Storax.-A balsam prepared from the inner bark of Liquidambar orientalis Miller (nat. ord. Hamamelaceae).

Habitat

Asia Minor.

Characters

A semi-liquid, gray, sticky, opaque mass, depositing on standing a heavier, dark-brown stratum; transparent in thin layers, and having an agreeable odor and a balsamic taste.

Solubility

Insoluble in water, but completely soluble in an equal weight of warm Alcohol.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Styrol, C8H8, or Cinna-mene, a volatile oil. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C9H8O2, colorless, odorless, crystalline; this can be oxidized to Benzoic Acid, and is also found in Cinnamon, and Balsams of Tolu and Peru. (3) Styracin, or Cinnamyl Cinnamate, C9H7(C9H9)O2. (4) Phenylpropyl Cinnamate, C9H7(C9H17)O2. (5) Ethyl Cinnamate, C9H7 (C2H5)O2. (6) Storesin, C36H58O3, in considerable quantity. (7) Vanillin, having a fragrant odor.

Storax is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita.

Dose, 5 to 20 gr.; .30 to 1.20 gm.

Action And Therapeutics Of Storax

Storax has the same action as balsams of Tolu and Peru and benzoin, and may be employed for the same purposes. It is not often given internally except in the compound tincture of benzoin. Mixed with an equal part of olive oil it may be used to kill the Sarcoptes scabiei and pediculi.