**Opopanax**
**Definition:**
Opopanax is a term referring to several aromatic resins obtained from plants of the genus *Commiphora* and *Opopanax*, traditionally used in perfumery and medicine.
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**Opopanax**
Opopanax is a name applied to various fragrant resins derived primarily from species within the *Commiphora* genus, as well as from plants in the *Opopanax* genus. These resins have been valued since antiquity for their distinctive sweet, balsamic aroma and are commonly used in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine.
### Botanical Sources
The most commercially significant opopanax resin comes from *Commiphora guidottii*, a shrub native to the Horn of Africa. Another source is *Commiphora erythraea*, found in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the genus *Opopanax*, belonging to the Apiaceae family, includes species whose roots have been used medicinally, though they are botanically distinct from the resin-producing *Commiphora* species.
### Uses
Opopanax resin is primarily used as a fixative and base note in perfumery, imparting a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy scent. Historically, it has also been employed in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. In incense, opopanax contributes a rich, resinous fragrance.
### Chemical Composition
The resin contains a complex mixture of volatile oils, including terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for its characteristic aroma. These compounds also contribute to its therapeutic effects in folk medicine.
### Historical Context
Opopanax has been mentioned in ancient texts and was prized in various cultures for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. Its use spans from ancient Egyptian rituals to Greco-Roman medicine.
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**Meta Description:**
Opopanax is an aromatic resin derived from *Commiphora* species, used in perfumery and traditional medicine for its warm, balsamic scent and therapeutic properties.