Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoin siam
For the health condition: Sunburn

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Benzoin siam (styrax benzoin resin) has a long history of traditional use in topical preparations for minor skin injuries, including sunburn. Historically, benzoin resin has been incorporated into compound tinctures and balms, such as Friar’s Balsam, for its supposed soothing and protective properties. Traditional herbal medicine texts describe benzoin as forming a protective film over the skin, which can help reduce irritation and promote healing in superficial burns, including sunburn. The aromatic compounds and resins are thought to have mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, though these claims are grounded more in historical use than in rigorous scientific study.

Scientific validation for benzoin’s efficacy in treating sunburn specifically is limited. While some of its constituents have been shown to possess mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, there is a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness for sunburn. The continued use of benzoin in certain over-the-counter skin preparations is primarily based on tradition rather than strong scientific evidence. Therefore, its use for treating sunburn is justified by traditional practice, meriting a modest evidence rating.

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