AMBER

Amber is a natural fossilised tree resin. It is found in various parts of the world, but high concentrations have been found in the Baltic region of Europe, in the Dominican Republic, in Mexico and in Myanmar. Kaliningrad alone in Russia in the Baltics produces over 90% of the world’s amber. Amber has been greatly appreciated for its beauty since Neolithic times and is considered a gemstone, often used in jewellery. However, it has also been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Amber has been found in Ancient Egyptian graves and tombs having believed to have magical healing powers that would help and protect the dead in the afterlife.

Active Ingredient: Succinic Acid

Succinic Acid is especially high in Baltic Amber, consisting of between 3 and 8% of its composition: Succinic Acid forms a component of the Kreb Cycle in Humans. Succinate is converted to fumarate by succinate dehydrogenase. This produces FADH2 which helps produce ATP in the electron transport chain. In addition to this, GABA can be broken down to succinate by GABA transaminase and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase which are mitochondrial enzymes before entering the Kreb Cycle.

Traditional and Historical Medicinal Use of Amber:

• Hippocrates, in Ancient Greece and Rome, described ambers use in treating digestive issues, respiratory disorders and urinary tract problems

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Amber is known as Hu Po. It was considered to have a number of healing properties such as acting as a diuretic, stopping bleeding, calming ‘shen’ or the spirit - treating anxiety, insomnia and palpitations and an anti-inflammatory effect

• Amber was burned as incense or inhaled in steam to treat coughs, asthma and bronchitis - Pliny the Elder, Natural History

• Amber oil and resin was applied directly to joints to reduce pain and swelling. Used as treatment for arthritis, gout and rheumatism - Culpeper (1652)

• Amber was also worn or rubbed against gums to alleviate toothaches, especially in teething infants - John Gerald, The Herball (1597)

Mechanism of Action and Effect of Succinic Acid:

• As mentioned above, succinic acid is oxidised to fumarate by SDH which is complex II of the electron transport chain, producing FADH2 which contributes to ATP formation.

• Succinic Acid is reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Modulating mitochondrial function and reducing reactive oxygen species, as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (

• Succinate receptors are expressed in the Liver, Retina, Kidney and Immune Cells and binding of succinic acid and succinate to these receptors can activate MAPK and NF-kB.

• While not all of Ambers traditional medicinal claims are proven by our now understanding of Succinic Acid, the anti-inflammatory, anxiety and teething uses align well with succinic acid effects. However, other uses such as bleeding control, spiritual protection and epilepsy are not supported by the mechanism of action of succinic acid.

Possible ADVERSE EFFECTS of Amber:

• As a topical agent, it may cause skin irritation or allergy

• While not chemically dangerous, use as a teething agent may cause choking

• Excessive levels of succinic acid may cause nausea, diarrhea, headaches and stomach cramps

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