Product Properties & Reference List
Komehsa Balm © Patent 61/339.523 Pending
Komehsa Balm is a mixture of bees wax, carrier oils and 16 essential oils from medicinal plants which together, have more than 60 biologically active constituents. Komehsa Balm shows promise as massage oil to relieve aching muscles, joint pain, & inflammation. Each oil has its own properties. Together, 16 essential oils accomplish a task that neither accomplishes alone.
Aromatherapy is emerging as an important CAM modality but scientific reports of safety of constituents of essential oils of many botanicals are not yet available. Never-the-less, studies have shown that constituents of essential oils can penetrate the skin and enter the circulating blood (1). Topical application of Komehsa Balm has suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and bone degrading proteases in-vivo.
The properties attributed to some of the constituents of Komehsa Balm are listed here.
Anethole (Para methoxy phenyl propene, p-propenylanisole and isoestragole) is an aromatic compound that occurs in several essential oils. The flavor and fragrance of licorice, fennel, star anise, and basil are attributable in part to Anethole. Anethole is a potent antimicrobial agent and is an effective insecticide and fumigant/insect repellant (2;3). Anithole also suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor and NF-Kappa B which are inflammatory cytokines (4).
Borneol is a constituent of the essential oil of Rosemary. It is reported to inhibit the glucuronidation caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents that have been used for pain relief but which have had harmful, even fatal side effects (5). Preparations containing Borneol have been reported to be superior to Bacitracin in wound healing trials, perhaps due to antimicrobial and hemostatic properties(6). Antinociceptive properties have also been attributed to essential oil obtained of Rosmarinus officinalis in studies using a rat model of arthritic pain (7).
Caryophyllene, a bicyclic sesqueterpene that occurs in many plants and their essential oils that contributes spiciness to condiments like black pepper, cloves and rosemary and is present in hemp, hops, basil, caraway, oregano and true cinnamon. Beta-caryophyllene is an
FDA approved food additive and the first dietary cannabinoid although it does not bind to cannabinoid receptors and therefore does not induce psychomimetic effects (8-13). β-caryophyllene suppresses activation of the toll-like receptors CD14/TLR4/MD2, usually results in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6; IL-8 and TNF-α) and promotes a TH-1 immune response just as other CB-2 lignans do (8).
Cineol is a constituent of Eucalyptus and Helichrism (14). Cineol, aka Eucalyptol, is reported to reduce inflammation and pain. Cineol is also reported to inhibit production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, (15). Eucalyptol is a major constituent of eucalyptus oil (for which it is named) and occurs in sweet basil, mugwort, bay leaves, rosemary and sage.
Eugenol is a clear pale yellow phenylpropanoid that occurs naturally in cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Eugenol is used in flavorings, medicines, local antiseptics and anesthetics. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of clove oil may be attributed to its Egenol content. Eugenol is reported to down regulate the activity and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (16;17).
Lavandulyl acetate is a constituent of Komehsa Balm. A compound containing prenylated flavonoids having a C-8
lavandulyl moiety down-regulated COX-2 induction. This compound showed higher anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically (18). COX-2 inhibitors have been used to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Linalol and linalyl acetate are constituents of Komehsa Balm that are reported to have anesthetic activity in an in vivo studies (19). Linalyl, linalool and lavindulol are constituents of lavender essential oil which has been effective in relieving the perception of pain in post operative patients, and pain during labor and delivery. Essential oil of Lavender is also reported to have antimicrobial properties (20-22).
Nerol is a monoterpene that is found in many essential oils. It reduces inflammation in mice that have a rare condition called Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) which is characterized by episodic inflammation (23).
α-Pinene is reported to have the ability to reduce IL-1-induced NF-kappa B activation and NO production and may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases where NF- kappaB and NO are involved (24). The antinociceptive properties of several constituents of Komehsa Balm are reported to relieve induced arthritic pain in the rat model (25).
Zingiberene, a constituent of the essential oil of ginger may be beneficial in autoimmune diseases & other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Komehsa Balm is a mixture of bees wax, carrier oils and 16 essential oils from medicinal plants which together, have more than 60 biologically active constituents. Komehsa Balm shows promise as massage oil to relieve aching muscles, joint pain, & inflammation. Each oil has its own properties. Together, 16 essential oils accomplish a task that neither accomplishes alone.
Aromatherapy is emerging as an important CAM modality but scientific reports of safety of constituents of essential oils of many botanicals are not yet available. Never-the-less, studies have shown that constituents of essential oils can penetrate the skin and enter the circulating blood (1). Topical application of Komehsa Balm has suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and bone degrading proteases in-vivo.
The properties attributed to some of the constituents of Komehsa Balm are listed here.
Anethole (Para methoxy phenyl propene, p-propenylanisole and isoestragole) is an aromatic compound that occurs in several essential oils. The flavor and fragrance of licorice, fennel, star anise, and basil are attributable in part to Anethole. Anethole is a potent antimicrobial agent and is an effective insecticide and fumigant/insect repellant (2;3). Anithole also suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor and NF-Kappa B which are inflammatory cytokines (4).
Borneol is a constituent of the essential oil of Rosemary. It is reported to inhibit the glucuronidation caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents that have been used for pain relief but which have had harmful, even fatal side effects (5). Preparations containing Borneol have been reported to be superior to Bacitracin in wound healing trials, perhaps due to antimicrobial and hemostatic properties(6). Antinociceptive properties have also been attributed to essential oil obtained of Rosmarinus officinalis in studies using a rat model of arthritic pain (7).
Caryophyllene, a bicyclic sesqueterpene that occurs in many plants and their essential oils that contributes spiciness to condiments like black pepper, cloves and rosemary and is present in hemp, hops, basil, caraway, oregano and true cinnamon. Beta-caryophyllene is an
FDA approved food additive and the first dietary cannabinoid although it does not bind to cannabinoid receptors and therefore does not induce psychomimetic effects (8-13). β-caryophyllene suppresses activation of the toll-like receptors CD14/TLR4/MD2, usually results in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6; IL-8 and TNF-α) and promotes a TH-1 immune response just as other CB-2 lignans do (8).
Cineol is a constituent of Eucalyptus and Helichrism (14). Cineol, aka Eucalyptol, is reported to reduce inflammation and pain. Cineol is also reported to inhibit production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, (15). Eucalyptol is a major constituent of eucalyptus oil (for which it is named) and occurs in sweet basil, mugwort, bay leaves, rosemary and sage.
Eugenol is a clear pale yellow phenylpropanoid that occurs naturally in cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Eugenol is used in flavorings, medicines, local antiseptics and anesthetics. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of clove oil may be attributed to its Egenol content. Eugenol is reported to down regulate the activity and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (16;17).
Lavandulyl acetate is a constituent of Komehsa Balm. A compound containing prenylated flavonoids having a C-8
lavandulyl moiety down-regulated COX-2 induction. This compound showed higher anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically (18). COX-2 inhibitors have been used to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Linalol and linalyl acetate are constituents of Komehsa Balm that are reported to have anesthetic activity in an in vivo studies (19). Linalyl, linalool and lavindulol are constituents of lavender essential oil which has been effective in relieving the perception of pain in post operative patients, and pain during labor and delivery. Essential oil of Lavender is also reported to have antimicrobial properties (20-22).
Nerol is a monoterpene that is found in many essential oils. It reduces inflammation in mice that have a rare condition called Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) which is characterized by episodic inflammation (23).
α-Pinene is reported to have the ability to reduce IL-1-induced NF-kappa B activation and NO production and may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases where NF- kappaB and NO are involved (24). The antinociceptive properties of several constituents of Komehsa Balm are reported to relieve induced arthritic pain in the rat model (25).
Zingiberene, a constituent of the essential oil of ginger may be beneficial in autoimmune diseases & other chronic inflammatory diseases.
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(1) Cal K, Sopala M. Ex vivo skin absorption of terpenes from Vicks VapoRub ointment. Med Sci Monit 2008 August;14(8):I19-I23.
(2) Chang KS, Ahn YJ. Fumigant activity of (E)-anethole identified in Illicium verum fruit against Blattella germanica. Pest Manag Sci 2002 February;58(2):161-6. (3) De M, De AK, Sen P, Banerjee AB. Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f). Phytother Res 2002 February;16(1):94-5. (4) Chainy GB, Manna SK, Chaturvedi MM, Aggarwal BB. Anethole blocks both early and late cellular responses transduced by tumor necrosis factor: effect on NF-kappaB, AP-1, JNK, MAPKK and apoptosis. Oncogene 2000 June 8;19(25):2943-50. (5) Siraki AG, Chevaldina T, O'Brien PJ. Application of quantitative structure-toxicity relationships for acute NSAID cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes. Chem Biol Interact 2005 February 10;151(3):177-91. (6) Serena T, Parnall LK, Knox C, Vargo J, Oliver A, Merry S, Klugh A, Bubar N, Anderson N, Rieman L, Walnoha W, Smith H, Rice S. Bismuth subgallate/borneol (suile) is superior to bacitracin in the human forearm biopsy model for acute wound healing. Adv Skin Wound Care 2007 September;20(9 Pt 1):485-92. (7) Martinez AL, Gonzalez-Trujano ME, Pellicer F, Lopez-Munoz FJ, Navarrete A. Antinociceptive effect and GC/MS analysis of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil from ts aerial parts. Planta Med 2009 April;75(5):508-11. (8) Gertsch J. Anti-inflammatory cannabinoids in diet: Towards a better understanding of CB(2) receptor action? Commun Integr Biol 2008 July;1(1):26-8. (9) Chavan MJ, Wakte PS, Shinde DB. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Caryophyllene oxide from Annona squamosa L. bark. Phytomedicine 2009 July 1. (10) Rogerio AP, Andrade EL, Leite DF, Figueiredo CP, Calixto JB. Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene alpha-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation. BrJ Pharmacol 2009 October;158(4):1074-87. |
(11) Formisano C, Mignola E, Rigano D, Senatore F, Arnold NA, Bruno M, Rosselli S. Constituents of leaves and flowers essential oils of Helichrysum pallasii (Spreng.) Ledeb. growing wild in Lebanon. J Med Food 2009 February;12(1):203-7.
(12) Tung YT, Chua MT, Wang SY, Chang ST. Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresour Technol 2008 June;99(9):3908-13. (13) Medeiros R, Passos GF, Vitor CE, Koepp J, Mazzuco TL, Pianowski LF, Campos MM, Calixto JB. Effect of two active compounds obtained from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea on the acute inflammatory responses elicited by LPS in the rat paw. Br J Pharmacol 2007 July;151(5):618-27. (14) Juergens UR, Dethlefsen U, Steinkamp G, Gillissen A, Repges R, Vetter H. Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Respir Med 2003 March;97(3):250-6. (15) Juergens UR, Stober M, Vetter H. Inhibition of cytokine production and arachidonic acid metabolism by eucalyptol (1.8-cineole) in human blood monocytes in vitro. Eur J Med Res 1998 November 17;3(11):508-10. (16) Lee YY, Hung SL, Pai SF, Lee YH, Yang SF. Eugenol suppressed the expression of lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory mediators in human macrophages. J Endod 2007 June;33(6):698-702. (17) Rodrigues TG, Fernandes A, Jr., Sousa JP, Bastos JK, Sforcin JM. In vitro and in vivo effects of clove on pro-inflammatory cytokines production by macrophages. Nat Prod Res 2009;23(4):319-26. (18) Kim DW, Chi YS, Son KH, Chang HW, Kim JS, Kang SS, Kim HP. Effects of sophoraflavanone G, a prenylated flavonoid from Sophora flavescens, on cyclooxygenase-2 and in vivo inflammatory response. Arch Pharm Res 2002 June;25(3):329-35. (19) Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Salvatore G, Mazzanti G. Local anaesthetic activity of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia. Planta Med 1999 December;65(8):700-3. |
(21) Yip YB, Tse SH. The effectiveness of relaxation acupoint stimulation and acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for non-specific low back pain in Hong Kong: randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 2004 March;12(1):28-37.
(22) Sarac N, Ugur A. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of some lamiaceae species from Turkey. J Med Food 2009 August;12(4):902-7. (23) Marcuzzi A, Pontillo A, De LL, Tommasini A, Decorti G, Not T, Ventura A. Natural isoprenoids are able to reduce inflammation in a mouse model of mevalonate kinase deficiency. Pediatr Res 2008 August;64(2):177-82. (24) Neves A, Rosa S, Goncalves J, Rufino A, Judas F, Salgueiro L, Lopes MC, Cavaleiro C, Mendes AF. Screening of Five Essential Oils for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of IL-1-induced Nf-kappaB Activation and NO Production in Human Chondrocytes: Characterization of the Inhibitory Activity of alpha-Pinene. Planta Med 2009 September 11. (25) Martinez AL, Gonzalez-Trujano ME, Pellicer F, Lopez-Munoz FJ, Navarrete A. Antinociceptive effect and GC/MS analysis of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil from its aerial parts. Planta Med 2009 April;75(5):508-11. |
