Potential Benefits of Ambergris Beyond Perfume- Juniper Publishers
Juniper Publishers- Journal of Complementary medicine
Abstract
The aim of this review is to highlight the biological
source, chemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological effects and
traditional formulations of ambergris. It is a solid waxy disagreeable
odorous substance obtained from sperm whale. Ambergris is used to make
perfume. Chemically it contains ambrein, ambroxan, ambrinol, and
ambroxide. It is traditional used in treating general weakness,
epilepsy, typhoid, fever, hysteria and other nervous disorders or
afflictions. Its pharmacological activities are reported as cytotoxic,
aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic and antinociceptive activity. There number of
Indian traditional formulations is available for above treatment. There
are further studies and clinical trials should be conducted to support
its therapeutic uses.
Keywords: Ambergris; Pharmacological effects; Nervous disorders or afflictions; Antinociceptive activity; Cytotoxic; Sperm whaleIntroduction
Ambergris is a solid waxy substance originating in
the intestine of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Whales
excrete it through the mouth when it is too large to pass through the
digestive system. Fresh ambergris is black and soft and has a
disagreeable odour. Ambergris is utilized for medicines, potions and as a
spice. In Eastern culture and was used to stabilize the odor of
acceptable perfumes in the West. Chemically, ambergris contains
alkaloids, acids, and a specific compound called ambreine, which is
similar to cholesterol [1]. Ambergris is used to make perfume as it has a
smell similar to musk. Ambergris has been used for many years in the
perfume and medical industries to fix the odours of scents [2]. Paulus
Aegineta described that it was made recognized to pharmacy by the Arabs
as ambar in other bordering countries [3]. References to ambar as a
perfume are mentioned only in Sanskrit or Prakrit literature [4].
Ambergris is cited in a different way in Indian and other languages: -
Sanskrit - ambara, Hindi - amber, sugandh; Konkani - amber; Gujarathi -
ambara; Tamil - minumbar; Arabic - amber; Persian - musk amber;
Singalese - mus sumbra; Burmese - payan-anbhat; and so on [5].
Chemical Properties and Compositions
Ambergris is comparatively non-reactive to acid.
Ambrein (C30H52O) is white crystals of a terpene, is separated from
ambergris by heating raw ambergris in alcohol, then permitting the
resulting solution to cool. Breakdown of the relatively scentless
ambrein through oxidation produces ambroxan and ambrinol, the main odor
components of ambergris. Ambroxide (C16H28O) is identified by the brand
name Ambroxan, is a naturally arising terpenoid and one of the chief
constituent
responsible for the odor of ambergris. Ambroxan is an autoxidation
product of ambrein and is used in perfumery for producing ambergris
notes and as a fixative [6].
Traditional Uses
From early days, ambergris was a cherished material
in the East as a perfume and drug. It was utilized and suggested by
medieval apothecaries for its healing powers and the perfumers for its
scent. White law Ainslie (1826), has mentioned in “In Hindoostan”
Ambergris is primarily utilized as a scent; a drop or two of the spirit
mixed with a huge quantity of lavender water, accounting much to its
fragrance”. The Indian Materia medica listed this wonderful substance as
a stimulant and antispasmodic; it is used in treating general weakness,
epilepsy, typhoid, fever, hysteria and other nervous disorders or
afflictions, by the practitioners of the Ayurveda and Unani systems of
medicine, in combination with other medicinal herbs to treat the
above-said ailments [7].
Pharmacological Activities
Cytotoxic activity
The ambergris exhibits cytotoxic activities against
human liver carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, lung carcinoma and human
breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. The anti-inflammatory activities in
terms of the inhibition of human neutrophil function were also evaluated
for ambrein [8].
Effect on Hormonal activity
Studies have exposed the encouraging effects of
Agnijvar (ambergris) in both sexual desire and body weights owing to its
influence on some endocrine hormones. There was substantial
rise in testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, insulin, cortisol, thyroxin
(T4) levels and body weights after ambergis administration [9].
Aphrodisiac activity
Ambrein, a major constituent of ambergris has supportive
activity on masculine sexual ability on rats. The copulatory
studies were conducted by caging males with receptive females.
After observation the copulatory behavior of treated male rats,
ambrein formed repeated incidents of penile erection, a dosedependent,
strong and repetitive rise in intromissions and an
amplified anogenital investigatory performance [10,11]. This
study has been proven to increase sexual behavior in rats, which
providing some support for its traditional aphrodisiac use.
Anti-diabetic activity
Ambrein reduces the blood glucose level of normal and
moderately alloxan treated diabetic rats by enhancing glucose
utilization. Ambrein did not reduce the hyperglycemia of glucose
loaded rats in the presence of mannoheptulose but it reduced
the hyperglycemia of glucose-loades rats in the absence of
mannoheptulose [12].
Analgesic and antinociceptive activity
Ambrein have been shown to act as an analgesic by reducing
thermal sensitivity or nociceptive sensitivity in rodents [13].
Indian Traditional Formulations and their uses
There are number of formulations which are traditionally
used in Indian traditional system of medicine such as Habbe
Ambar Momyai which is used as cardiotonic, nervine tonic,
aphrodisiac and removes the weakness of noble organs; Habbe
Nishat used as brain tonic, cardiotonic and is beneficial in sexual
disability; Majoon Piyaz used as aphrodisiac and strengthens
the kidneys; Habbe Jadwar used as aphrodisiac, strengthens the
brain and in premature ejaculation [14,15]; Khamira Abresham
Sheera Unnab Wala used in the treatment of tuberculosis, dry
cough, debility, anxiety, palpitation and weakness of eyesight;
Majoon Mumsik Muqavvi helps to treat impotency, sexual debility,
premature ejaculation [16]; Khameera Abresham Hakim Arshad
walais beneficial in Amraz Qalb (Cardiac Ailments), Khafqan
(Palpitation), Malekholia (Melancholia) and Nazla (Catarrh) in
summer. It is used as Muqavvi Jiger (Liver tonic), Muqavvi Qalb
(Heart tonic), Muqavvi Dimagh (Brain tonic) and Muqavvi Aaza
Raisa (Vital organ tonic); Khameera Gaozaban Ambari used as
Muqavvi Hafiza (Memory enhancer) and is also beneficial in
palpitation [17].
Conclusion
From this review, many of its medicinal properties,
traditional uses and chemical properties have been observed.
Although Ambergis has been used successfully in Ayurvedic/
Unani system of medicine for centuries, further studies and
clinical trials should be conducted to support its therapeutic use.
It may also give potentiating effect when given in combination
with other herbs or drugs.
For more Open access journals
please visit our site: Juniper Publishers
For more articles please click
on Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare
Comments
Post a Comment