# Dammar (Shorea robusta)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dammar
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Shorea robusta resin, Shala niryasa, Sarja rasa, Sal tree resin, Indian dammar, Dammar gum, Shorea resin, Sal dammar

## Overview

Dammar resin from Shorea robusta contains triterpenes and phenolic compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity. The resin modulates [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokine production.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects shown in animal models at 400 mg/kg, reducing paw edema and inflammatory mediators (Evidence: Preliminary - animal studies only)
• Antibacterial properties demonstrated in laboratory studies with oleoresin constituents (Evidence: Preliminary - in vitro data)
• Wound healing support through traditional topical application as ointments and plasters (Evidence: Traditional - centuries of Ayurvedic use)
• Analgesic (pain-relieving) effects observed in preclinical writhing tests in rodents (Evidence: Preliminary - animal models)
• Expectorant properties for respiratory health as documented in traditional medicine systems (Evidence: Traditional use only)

## Mechanism of Action

Dammar resin's triterpenes and phenolic compounds inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. The oleoresin constituents disrupt bacterial cell wall formation and membrane integrity. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects occur through suppression of NF-κB pathway activation and reduced TNF-α and IL-6 production.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence is limited to preliminary animal and laboratory studies. In rat models, 400 mg/kg dammar extract reduced paw edema by approximately 60% compared to controls. In vitro studies demonstrate antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 125-250 μg/ml. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety or efficacy in people.

## Nutritional Profile

Dammar (Shorea robusta) is a resinous exudate with no conventional nutritional value as a food source; it is not consumed for macronutrients, micronutrients, or caloric content. Its profile is defined entirely by its phytochemical and resinous constituents. Primary composition: hard resin acids comprising dammarane-type triterpenoids (approximately 40–60% of dry resin weight), including dammarenolic acid, dammarolic acid, and hydroxydammarenolic acid. Secondary resin fraction contains resene compounds (insoluble, inert polymeric hydrocarbons) at approximately 20–30%. Volatile oil fraction: approximately 3–8%, containing sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as gurjunene and caryophyllene. Bioactive polyphenolic compounds include catechins and stilbene derivatives at trace concentrations (<1%). Essential oil constituents include alpha-copaene and beta-elemene. Diterpene resin acids are present at minor levels. No dietary fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals of nutritional significance are present. Bioavailability note: triterpenoid compounds demonstrate poor water solubility and limited oral bioavailability without solubilization aids; topical bioavailability is relatively higher due to lipophilic nature of resin acids, supporting traditional wound-care applications. The resin is primarily used as a varnish, incense, and traditional medicine base rather than any nutritive context.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used 400 mg/kg of aqueous or methanol extracts for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Traditional preparations include topical ointments mixed with sulfur or wax, and fumigation of the resin. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data in humans is lacking due to absence of clinical trials. Animal studies at 400 mg/kg showed no acute toxicity, but long-term safety is unknown. Potential allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to tree resins. No documented drug interactions exist, though theoretical concerns include enhanced effects with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) medications. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on dammar resin to date. All available scientific evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro antibacterial assays and rodent models showing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through reduction of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The lack of human studies represents a significant gap in the clinical validation of this traditional remedy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine systems of India, Shorea robusta resin (known as Shala niryasa or Sarja rasa) has been used for centuries as a stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, and wound healing agent. The resin was traditionally fumigated like frankincense and applied topically as ointments or plasters. Its use spans multiple traditional applications including anti-Vatha (wind disorder) treatments and as an anthelmintic.

## Synergistic Combinations

Frankincense, Turmeric, Boswellia, Myrrh, Guggul

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is dammar resin used for traditionally

Dammar resin has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for wound healing and inflammatory conditions. It's also used commercially in varnishes and adhesives due to its chemical properties.

### How much dammar resin is safe to take

No established safe dosage exists for humans. Animal studies used 400 mg/kg body weight, but this cannot be directly translated to human dosing without clinical trials.

### Does dammar resin have side effects

Documented side effects are unknown due to lack of human studies. Potential allergic reactions may occur in those sensitive to tree resins or related compounds.

### Can dammar resin interact with medications

No specific drug interactions are documented. However, theoretical interactions with anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners may be possible due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

### What compounds make dammar resin effective

Dammar resin contains triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and oleoresin constituents responsible for its biological activity. These compounds target inflammatory enzymes and bacterial cell membranes.

### What is the difference between dammar resin quality and sourcing from Shorea robusta trees?

Dammar resin from Shorea robusta is primarily sourced from trees in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, where the species is native. The quality and potency of the resin can vary significantly based on harvest time, tree age, and processing methods used by suppliers. Resin collected from mature trees and properly dried tends to have higher concentrations of active oleoresin constituents compared to lower-quality commercial grades.

### What does current research show about dammar resin's anti-inflammatory effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for dammar resin's anti-inflammatory effects comes from animal studies, particularly mouse models showing reduction in paw edema at doses around 400 mg/kg body weight. Human clinical trials are limited, meaning the translation of these preliminary animal results to effective human dosing remains unclear. More research is needed to establish whether traditional anti-inflammatory uses are supported by human evidence.

### Who should avoid dammar resin supplementation due to safety concerns?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid dammar resin supplementation, as safety data in these populations is not established. Individuals with known allergies to Dipterocarpaceae family plants (which includes Shorea robusta) should exercise caution or avoid use entirely. Those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as the resin's bioactive compounds have not been thoroughly evaluated for interactions with blood-thinning agents.

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