Guaiacum Resin

Guaiacum Resin or Gum Guaicum is a substance that is produced by the Guaiacum Officinale tree species. These trees are predominantly found in the Caribbean and on the northern coast of South America. The wood from these trees is also known as ‘Ligum Vitae’ or ‘the tree of life’, and has a rich historical medicinal use.

A mid-sized sample of Gum Guaicum can be found in the Department of Pharmacology of Trinity College Dublin, based in St. James’s University Hospital in the Historical Medicinal Collection. 

Active Ingredients of Gum Guaicum:

• 70% alpha- and beta-guaiaconic acids - known for their antioxidant properties

• 10% guaiaretic acid - these exhibit both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect

• 15% guaiac beta-resin - antioxidant

• Small quantities of compounds such as guaiac yellow and vanillin

Historical and Traditional Use:

• In an engraving by Philip Galle (1537–1612), based on the painting of Jan van der Straet (1523-1605), a 16th century scene in which Guaicum is being used to treat syphilis.

• It was introduced to Europe following the belief that remedies and treatments could be found where the target disease originally came from. Guaicum was administered externally in ointments and internally in potions. Diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating and urination were all induced with the intention of expelling the disease

• The treatment’s efficacy was questionable and eventually fell out of favour

• Gum Guaicum was used to induce menstruation and in certain circumstances as an abortifacient. In 1793, in a Virginian court case, Martha Jefferson Randolph provided testimony stating she provided a relative with Gum Guaicum with the intention of abortion.

• Gum Guaicum was also used in the treatment of sore throats, chronic gout and rheumatism.

Modern Use of Gum Guaiacum: 

Guaiacol and Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is a modern pharmaceutical compound that was inspired by the historical use of Gum Guacium derived from Guaiacol. Guaiacol itself is a derivative of Guaiacum, via the pyrolysis of the wood. Pyrolysis, in essence, is being heated in the absence of oxygen. Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for the relief of chest congestion and wet coughs caused by the common cold. It loosens mucus and makes it easier to expel. It does not stop coughing, but in fact makes coughing more productive. Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and a skin rash.

Diagnostic Testing: In 1864, Izaac Van Deen discovered that Guaiacum could be used to detect blood in stool and in urine using the pseudoperoxidase action of heme in haemoglobin which converts guaiac acid to guaiac blue. This led to the guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) to detect hidden/previously undetected blood in stool. Current versions of the test are highly sensitive and specific and can be employed for colorectal cancer screening.

Sample #25/43