Analgesic effects of myrrh

Myrrh, a compound from shrubs of the genus Commiphora of the Burseraceae has two sesquiterpenes that produce analgesic effects. Naloxone inhibits the analgesic activity of myrrh, suggesting an interaction with brain opioid mechanisms. Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, the major component of myrrh binds to opioid receptors in the membranes of the brain. The presence of other compounds in myrrh, whose effects have been unfavorable, probably caused the stoppage of the myrrh's use as a pain killer in favor of opioids.