heterophyids (Pygidiopsis genata), using praziquantel as a therapeutic control. Results showed that MZ in emulsion form is a promising drug for the treatment of heterophyidiasis, as proved by significant reduction of worm count, overt surface tegumental changes like deformity and erosion of tegumental spines observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effective dose regimen was 500 mg/kg/d for 3 successive days, produced 100% reduction in worm load. The proved efficacy of the drug, together with reported low toxicity, relative to praziquantel, favours its use as a natural new alternative therapy for the treatment of human heterophyidiasis.

  Light microscopic study of the effect of new antischistosmal drug (myrrh extract) on the liver of mice.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2005 Dec;35(3):971-88.Massoud AM, el Ebiary FH, Ibrahim SH.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

 The efficacy of purified oleo-resin extract of myrrh derived from Commiphora molmol tree, (known as Mirazid) was studied against an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni in mice. Seventy adult male mice were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: G.I: consisted of control noninfected nontreated mice. G.II: comprised the noninfected treated mice and was subdivided into two subgroups, subgroup II-A: included mice which received Myrrh extract dissolved in cremophore EL and subgroup II-B: included mice which were treated with cremophore EL. G.III: consisted of the infected nontreated animals and G.IV: included infected mice which were treated with myrrh extract. The drug was given 8 weeks post infection in a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 successive days. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. Liver paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H&E, Masson's Trichrome stain, PAS stain and Wilder's technique. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of the granulomas. Area percentage of the total collagen content around central veins as well as in portal areas was also estimated. The livers of the animals in G.II which received either myrrh extract (subgroup II-A) or cremophore EL (subgroup II-B) showed a more or less normal histological profile when compared to G.I (noninfected-nontreated group). G.IV (Infected treated G.) showed complete preservation of the hepatic architecture. Most of the hepatocytes appeared almost normal. The reticular network in the central part of the granulomas as well as in the portal tracts appeared rarefied. The hepatic reticular network was preserved. A significant decrease in the number and size of granulomas with significant reduction in the collagen content deposition in portal tracts and around central veins was detected when compared to G.III (infected nontreated mice). The data of this study proved the efficacy of myrrh as a promising antischistosomal drug.

  Chemical composition of the essential oil and supercritical CO2 extract of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. and of Acorus calamus L.:J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Oct 5;53(20):7939-43.Marongiu B, Piras A, Porcedda S, Scorciapino A.Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universit¨¤ degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554, km 4,500 09042, Cagliari, Italy. manrob@unica.it

 Volatile concentrates from the oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. and from the rhizomes of Acorus calamus were isolated by supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide. The volatile oil of myrrh was obtained at 9.0 MPa and 50 degrees C and at a CO2 flow of 1.5 kg/h. Acorus calamus was extracted at 9.0 MPa and 45 degrees C and at a CO2 flow of 1.6 kg/h. In both cases, an oil devoid of cuticular waxes was obtained with a single depressurization stage. The SFE myrrh oil had a yield, Y, of 3.2%. Its main components, identified and quantified by GC/MS, were furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, 34.9%; lindestrene, 12.9%; curzerene, 8.5%; and germacrone, 5.8%. The essential oils from the same starting material by hydrodistillation, HD, (Y = 2.8%) and by steam distillation, SD, (Y = 0.4%) were quite similar to the SFE extract. The main components of the SFE oil of A. calamus (Y = 3.5%) were acorenone, 13.4%; iso-acorone, 11.6%; (Z)-sesquilavandulol, 11.0%; dehydroxy isocalamendiol, 7.7%; and beta-asarone, 5.5%. The comparison with hydrodistilled (Y = 1.8%) and steam distilled (Y = 1.0%) oils revealed large differences in the content of iso-acorone and crypto-acorone.

  Myrrh--Commiphora chemistry.:Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2005 Jun;149(1):3-27. Review.Hanus LO, Rezanka T, Dembitsky VM, Moussaieff A.Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Hebrew University, Ein Kerem Campus, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. lumir@cc.huji.ac.il

 Myrrh and opopanax has been used throughout history in incense and as a perfume. Since Bible times it has been used for the treatment of wounds. The first attempts to identify content compounds were almost 100 years ago. In this review we discuss the present state of knowledge in the chemistry of substances of Commiphora spp.

  Acaricidal efficacy of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) on the fowl tick Argas persicus (Acari: Argasidae).:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2005 Aug;35(2):667-86.Massoud AM, Kutkat MA, Abdel Shafy S, El-Khateeb RM, Labib IM.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, El-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

 Five concentrations of purified extract of Myrrh from Commiphora molmol tree were prepared to study its effects on the fowl tick Argas persicus under laboratory conditions. The results revealed that Myrrh had dependant dose toxic effect on the adult female of A. persicus. Toxicity increased gradually daily post treatment. The LC50 was 1.28%, 0.88%, 0.84%, 0.50% and 0.42% at Ist, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 12th days respectively. At 12th day, the recorded mortality rates were 63, 67, 76, 87 and 94% for concentrations, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10%, respectively against 5% in control. Histopathological and Transmission election microscope (TEM) examinations showed the lysing of epithelial gut cells in treated groups. The lysed epithelial gut cells showed irregularly distributed nucleus, commonly at low concentrations and rarely in high concentrations of Myrrh. The lysed epithelial gut cells, without nucleus or with aggregated one beside the basal lamina, were common at high concentrations and rare in low concentrations of Myrrh. Consequently, Myrrh can rapidly penetrate the cuticle to body cavity, destroy the epithelial gut cells and finally cause the death of ticks.


  Compatibility of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails to infection with Schistosoma mansoni after exposure to sublethal concentrations of Myrrh.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Dec;34(3):995-1008.Massoud A, Metwally DM, Khalifa KE, Habib FS.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

 The effect of exposing B. alexandrina to sub-lethal dose (LC10 & LC20) of Myrrh, on its susceptibility to infection with S. mansoni miracidia were determined. Starting three weeks post miracidial exposure, cercarial shedding was monitored. No shedding of cercariae were observed from snails treated with LC20. In snails treated with LC10, longer prepatent cercarial and shorter cercarial production periods than those of control group were recorded. The number of infected snails and of shedding cercariae were decreased. The study revealed that sublethal values of myrrh decreased the compatibility of B. alexandrina to S. mansoni infection thus playing an important role in the control of schistosomiasis.

  Evaluation of myrrh (Mirazid) therapy in fascioliasis and intestinal schistosomiasis in children: immunological and parasitological study.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Dec;34(3):941-66.Soliman OE, El-Arman M, Abdul-Samie ER, El-Nemr HI, Massoud A.Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

 A total of 21 children with fascioliasis (8 males and 13 females) with mean age of 10.4 years, 8 children with schistosomiasis mansoni (6 males and 2 females) with mean age of 11.37 years were treated with Myrrh (Mirazid) which is an oleo-gum resin from the stem of Commiphora molmol tree (Family Burseraceae). Also, ten healthly cross matched children were utilized as controls. Diagnosis was based on the detection of Fasciola hepatica or Schistosoma mansoni eggs in stool by Kato-Katz technique. Mirazid was given as 10 mg/kg/d an hour before breakfast for 3 consecutive days in schistosomiasis and for 6 days in fascioliasis. Clinical evaluation and stool analysis were done initially and at 2, 4 and 12 weeks post treatment to evaluate cure. Rectal snip was done for responding schistosomiasis cases to confirm recovery. Automated complete blood count with manual assessment of eosinophils, serum total IgE (enzyme immunoassay) and in vitro cytokines assay (IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-5) by ELISA were performed for all subjects before treatment and repeated 12 weeks only for patients after therapy. Parasitologic cure was 90.9% in fascioliasis and 100% in schistosomiasis at 4 weeks post treatment. After a second dose Fasciola patients who remained positive were cured. Total IgE was significantly higher in Fasciola and Schistosoma patients before treatment compared to control (p < 0.001; 0.005 respectively) and decreased significantly with therapy (p = 0.001; 0.036). IL-1beta was higher in both patient groups than control (p < 0.001; 0.003) and decreased significantly 12 weeks after therapy to control level (p < 0.001; 0.017). IL-5 was high before treatment in both groups (p = 0.041; 0.027) and decreased significantly after 12 weeks after therapy (p = 0.005; 0.012). IL-4 did not differ from control before therapy (p = 0.58; 0.79) but increased significantly after treatment in both patient groups (p = 0.04; 0.02). It is concluded that Mirazid is an effective fasciolicidal and schistosomicidal drug. IL-1beta and IL5 were high in fascioliasis and schistosomiasis, but decreased with therapy denoting immunopathogenesis. The depressed IL-4 production may be a parasite immune evasion or host regulatory mechanism and cytokines levels may be criteria of cure.

  Clinical trial of Mirazid in treatment of human fascioliasis, Ezbet El-Bakly (Tamyia Center) Al-Fayoum Governorate.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Dec;34(3):807-18.Abo-Madyan AA, Morsy TA, Motawea SM, Morsy AT.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

 A field survey was done in Ezbet El-Bakly, Al-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt to assess the efficacy and safety of Mirazid in the treatment of human fascioliasis. Among 1019 individuals examined for parasitosis, the prevalence of fascioliasis was 1.7% and the geometric mean egg count (GMEC) was 33.2 eggs/gram stools. About 23.5% of the fascioliasis patients were asymptomatic. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal dis\tension and flatulence (76.5%), right hypochondrial pain (17.6%) and epigastric pain (17.6%). The most prevalent signs were pallor (52.9%,), tender right hypochondrium (23.5%) and tinge of jaundice (17.6%). All cases were treated by Mirazid as two capsules (600 mg) on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for six consecutive days and followed up clinically and parasitologically. The parasitological cure rate, two and three months after treatment was 88.2% and 94.1% with an overt clinical cure without any side-effects. The cases not completely responding to a single course of treatment showed a marked reduction of the egg intensity. It was concluded that Mirazid (or Myrrh extract of Commiphora molmol) is safe and effective in the treatment of human fascioliasis under the field conditions.

  Efficacy of Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) against sheep naturally infected with monieziasis expansa in Al-Santa Center, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Dec;34(3):775-82. Haridy FM, Dawoud HA, Morsy TA.The Egyptian Organization For Veterinary Services Cairo, Egypt.

 The efficacy of Commiphora molmol or Myrrh (Mirazid) was evaluated in treating sheep naturally infected with Moniezia expansa. Total doses of one, two or three capsules (300 mg each) were given for one, two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight successive days on an empty stomach an hour before offering their breakfast. Every day the stools of the three groups were examined microscopically and macroscopically for eggs and/or gravid segments. When the stool was negative, the treatment was stopped. That sheep group was examined macroscopically after being slaughtered for adult worms in intestine. A total dose of 3600 mg given as three capsules per days for four days gave a cure rate of 100.0% with no clinical side effects. A dose of 4800 mg given as two capsules per day for eight days gave a cure rate of 100.0% with no clinical side effects. On the other hand, a total dose of 2400 given as one capsule per day for eight days gave a cure rate 40.0%. Consequently, Myrrh extract of the medicinal plant, Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) proved to be safe and very effective in sheep monieziasis expansa.

  Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) in treatment of human and sheep dicrocoeliasis dendriticum in Saudi Arabia.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Aug;34(2):713-20.Al-Mathal EM, Fouad MA.Department of Zoology, College of Science for Girls, Dammam, King Abdel-Aziz University, P.O. Box 80205, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. mathalem@hotmail.com

 Dicrocoeliasis dendriticum is now imposing itself as an animal and zoonotic helminthic disease in many Arabian countries. Myrrh extract of Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) successfully and safely treated clinically and parasitologically proven 18 human dicrocoeliasis dendriticum patients. The dose was 2 capsules (300 mg each) given on an empty stomach an hour before the breakfast for six successive days. Cure (100%) was achieved clinically and by stool analysis for two months follow up. Besides, fifteen sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum as proven parasitologically were successfully and safely treated with 2 capsules (300 mg each) on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for four successive days. Cure (100%) was successfully achieved by stool analysis for seven days and macroscopically for detection of any adult worm after being slaughtered. The total dose required to treat infected sheep (2400 mg) was less than that required for human treatment (3600 mg).


  Efficacy of Myrrh in the treatment of schistosomiasis (haematobium and mansoni) in Ezbet El-Bakly, Tamyia Center, El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Aug;34(2):423-46.Abo-Madyan AA, Morsy TA, Motawea SM.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

 Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in Egypt, despite the continuous control effort. Most of the anti-schistosomal drugs have deleterious side effects or low efficacy. This necessitates a search for new safe and effective drug. A field survey was done in Ezbet El-Bakly (Tamyia Center) El-Fayoum Governorate to determine the magnitude of schistosomiasis haematobium and mansoni and to evaluate the efficacy of Mirazid (the oleo-resin extract from Myrrh of Commiphora molmol tree, family: Burseraceae) in the treatment of both types of schistosomiasis. Among the 1019 individuals parasitologically examined, the prevalence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni were 4.2% and 2.4% respectively and the geometric mean egg count (GMEC) were 33.2 eggs/10 ml urine and 113.3 eggs/gram stools. Most of the patients with haematobiasis and mansoniasis were <15 years (56.4% & 53.8%), males (56.4% & 53.8%) & illiterates (46.2% & 46.2%). All cases were treated by Myrrh (Mirazid) as two capsules (600 mg) on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for six consecutive days and were followed up clinically and parasitologically by urine analysis by the sedimentation and nucleopore techniques and by hatching test and by stool analysis by sedimentation and Kato-Katz techniques and by hatching test. The parasitological cure rate after three months was 97.4% and 96.2% for S. haematobium and S. mansoni cases with the marvelous clinical cure without any side-effects. Patients not completely responded to a single course of treatment showed marked reduction of egg intensity. It is concluded that Mirazid proved to be safe and very effective in treatment of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections under field conditions.

  Study of some immune aspects in patients with fascioliasis before and after Chommiphora molmol (Mirazid) treatment.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Apr;34(1):315-32.Massoud AM, El-Kholy NM, El-Shennawy FA, Farag RE.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Nast City, Cairo, Egypt.

 This study was planned to evaluate the in vitro production of IL-1 beta and IL-4 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and total IgE in patients with fascioliasis before and 3 months after treatment with purified extract of myrrh from Commiphora molmol tree (Mirazid), to determine the role of these variables in immunopathogenesis of the disease in relation to this new drug. The study was carried out in Departments of Tropical Medicine, Al-Azhar University Hospitals in the period from March 2002 to November 2003. A total of 35 patients with chronic fascioliasis with age range from 9-45 years in addition to 10 healthy subjects with matched age and sex serving as controls were studied. Serum IgE and in vitro IL-1 and IL-4 were estimated by enzyme immuno-assay (ELISA) before and 3 months after therapy. Results revealed significant increase in IL-1 beta in patients before treatment than control (p<0.001) but it decreased significantly after therapy (p<0.001) to reach the control level (p=0.16). In contrast, IL-4 was significantly lower than control before therapy (p=0.04) and increased significantly after treatment (p<0.001) to reach normal levels as control (p=0.59). Total IgE was significantly elevated in patients before treatment (p<0.001) and it did decrease significantly with treatment (p<0.001), although it remained significantly higher than the control level. In conclusion, Mirazid is an effective fasciolicidal drug. IL-1 may be involved in disease immunopathogenesis and the depressed IL-4 may be a phenomenon of parasite immune suppression. Complete decline of total IgE is not an early criterion of cure.

  Effect of myrrh extract on the liver of normal and bilharzially infected mice. An ultrastructural study.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2004 Apr;34(1):1-21.Massoud AM, El Ebiary FH, Abd El Salam NF.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City.

 In the present work, the efficacy of purified oloe-resin extract of myrrh derived from Commiphora molmol tree (commercially known as Mirazid) as a new, natural antischistosomal drug was investigated. The effect of myrrh on the ultrastructural profile of the non infected normal mice liver was also studied. Sixty male mice were used throughout this work and they were divided into 3 main groups (20 animals each): group I, non infected control animals, group II, infected animals and group III, infected animals treated with myrrh extract 8 weeks post infection (500 mg/kg body weight). The drug was given orally on an empty stomach after overnight fasting for five successive days. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks from the beginning of the experiment and small pieces of the liver were excised and prepared for ultrastructural study. The liver of the non infected animals which received myrrh extract (group IA) showed a more or less normal ultrastructural profile. Infected groups showed alterations of the ultrastructure of most of the hepatocytes with extensive intercellular fibrosis with abundant granulomas in the portal tract. In the infected treated group, most of the hepatocytes showed normal organelles with numerous microvilli extending into patent spaces of Disse. Marked reduction of granulomas in the portal areas and amelioration of intercellular fibrosis was also observed. On the basis of the observed results, it was concluded that myrrh extract has a promising antischistosomal non hepatotoxic activity.

  The effects of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) on the infected snails of Schistosoma sp. and their egg masses: effect on shedding of cercariae and on snail fecundity.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2003 Aug;33(2):585-96.Massoud AM, Habib FS.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt.

 Myrrh has molluscicidal effect on infected Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria alexandrina snails at low concentrations (10 & 20 ppm respectively) after 24 hours exposure. The number of dead-snails increased with prolongation of exposure time. All Schistosoma free cercariae were killed by 2.5 ppm within 15 minutes. One day-old egg masses were more susceptible to the ovicidal effect of Myrrh than the five-day old ones. Both types of eggs were more resistant to the effect of Myrrh than the adult snails, embryogenesis began to stop at 20 ppm and eggs were all killed at 60 & 80 ppm. Shedding of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni from infected B. alexandrina stopped at 1 ppm and was suppressed at 0.8 ppm. Snail fecundity decreased at 1 ppm.

  In vitro effect of Mirazid on Schistosoma mansoni worms.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2003 Dec;33(3):999-1008.Hassan M, El-Motaiem M, Afify H, Abaza B, El-Shafei M, Massoud AM.Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

 Measuring Mirazid ability for contracting the worm muscle and its effect on the worm surface ultra-structure can be used to monitor the in vitro effect of any drug. This study aims at investigating the actual effect of Mirazid (a new schistosomicide; purified oleo-resin extract of Myrrh, derived from Commiphora molmol plant) on S. mansoni worms by detecting its in vitro effect. Three groups of white albino mice (5 mice in each group) were infected by 100 cercariae for each mouse. The 3rd group served as a control group. Seven weeks post-infection the mice were sacrificed, perfused and worms were collected. Muscle tension of the worms collected from the first group of mice, was assayed in response to Mirazid in rising concentrations of 100, 200, 300 and 400 nM. The in vitro effect of Mirazid on the muscle tension of single S. mansoni worm was determined using a special device to determine percentage of change in worm length (% shortening). The drug elicited somatic muscle contraction and reached the highest response with 400 nM Mirazid. The maximal increase in the muscle tension (48% shortening) was induced by the highest concentration (400 nM) of the drug. The worms collected from the second group of mice were scanned by electron microscopy. The worms were exposed each to 10 ul of Mirazid in concentration of 10(-6) and collected after 10, 20 and 30 minutes of exposure. Ten minutes exposure caused disruption of the tegument and collapse of tubercles. After 20 minutes, the tegument appeared edematous with more disruption and more shrinkage of tubercles. After 30 minutes, the tegument appeared markedly edematous with extensive disruption of the inter-papillary areas and sensory bulbs. The spines covering the tubercles appeared to be lost.


  Efficacy of Mirazid (Commiphora molmol) against fascioliasis in Egyptian sheep.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2003 Dec;33(3):917-24.Haridy FM, El Garhy MF, Morsy TA.The Egyptian Organization For Veterinary Services, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.

 The efficacy of Mirazid (Commiphora molmol or Myrrh) was evaluated in sheep naturally infected with fascioliasis. Total doses of one or two capsules (300 mg each) were given for one, two or three successive days on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast. A total dose of 600 mg gave a cure rate of 83.3%, while a total dose of 900 to 1200 mg gave a complete cure rate (100%), with no clinical side effect. The cure rate was achieved by stool examination and/or macroscopically on slaughtering the sheep. Mirazid proved to be safe and very effective in sheep fascioliasis in Gharbia Governorate.

  In vitro cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of myrrh oil on human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells.:Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Jun;17(3):301-10.Tipton DA, Lyle B, Babich H, Dabbous MKh.Dental Research Center, Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 894 Union Avenue, TN 38163, Memphis, USA. dtipton@utmem.edu

 Limited scientific studies suggest that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. This study determined myrrh oil (MO) cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells and its effect, measured by ELISA, on interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by metabolic reduction of a tetrazolium salt to a formazan dye (MTT assay) and by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from membrane damaged (LDH release assay) cells, respectively. Based on the MTT assay, 24- and 48-h exposures to /=0.005%, maximally decreased viability of all cell lines. In the LDH release assay, exposure to /=0.0025% MO caused maximal cytotoxicity; /=0.0025% MO, probably reflective of loss of viability. At subtoxic MO levels (0.00001-0.001%), there was a significant reduction of IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production by fibroblasts, but not by epithelial cells.

  Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh.:Pharmazie. 2003 Mar;58(3):163-8. Review.El Ashry ES, Rashed N, Salama OM, Saleh A.Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. eelashry60@hotmail.com

 Occurrence, constituents and medicinal use of myrrh, obtained from the stem of different Commiphora species are reviewed. The constituents of the volatile oil, the resin and the gum are outlined in detail. Myrrh has considerable antimicrobial activity and is medicinally used in a variety of diseases.

  Fourier Transform-Raman spectroscopic study of natural resins of archaeological interest.:Biopolymers. 2002;67(2):129-41.Brody RH, Edwards HG, Pollard AM.Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. R.H.Brody@bradford.ac.uk

 Resins from several different genera are studied using Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy. Tree resins can be broadly divided into those that contain diterpenoid components and those that contain triterpenoid components. The diterpenoid resins analyzed are from the genera Pinus, Cedrus, and Agathis (kauri resin) and the triterpenoid resins examined are samples from Pistacia, Boswellia (frankincense), and Commiphora (myrrh) genera. A protocol is developed to nondestructively distinguish diterpenoid and triterpenoid resins and to differentiate the genera within the two types. The effects of oxidation on the discrimination of the FT-Raman spectra are considered.

  Furanosesquiterpenes from Commiphora sphaerocarpa and related adulterants of true myrrh.:Fitoterapia. 2002 Feb;73(1):48-55.Dekebo A, Dagne E, Sterner O.Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 30270, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 A new furanosesquiterpene, (1E)-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one (3), was isolated from the resin of Commiphora sphaerocarpa together with the known compounds curzerenone (1), furanodienone (2), (1E)-3-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1,7,10,11-tetraen-6-one (4), (1(10)E,2R*,4R*)-2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra- 1(10),7,11-trien-6-one (5), and dihydropyrocurzerenone (6). Hydrodistillates of the resins of C. sphaerocarpa, C. holtziana, C. kataf and C. myrrha were analysed. The identifications were aided by NMR, GC and GC-MS.


  A safe, effective, herbal antischistosomal therapy derived from myrrh.:Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2001 Dec;65(6):700-4.Sheir Z, Nasr AA, Massoud A, Salama O, Badra GA, El-Shennawy H, Hassan N, Hammad SM.Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Students' University Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.

 Schistosomiasis is a widespread helminthic disease. Treatment of schistosomiasis is based on chemotherapy with praziquantel, which is the drug of choice. Since resistance to praziquantel has been demonstrated, alternative drugs must be considered. Myrrh is an oleo-gum resin from the stem of the plant Commiphora molmol. This study was carried out on 204 patients with schistosomiasis. The drug was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight/day for three days, and induced a cure rate of 91.7%. Re-treatment of cases who did not respond with a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight/day for six days gave a cure rate of 76.5%, increasing the overall cure rate to 98.09%. The drug was well tolerated, and side effects were mild and transient. Twenty cases provided biopsy specimens six months after treatment and none of them showed living ova.

  Laboratory assessment of the molluscicidal activity of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) on Biomphalaria alexandrina, Bulinus truncatus and Lymnaea cailliaudi.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2001 Dec;31(3):683-90.Allam AF, el-Sayad MH, Khalil SS.Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt.

 The molluscicidal properties of the oil extract of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) were tested against Egyptian snail species: Biomphalaria alexandrina, Bulinus truncatus and Limnaea cailliaudi. The impact of the extract on the egg cluches of B. alexandrina and L. cailliaudi was also evaluated. Snails and their eggs were exposed for 24 and 48 hr at 22-26 degrees C to various concentrations of the extract. The results showed different susceptibilities B. alexandrina showed higher LD50 and LD90 (155, 195 ppm) than B. truncatus (50, 95 ppm) and L. cailliaudi (50, 85 ppm) after 24 hr exposure. 100% mortality was obtained for the egg cluches of B. alexandrina and L. cailliaudi at concentrations of 100 ppm and 75 ppm respectively. Lower concentrations were needed to obtain the same results after 48 hr. The present laboratory studies demonstrated that Myrrh has a molluscicidal effect on the snail intermediate hosts, particularly on their eggs. Field studies are recommended.

  Preliminary study of therapeutic efficacy of a new fasciolicidal drug derived from Commiphora molmol (myrrh).:Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2001 Aug;65(2):96-9.Massoud A, El Sisi S, Salama O, Massoud A.Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

 Myrrh (from the stem of the Commiphora molmol tree) is an oleo gum resin that may prove efficacious for the treatment of fascioliasis. We studied 7 patients who were passing Fasciola eggs in their stools and treated them with myrrh. The drug (a formulation consisting of 8 parts of resin and 3.5 parts of volatile oils, all extracted from myrrh) was given in a dose of 12 mg/kg per day for 6 consecutive days in the morning on an empty stomach. Patients were followed for 3 months. The therapy proved to be effective, with pronounced improvement of the general condition and amelioration of all symptoms and signs. A dramatic drop in the egg count was detected at the end of treatment. Eggs were no longer detectable in the feces 3 weeks after treatment and after a follow-up period of 3 months. High eosinophilic counts, elevated liver enzymes, and Fasciola antibody titers returned to nearly normal. No signs of toxicity or adverse effects were observed. We conclude that the formulation of myrrh is safe, well tolerated, and effective for treating fascioliasis.

  Biochemical changes of Culex pipiens larvae treated with oil and oleo-resin extracts of Myrrh Commiphora molmol.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2001 Aug;31(2):517-29.Massoud AM, Labib IM, Rady M.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, El-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

 The mosquitocidal plant extracts of the Myrrh, Commiphora molmol namely; oil and oleo-resin, were proved to demonstrate larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae. Oleo-resin was found to induce significant higher toxic action than oil. Solvent (cremophore EL) did not perform any toxic activity. The Impact of both oleo-resin and oil extracts on the protein profile of the treated larvae was evaluated in order to explain their mode of action. Electrophoretic analysis of total proteins, lipoproteins and glycoproteins revealed inhibitory action of the used plant extracts on the protein contents. Larvicidal activity of the oleo-resin and oil was explained as to be related to the loss of certain enzymes inhibited by these extracts which affect the metabolic processes.

  New triterpenes, myrrhanol A and myrrhanone A, from guggul-gum resins, and their potent anti-inflammatory effect on adjuvant-induced air-pouch granuloma of mice.:Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2001 Apr 23;11(8):985-9.

 Myrrhanol A, a new triterpene isolated from guggul (Balsamodendron or Commiphora mukul Hook.)-gum resin, displays a potent anti-inflammatory effect on exudative pouch fluid, angiogenesis, and granuloma weights in adjuvant-induced air-pouch granuloma of mice. Its effects were more marked than those of hydrocortisone and the 50% aqueous methanolic extract of the crude drug. Myrrhanol A is a plausible candidate for a potent anti-inflammatory agent.


  Efficacy of the botanical extract (myrrh), chemical insecticides and their combinations on the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis boisd (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae).:J Environ Sci Health B. 2000 May;35(3):347-56.Shonouda ML, Farrag RM, Salama OM.Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt.

 Effects of the botanical extract (myrrh), Commiphora molmol, and the sublethal treatments of profenofos/chlorofluazuron, fenvalerate and pyriproxyfen on the larvae of S. littoralis were investigated. The results showed that myrrh induced the highest activity after 7 days of treatment with concentration of 10000 ppm and the percentage of mortality reached 44.4%. The chemical insecticide profenofos/chlorofluazuron appeared to be the most effective treatment, giving a mortality of 54% after one day of treatment with a concentration of 100 ppm. Different treatments showed adverse effects on pupation, emerging adults and larval duration. The highest concentration of myrrh (10000 ppm) induced 35% pupation. No pupa was obtained with profenofos/chlorofluazuron while fenvalerate and pyriproxyfen gave 13.3% at 50 ppm. At 10000 ppm of myrrh, 25% adult was emerged, also fenvalerate and pyriproxyfen decreased the emerging moth to 13.3% at 50 ppm. For control there was no larval mortality at 7 days and the percentages of pupation and adult emergence were 90%. Bioassays were also conducted to test the joint action of myrrh applied in binary mixtures with each chemical insecticide on Spodoptera larvae. Results of the bioassay of mixtures indicated antagonistic effects on larval mortality. However, combination of myrrh with profenofos/chlorofluazuron showed additive effect. Also, the degree of pupation and emerging moth varied considerably when myrrh combined with the chemical insecticides. The present work shows the strong efficacy of the botanical extract (myrrh) which could be used alone or in combination with sublethal doses of certain insecticides to control the cotton leafworm.

  Larvicidal activity of Commiphora molmol against Culex pipiens and Aedes caspius larvae.:J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2000 Apr;30(1):101-15.Massoud AM, Labib IM.Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, El-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

 Myrrh (oleo-gum-resin) obtained from the stem of Commiphora molmol proved to have insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae. The oil extract of Myrrh possesses median lethal activity against 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens at 0.016 x 10(2), 0.17 x 10(2) & 1.6 x 10(2) g/l respectively. While LC50 against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes caspius was 0.2 x 10(2) g/l. The oleo-resin extract showed toxicity against 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar larvae of C. pipiens recording the LC50 values of 0.06 x 10(2), 0.09 x 10(2) & 0.5 x 10(2) g/l respectively. While LC50 against 3rd instar larvae of A. caspius was 0.08 x 10(2) g/l. This plant extract has no marked toxic effect against the water bug Sphaerodema urinator (Dufor) and the water beetle Hydaticus leander (Rossi). Histological examinations of Myrrh treated mosquito larvae showed great pathological effect on their fat, muscles, gut and nervous tissues.

  Minor components with smooth muscle relaxing properties from scented myrrh (Commiphora guidotti).:Planta Med. 1997 Jun;63(3):251-4.Andersson M, Bergendorff O, Shan R, Zygmunt P, Sterner O.Division of Organic Chemistry 2, Lund University, Sweden.

 All sesquiterpenes present in a sample of scented myrrh were isolated and characterised. Seven compounds, with cadinane, guaiane, oplopane, and eudesmane skeletons, were obtained, of which two are new and two are reported from a natural source for the first time. The major component, T-cadinol, has previously been shown to possess smooth muscle-relaxing properties, and the major purpose of the investigation was to compare the effects of the minor and more polar sesquiterpenes with that of T-cadinol in the rat aorta. Like T-cadinol, the minor sesquiterpenes are more efficient in reducing K(+)-induced contractions than those induced by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, however, they were all less potent than T-cadinol.

  T-cadinol: a pharmacologically active constituent of scented myrrh: introductory pharmacological characterization and high field 1H- and 13C-NMR data.:Planta Med. 1991 Aug;57(4):352-6. Claeson P, Andersson R, Samuelsson G.Department of Pharmacognosy, Uppsala University, Sweden.

 Fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract of scented myrrh (resin of Commiphora guidottii Chiov., Burseraceae), using the guinea pig ileum test to monitor pharmacological activity, resulted in isolation of the sesquiterpene (+)-T-cadinol. High field NMR spectroscopy yielded new detailed 1H- and 13C-NMR data for the compound. T-cadinol was shown to have a concentration-dependent smooth muscle relaxing effect on the isolated guinea pig ileum and a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cholera toxin-induced intestinal hypersecretion in mice.

  Constituents of the essential oil of myrrh.:Planta Med. 1982 Feb;44(2):87-90. German.Brieskorn CH, Noble P.Institut f¨¹r Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie der Universit?t W¨¹rzburg, Federal Republik of Germany.

 From the essential oil of myrrh, COMMIPHORA ABYSSIMICA (B ERG) E NGLER (Burseraceae) have been isolated: nine sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons, the sesquiterpene alcohol elemol and the furanosesquiterpenoids furanodiene, furanodienone, isofuranogermacrene, curzerenone and lindestrene.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Myrrh,Commiphora Myrrha