A balsam obtained from Toluifera Balsa-mum Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosae).

Habitat

Venezuela and New Granada.

Characters

A yellowish-brown, semi-fluid or nearly solid mass, becoming more brittle when exposed to cold, transparent in thin layers, having an agreeable odor recalling that of Vanilla, but distinct from it, and a mild, aromatic taste.

Solubility

Readily and completely soluble in Alcohol. Also completely soluble in Chloroform, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies; almost completely soluble in Ether, but nearly insoluble in water, Benzin, or Carbon Disulphide.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Toluene, C10H16, 1 per cent., a thin, colorless, aromatic oil. (2) Benzylic Benzoate, C7H6(C7H7)O2, a colorless, aromatic oil. (3) Benzylic Cinnamate, C9H7(C7H7)O2. (4) Benzoic Acid, Hc7h5o2. (5) Cinnamic Acid, C9H8O2. (6) Resins.

Impurities

Turpentine, storax, sweet gum, and resins.

Balsam of Tolu is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita.

Dose, 10 to 30 m.; .60 to 2.00 c.c.

Preparations

1. Syrupus Tolutanus. - Syrup of Tolu. Balsam of Tolu, 10; Alcohol, 50; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50; Sugar, 850; Water to 1000. By solution and filtration.

Dose, 1/2 to 1 fl. oz.; 15. to 30. c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Balsam Of Tolu

Although it has an action in all respects similar to that of balsam of Peru, it is only used as an expectorant in cough mixtures.