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Balsam poplar

Dương Balsam

Populus balsamifera

Hackmatack, Tacamahac, Black poplar, Balm of Gilead (North America)

Salicaceae · Nụ hoa · Flower buds · Steam-distilled

Botanical illustration of Populus balsamifera, whose buds yield Balsam poplar essential oil
Balsam poplar essential oil, extracted from the buds of Populus balsamifera. Botanical illustration, Lê Mai Library.

Safety

No specific contraindications.

Theoretical drug interaction via CYP2D6, as farnesene and α-bisabolol inhibit this enzyme. Consult a physician if taking oral medication metabolized by CYP2D6.

Available α-bisabolol data suggest balsam poplar is unlikely to be hazardous in pregnancy.


Usage guidelines

Drug interactions
Theoretical, via CYP2D6

Chemistry

Volatile constituents
α-Bisabolol27.4 %
δ-Cadinene6.9 %
(E)-Nerolidol5.8 %
γ-Curcumene4.6 %
α-Eudesmol3.5 %
δ-Amorphene3.3 %
γ-Muurolene3.1 %
γ-Eudesmol2.4 %
β-Curcumene2.3 %
(E)-α-Bergamotene2.2 %
(E)-β-Farnesene1.9 %

Botanical source

Populus balsamifera is a deciduous tree of North America. The flower buds exude a thick, sticky aromatic resin. The species epithet 'balsamifera' means 'balsam-bearing'.

The essential oil is steam-distilled from the buds. Production is limited and the oil is uncommon in commerce.

Family Salicaceae. In North America the tree is also called Balm of Gilead, a name that in Europe refers to Commiphora opobalsamum.


Notes

Limited production. The characteristic note is often used to evoke northern coniferous forest air.