Identification
- Generic Name
- Betula pendula tar oil
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB11361
- Background
Betula pendula tar oil is an essential oil found in the buds of the plant with the same name. The origin plant, also known as the European white or silver birch, grows mainly in the northern hemisphere. This oil is usually obtained by using both hydrodistillation and micro-distillation1 and it is conformed mainly by Cresol and Guaiacol.2 The utilization of this product started during the second world war in the Sovietic Union.10 Betula pendula tar oil has been approved for its utilization in over-the-counter product combinations by Health Canada.4 By the FDA, it is considered under the substances approved to be added to the food.5 Under the EMA, betula pendula tar oil is approved under the category of herbal medicines for human use.7
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Nutraceutical
- Synonyms
- Betula alba oil
- Betula alba var. pendula tar oil
- Betula pendula resin oil
- Betula pendula tar volatile oil
- Betula verrucosa tar oil
- Birch tar oil
- Birch tar oil, rectified
- European white birch tar oil
- Rectified birch tar oil
- White birch oil
Pharmacology
- Indication
Betula pendula tar oil is used in over-the-counter products for the treatment of wounds, ulcers, bedsores and shallow inflammatory processes such as thrombophlebitis and erysipelas. It is only used externally in over-the-counter dermatologic combinations with Castor oil.6
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Betula pendula tar oil is thought to present antiseptic properties.8
- Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of betula pendula tar oil is thought to be related to the presence of disinfecting, insecticidal and locally irritant effects. It is also reported to have an effect on tissue receptors which allows activation of microcirculation and thus, accelerates tissue regeneration in the damaged area.8 Betula pendula tar oil is generally considered to present antiseptic and keratoplastic properties.3
When the betula pendula tar oil-containing ointment was generated, it was described that this oil would produce a local warming effect and an oxygen limitation.10
- Absorption
There is no evidence pointing that the components of this oil are incorporated into the bloodstream when applied dermally.10
- Volume of distribution
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Protein binding
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Metabolism
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Route of elimination
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Half-life
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Clearance
This pharmacokinetic property has not been studied.
- Adverse Effects
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The chronic use of betula pendula tar oil has been associated with carcinogenic effects. On the same note, the oral consumption of this oil is highly contraindicated because of the presence of Cresol. The registered LD50 in rabbits is >2 g/kg and it is thought to be mainly due to the presence of Guaiacol. The oral administration of this oil can produce effects that range from irritation in eyes, nose and throat to lung, kidney, blood, and respiratory damage as well as corrosion of the tissues. To avoid the presence of this effects, the dermal administration of this oil should be always performed in the rectified form which presents a reduced concentration of Cresol.2
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.Not Available
- Food Interactions
- Not Available
Products
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Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Balsamic Liniment Betula pendula tar oil (1.2 g/40g) + Castor oil (35.6 g/40g) Liniment Topical Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov Jsc 2000-12-22 Not applicable US 
Categories
- Drug Categories
- Not Available
- Classification
- Not classified
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- 7JK2RXJ8G7
- CAS number
- 8001-88-5
References
- General References
- Demirci B, Paper DH, Demirci F, Can Baser KH, Franz G: Essential Oil of Betula pendula Roth. Buds. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 Dec;1(3):301-303. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh041. Epub 2004 Oct 6. [Article]
- Tisserand R. and Young R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier. [ISBN:978-0-443-06241-4]
- Bobyrov V., Devyatkina T., Vazhnicha O. and Khristyuk V. (2015). Pharmacology: Textbook for medical higher education institutions (3rd ed.). Nova Knyha. [ISBN:978-966-382-553-3]
- Health Canada [Link]
- FDA EAFUS [Link]
- Dailymed [Link]
- EMA Records [Link]
- Vishpha [Link]
- EMA Public Assessment [Link]
- Liniment balsamic [Link]
- External Links
- MSDS
- Download (84.7 KB)
Clinical Trials
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Liniment Topical - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Liquid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source boiling point (°C) 175 ºC 'MSDS' water solubility Insoluble 'MSDS' - Predicted Properties
- Not Available
- Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
- Not Available
- Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available
Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:52 / Updated at September 28, 2021 21:54