Styrax Praeparatus-Prepared Storax.-A balsam obtained from the bark of Liquidambar orientale. Purified by means of rectified spirit and straining.

Characters.-A semi-transparent brownish-yellow semi-fluid resin, of the consistence of thick honey, with a strong agreeable fragrance and aromatic bland taste. Heated in a test tube on the vapour bath, it becomes more liquid but gives off no moisture; boiled with solution of bichromate of potash and sulphuric acid it evolves the odour of hydride of benzoyl.

Composition.-Storax consists of a volatile oil, styrol, C8H8, cinnamic acid, cinnamate of cinnamic-oether (styracin), and various resins. Cinnamic acid, C9H902, which occurs also in the balsams of Peru and Tolu, is a colourless, odourless, crystalline body, closely allied to benzoic acid, being excreted in the urine partly as hippuric acid. Dose.-5 to 20 gr.

Storax is contained in: Tinctura Benzoini Composita-33 gr. in 1 fl.oz.

Action And Uses

Storax is a local and remote stimulant, antiseptic, and disinfectant, like benzoin and the balsams of Peru and Tolu. It is used for scabies and phthiriasis.