The potential of triterpenoids as chemotaxonomic tools to identify and differentiate genuine, adulterated and archaeological balsams

Abstract

Plant exudates have been extensively used in the past for different applications related to their olfactory, physical or medical properties. Their identification in archaeological samples relies, notably, on the characterisation of chemotaxonomic molecular markers but is often hampered by the severe alteration of their typical genuine molecular signature due to ageing. Among these exudates, those recovered from Styrax, Liquidambar and Myroxylon tree species-defined as balsams-have been exploited in the past for their pleasant scent and medical properties. They are characterized by a large variety of aromatic compounds, especially of the cinnamate and benzoate series, which can be used to assess their botanical source. These compound series may, however, be subject to alteration over time during exposure to environmental conditions in the case of archaeological material. As a result, their reliability as chemotaxonomic markers to characterise and discriminate archaeological balsams is problematic and questionable. We have, therefore, carried out a comparative analysis of various balsams (Styrax officinalis, S. paralleloneurum, S. tonkinensis, Liquidambar styraciflua, L. orientalis and M. balsamum var. pereirae) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to search for more reliable solid lipid markers. The results revealed that, even in the case of extended alteration/removal of cinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives, a distinction between styrax, liquidambars, Peru and Tolu balsams remains possible based on the distribution of pentacyclic triterpenes. The predominance of

Molecular profiling of Peru Balsam reveals active ingredients responsible for its pharmaceutical properties

“…Some of the difference may also be due to variation of the plant material source. However, given the volatility and instability of the main constituents and the large age difference between the samples, at least some of the differences in composition are likely due to degradation processes (Courel et al 2019).…”

Contact Dermatitis From Gum Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and Gum Storax (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Mastisol-Allergic Patients

“…Although results of patch testing with gum mastic have rarely been published, patch testing with gum storax has been more widely performed. 23,24 The composition of gum storax (L. styraciflua), including its triterpenes 38 and volatile fraction, is considerably different from gum mastic. Ingredients identified in the volatile fraction of at least 2 of 3 reviewed studies [38][39][40] include cinnamyl cinnamate, 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, 3-phenylpropyl alcohol, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, styrene, benzyl cinnamate, β-pinene, acetophenone, p-ethylphenol, and α-cubenene.…”

24-Epibrassinolide Promotes Fatty Acid Accumulation and the Expression of Related Genes in Styrax tonkinensis Seeds

“…The flowers of S. tonkinensis are in strings with a light fragrance and can be used as medicine to relieve pain [ 14 ]. Its bark is the source of benzoin, which can be used as a flavoring agent and can produce incense, perfume, and medicine [ 15 , 16 ]. Previous research has indicated that the FA concentration in S. tonkinensis seeds is high, and the UFA concentration increases with seed development, while the saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentration decreases [ 17 , 18 ].…”