• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2021

Objective : Liquidambaris Storax, the processed resin of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., has been therapeutically used as orifice-opening medicinals in Korean Medicine. However, unauthenticated resinous drugs from various origins were sold as Liquidambaris Storax. This study aimed to establish the quality assessment of genuine Liquidambaris Storax and to provide quantitative differences of Liquidambaris Storax in herbal markets. Methods : Bibliographic research on ancient Liquidambaris Storax was performed using classic books of herbology. The quality assessment was approached by searching modern books of herbal medicines. The marker compounds in Liquidambaris Storax from various origins were quantitatively analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results : L. orientalis was botanically characterized by palmately 5-lobed shape of leaves. Genuine Liquidambaris Storax was recognized as resinous or semi-solid form (ancient―Song dynasty) to liquid form (Myeong/Cheong dynasty) and two processed forms were available in current markets. Genuine liquid Liquidambaris Storax should be lengthened as a thread when it was lifted by a stick and be sunken under the water. The crystals of cinnamic acid was seen under microscopic observation and the scent of benzaldehyde occurred after the treatment with potassium permanganate. Cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde were quantified in two liquid samples of Liquidambaris Storax, while cinnamaldehyde was not quantified in resinous (semi-solid) sample. Conclusion : This study presents the detailed methods of quality assessment for genuine Liquidambaris Storax as well as the status in the herbal markets. Further quantitative study with diverse samples is required to establish the quality standard of Liquidambaris Storax.