Potential Benefits of Ambergris Beyond Perfume

Ambergris is a solid waxy substance originating in the intestine of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Whales excrete it through the mouth when it is too large to pass through the digestive system. Fresh ambergris is black and soft and has a disagreeable odour. Ambergris is utilized for medicines, potions and as a spice. In Eastern culture and was used to stabilize the odor of acceptable perfumes in the West. Chemically, ambergris contains alkaloids, acids, and a specific compound called ambreine, which is similar to cholesterol [1]. Ambergris is used to make perfume as it has a smell similar to musk. Ambergris has been used for many years in the perfume and medical industries to fix the odours of scents [2]. Paulus Aegineta described that it was made recognized to pharmacy by the Arabs as ambar in other bordering countries [3]. References to ambar as a perfume are mentioned only in Sanskrit or Prakrit literature [4]. Ambergris is cited in a different way in Indian and other languages: Sanskrit ambara, Hindi amber, sugandh; Konkani amber; Gujarathi ambara; Tamil minumbar; Arabic amber; Persian musk amber; Singalese mus sumbra; Burmese payan-anbhat; and so on [5].


Introduction
Ambergris is a solid waxy substance originating in the intestine of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Whales excrete it through the mouth when it is too large to pass through the digestive system. Fresh ambergris is black and soft and has a disagreeable odour. Ambergris is utilized for medicines, potions and as a spice. In Eastern culture and was used to stabilize the odor of acceptable perfumes in the West. Chemically, ambergris contains alkaloids, acids, and a specific compound called ambreine, which is similar to cholesterol [1]. Ambergris is used to make perfume as it has a smell similar to musk. Ambergris has been used for many years in the perfume and medical industries to fix the odours of scents [2]. Paulus Aegineta described that it was made recognized to pharmacy by the Arabs as ambar in other bordering countries [3]. References to ambar as a perfume are mentioned only in Sanskrit or Prakrit literature [4]. Ambergris is cited in a different way in Indian and other languages: -Sanskrit -ambara, Hindi -amber, sugandh; Konkani -amber; Gujarathi -ambara; Tamil -minumbar; Arabic -amber; Persian -musk amber; Singalese -mus sumbra; Burmese -payan-anbhat; and so on [5].

Chemical Properties and Compositions
Ambergris is comparatively non-reactive to acid. Ambrein (C30H52O) is white crystals of a terpene, is separated from ambergris by heating raw ambergris in alcohol, then permitting the resulting solution to cool. Breakdown of the relatively scentless ambrein through oxidation produces ambroxan and ambrinol, the main odor components of ambergris. Ambroxide (C16H28O) is identified by the brand name Ambroxan, is a naturally arising terpenoid and one of the chief constituent responsible for the odor of ambergris. Ambroxan is an autoxidation product of ambrein and is used in perfumery for producing ambergris notes and as a fixative [6].

Traditional Uses
From early days, ambergris was a cherished material in the East as a perfume and drug. It was utilized and suggested by medieval apothecaries for its healing powers and the perfumers for its scent. White law Ainslie (1826), has mentioned in "In Hindoostan" Ambergris is primarily utilized as a scent; a drop or two of the spirit mixed with a huge quantity of lavender water, accounting much to its fragrance". The Indian Materia medica listed this wonderful substance as a stimulant and antispasmodic; it is used in treating general weakness, epilepsy, typhoid, fever, hysteria and other nervous disorders or afflictions, by the practitioners of the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine, in combination with other medicinal herbs to treat the above-said ailments [7].

Cytotoxic activity
The ambergris exhibits cytotoxic activities against human liver carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, lung carcinoma and human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. The anti-inflammatory activities in terms of the inhibition of human neutrophil function were also evaluated for ambrein [8].

Effect on Hormonal activity
Studies have exposed the encouraging effects of Agnijvar (ambergris) in both sexual desire and body weights owing to its

Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare
influence on some endocrine hormones. There was substantial rise in testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, insulin, cortisol, thyroxin (T4) levels and body weights after ambergis administration [9].

Aphrodisiac activity
Ambrein, a major constituent of ambergris has supportive activity on masculine sexual ability on rats. The copulatory studies were conducted by caging males with receptive females. After observation the copulatory behavior of treated male rats, ambrein formed repeated incidents of penile erection, a dosedependent, strong and repetitive rise in intromissions and an amplified anogenital investigatory performance [10,11]. This study has been proven to increase sexual behavior in rats, which providing some support for its traditional aphrodisiac use.

Anti-diabetic activity
Ambrein reduces the blood glucose level of normal and moderately alloxan treated diabetic rats by enhancing glucose utilization. Ambrein did not reduce the hyperglycemia of glucose loaded rats in the presence of mannoheptulose but it reduced the hyperglycemia of glucose-loades rats in the absence of mannoheptulose [12].

Analgesic and antinociceptive activity
Ambrein have been shown to act as an analgesic by reducing thermal sensitivity or nociceptive sensitivity in rodents [13].

Conclusion
From this review, many of its medicinal properties, traditional uses and chemical properties have been observed. Although Ambergis has been used successfully in Ayurvedic/ Unani system of medicine for centuries, further studies and clinical trials should be conducted to support its therapeutic use. It may also give potentiating effect when given in combination with other herbs or drugs.