How It Works
Bottom Line: Myrrh has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.
Myrrh is an extract of a tree gum resin that has been used as a fragrance for centuries. It has also been used medicinally, and recent laboratory studies in animals have shown certain biological activities. Myrrh extracts have been found to protect against damage to the mucus lining of the stomach by substances such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol. Based on laboratory experiments, scientists think that myrrh extracts might have antioxidant properties and might stimulate the thyroid gland. Myrrh has also been able to reduce inflammation and fevers in lab mice. It may also have anti-cancer activity, based on experiments that have shown slowing of cancer growth in mice and isolated cancer cells. It is unknown, however, if these effects occur in humans.
Purported Uses
To treat asthma
Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation, but there is no proof from clinical trials that this effect occurs in humans.
To treat coughs
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat gastrointestinal disorders and indigestion
Myrrh extracts have been found to protect against damage to the mucus lining of the stomach, but there is no proof from clinical trials that myrrh can treat gastrointestinal disorders.
To reduce inflammation
Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation, but there is no proof from clinical trials that this effect occurs in humans.
Research Evidence
Almost no clinical trials have been performed using myrrh, so it is still unclear what its effects are in humans.
Warnings
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Do Not Take If
You are pregnant (Myrrh promotes menstruation and can cause miscarriage).
You are on diabetes therapy (Because myrrh can lower blood sugar levels, it might have additive effects).
You have sensitive skin (Topical myrrh products can cause irritation).
Side Effects
High doses of myrrh can affect heart rate.
Topical myrrh products can cause contact dermatitis (redness, swelling, and itching of the skin).
Scientific Name
Commiphora molmol
Common Name
Mo Yao, abyssinica, heerabol
Clinical Summary
The oleo gum resin obtained from species of
Commiphora. Myrrh, also known as "mur," is well known as a fragrance used in incense and perfumes. It is also used by folk-medicine practitioners for treating inflammatory conditions, stomach problems, asthma and other bronchial conditions
(6). Myrrh has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities in mice
(1). Sesquiterpenes, a constituent of the resin, have been shown to be potent inhibitors of certain cancers
(2) (3). Topical preparations containing myrrh are reported to cause contact dermatitis
(9).
Purported uses
- Asthma
- Cough
- GI disorders
- Indigestion
- Inflammation
Constituents
Volatile oils: Terpenes, sesquiterpenes, esters, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, cumic alcohol, eugenol, heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene, m-cresol, and cadinene
Resins: Alpha-, beta-, and gamma-compiphoric acids; commiphorinic acid; alpha- and beta-heerabomyrrhols; heeraboresene; commiferin; campesterol; beta-sitosterol; cholesterol; alpha-amyrone; and 3-epi-alpha-amyrin
Gum: Arabinose, galactose, xylose, and 4-o-methylglucuronic acid
(2)
Mechanism of Action
In animal studies, aqueous suspension of
C. molmol has been found to protect against gastric mucosal damage caused by NSAIDs and ethanol
(4).
C. molmol is thought to have free radical-scavenging, thyroid-stimulating and prostaglandin-inducing properties. These effects are caused by the increase in mucus production and increase in nucleic acid and non-protein sulfhydryl concentration.
C.molmol also inhibits the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice
(3). The cytotoxic activities appear to be as effective as cyclophosphamide in solid tumor-bearing mice. Results of one study reveal that the Na, K and Ca levels in cancer cells were reduced by treatment of
C. molmol, leading to inhibition of cellular proliferation and tumor growth
(2).
Warnings
Myrrh should not be used by pregnant women as it has abortifacient effects.
(5)
Contraindications
Patients who have sensitive skin should avoid topical products containing myrrh.
(9)
Adverse Reactions
Reported: High doses may affect heart rate
(5).
Topical preparations have been known to cause contact dermatitis
(9).
Herb-Drug Interactions
Diabetes therapy: Interaction with antidiabetic therapy is possible as hypoglycemic properties have been documented.
(7)
Lab Interactions
Reduced blood glucose levels
(7)
Literature Summary and Critique
A few studies conducted in Egypt have used Myrrh to treat tropical diseases, but no clinical trials have evaluated any other proposed use.
References
- Tariq M, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Commiphora molmol. Agents Actions 1986;17:381-2.
- Qureshi S, et al. 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 1993;33:130-8.
- al Harbi MM, et al. Anticarcinogenic effect of Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice. Chemotherapy 1994;40:337-47.
- al Harbi MM, et al. Gastric antiulcer and cytoprotective effect of Commiphora molmol in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;55:141-50.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3rd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.
- DerMarderosian A, editor. The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons; 1999.
- Barnes J, et al. Herbal Medicines. Second Ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2002.
- Gruenwald J, et al. PDR for Herbal medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale (NJ): Medical Economics Company; 1998.
- Lee TY, Lam TH. Allergic contact dermatitis due to a Chinese orthopaedic solution tieh ta yao gin. Contact Dermatitis 1993;28:89-90.
