The bibliographic citations are derived from Medline databases through the National Library of Medicine.
Effects on inflammation and pain
Atta, A.H., Alkofahi, A. (1998). Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol, 60(2):117-24.
Summary: Myrrh
extract (Commiphora molmol) was found to have significant anti-inflammatory
and analgesic effects when used against induced, localized acute and
chronic inflammation in rodents. The authors concluded that the study affirmed
the traditional use of Myrrh for these conditions of pain and inflammation.
Tariq, M., Ageel, A.M., Al-Yahya, M.A., Mossa, J.S., Al-Said, M.S., Parmar, N.S. (1986). Anti-inflammatory activity of Commiphora molmol. Agents & Actions, 17(3-4):381-2.
Summary: Myrrh
extract (Commiphora molmol) significantly inhibited localized induced inflammation
in mice. The extract also exhibited significant anti-pyretic
(fever-reducing) activity in mice.
Dolara P, Luceri C, Ghelardini C, Monserrat C, Aiolli S, Luceri F, Lodovici M, Menichetti S, Romanelli MN (1996). Analgesic effects of myrrh. Nature, 379(6560):29.
Summary: A summary of this article will be available soon.
Delaveau P, Lallouette P, Tessier AM (1980). Stimulation of the phagocytic activity of R.E.S. by plant extracts. Planta Med, 40(1):49-54.
Summary: A summary of this article will be available soon.
Effects on gastric ulcers (internal use)
al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, Ahmed MM, Afzal M, Shah AH (1997). Gastric antiulcer and cytoprotective effect of Commiphora molmol in rats. J Ethnopharmacol, 55(2):141-50.
Summary: Extract
of Myrrh was investigated for its ability to protect the stomach lining against
laboratory-induced ulcers in rodents. The researchers found that
pre-treatment with Myrrh resulted in a dose-dependent protection against ulceration.
Effects on cancerous tumors (internal use by injection)
al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, Ahmed MM, Giangreco AB, Shah AH (1994). Anticarcinogenic effect of Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice. Chemotherapy, 40(5): 337-47.
Summary: The
ability of Myrrh extract to reduce tumors was explored. Myrrh compared favorably
with the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide in its cytotoxic
and anticarcinogenic potential. The researchers suggest that further studies
are warranted to explore its mode of action and safety for medicinal use in
cancer therapy.
Qureshi S, al-Harbi MM, Ahmed MM, Raza M, Giangreco AB, Shah AH. (1993). Evaluation of the genotoxic, cytotoxic, and antitumor properties of Commiphora molmol using normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell-bearing Swiss albino mice. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol, 33(2):130-8.
Summary: The
cytotoxic and antitumor activity of Myrrh extract compared favorably with the
common cytotoxic drug cyclophosphamide. Myrrh showed promising
nonmutagenic, antioxidative, and cytotoxic potential. It seems appropriate
to use in cancer therapy.
Effects on blood clots (used internally)
Olajide, O.A. (1999). Investigation of the effects of selected medicinal plants on experimental thrombosis. Phytother Res, 13(3): 231-2 .
Summary: Extract
of Myrrh showed significant antithrombotic activity against experimental thrombosis
in mice. The study warrants further investigation into using
Myrrh as an antithrombotic agent.
al-Awadi FM, Gumaa KA (1987). Studies on the activity of individual plants of an antidiabetic plant mixture. Acta Diabetol Lat, 24(1):37-41.
Summary: Five plants
used by Kuwaiti diabetics were studied in order to identify the active components.
The extracts of myrrh and aloe increased glucose tolerance
in rats. Nigella sativa seeds (Roman coriander), Gum olibanum (Frankincense),
and gum assafoetida had no effect on blood glucose.
al-Awadi F, Fatania H, Shamte U (1991). The effect of a plant mixture extract on liver gluconeogenesis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Res 18(4):163-8.
Summary: The authors
previously reported on the blood glucose lowering effect of a plant mixture
extract comprised of Nigella sativa (Roman coriander), Myrrh,
Gum Olibanum, Gum Asafoetida and Aloe. This study looked at the mechanism of
action of this mixture, and found that the mixture may
decrease the production of the precursors of glucose by the liver. The authors
suggested that the extracts may be a useful therapy in treating non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus.
Last updated 03.24.05
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