Resins – Myrrh MCQs With Answer

Resins – Myrrh MCQs With Answer

Myrrh, an important oleo-gum-resin from Commiphora species (Burseraceae), is vital in pharmacognosy and B. Pharm curricula. This introduction covers botanical source, composition (volatile oils, resins, gums, and furano-sesquiterpenes), extraction by incision, physicochemical properties, analytical tests, pharmacological activities (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing) and therapeutic applications in dentistry and topical medicine. Understanding identification, quality control parameters and common adulterants helps in formulation and standardization. These focused MCQs will reinforce concepts in phytochemistry, extraction, pharmacology and pharmacopeial standards related to myrrh. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the botanical source of commercial myrrh?

• Leaves of Myrrh tree
• Roots of Commiphora species
• Oleo-gum-resin exudate from Commiphora species
• Seed oil of Burseraceae plants

Correct Answer: Oleo-gum-resin exudate from Commiphora species

Q2. To which family does Commiphora myrrha belong?

• Rutaceae
• Burseraceae
• Fabaceae
• Myrtaceae

Correct Answer: Burseraceae

Q3. Which of the following best describes the main constituents of myrrh?

• Alkaloids and glycosides
• Volatile oil, resin, and gum
• Proteins and nucleic acids
• Mineral salts and pigments

Correct Answer: Volatile oil, resin, and gum

Q4. The characteristic class of terpenoids commonly found in myrrh is:

• Monoterpenes only
• Furano-sesquiterpenes
• Diterpene alkaloids
• Triterpene saponins

Correct Answer: Furano-sesquiterpenes

Q5. How is myrrh typically obtained from the plant?

• Steam distillation of seeds
• Cold pressing of leaves
• Incisions on bark to collect exudate that dries into tears
• Extraction from roots using solvents

Correct Answer: Incisions on bark to collect exudate that dries into tears

Q6. Which physical property helps distinguish the gum fraction of myrrh?

• Gum is soluble in water
• Gum is insoluble in all solvents
• Gum evaporates on heating
• Gum is volatile and aromatic

Correct Answer: Gum is soluble in water

Q7. In which solvent is the resin fraction of myrrh most soluble?

• Water
• Alcohol (ethanol)
• Saline solution
• None of the above

Correct Answer: Alcohol (ethanol)

Q8. Which analytical technique is commonly used for fingerprinting myrrh constituents?

• Thin layer chromatography (TLC)
• Flame photometry
• Polarimetry only
• Somatic cell count

Correct Answer: Thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Q9. Which pharmacological activity is widely attributed to myrrh?

• Antimicrobial activity
• Hypoglycemic activity only
• Cardiotoxic activity
• Proconvulsant activity

Correct Answer: Antimicrobial activity

Q10. Myrrh is commonly used in dentistry for its:

• Antiseptic and astringent properties
• Hypotensive effects
• Anticoagulant effects
• Local anesthetic action only

Correct Answer: Antiseptic and astringent properties

Q11. Which organoleptic characteristic is typical of myrrh?

• Sweet and odorless
• Bitter taste and aromatic balsamic odor
• Sour taste with no odor
• Extremely pungent with minty smell

Correct Answer: Bitter taste and aromatic balsamic odor

Q12. A common pharmacopoeial test for myrrh quality involves checking:

• Protein percentage
• Presence and proportion of volatile oil, resin and gum
• Blood cell count
• Chirality of amino acids

Correct Answer: Presence and proportion of volatile oil, resin and gum

Q13. Which form of myrrh is described as the commercial product?

• Dried leaves
• Oleo-gum-resin tears
• Seed meal
• Root bark powder

Correct Answer: Oleo-gum-resin tears

Q14. Which extraction method is most appropriate to isolate volatile oil from myrrh?

• Steam distillation
• Soxhlet extraction with water
• Cold maceration with saline
• Supercritical CO2 of leaves only

Correct Answer: Steam distillation

Q15. The gum fraction of myrrh primarily contains:

• Polysaccharides
• Simple proteins
• Alkaloids
• Heavy metals

Correct Answer: Polysaccharides

Q16. Which of the following is a common adulterant concern for commercial myrrh?

• Addition of synthetic nylon fibers
• Mixing with other cheaper resins or gums
• Replacement with pure ethanol
• Inclusion of animal fat

Correct Answer: Mixing with other cheaper resins or gums

Q17. The therapeutic uses of myrrh include all EXCEPT:

• Topical wound healing
• Antiseptic for oral infections
• Primary treatment for acute leukemia
• Adjunct in gastrointestinal spasm relief in traditional medicine

Correct Answer: Primary treatment for acute leukemia

Q18. Which class of compounds in myrrh mainly contributes to its anti-inflammatory activity?

• Furano-sesquiterpenes and other terpenoids
• Simple carbohydrates only
• Inorganic salts
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids exclusively

Correct Answer: Furano-sesquiterpenes and other terpenoids

Q19. In formulation, which property of myrrh resin is most relevant for incorporation into ointments?

• Its volatility at room temperature
• Its solubility in lipophilic bases and ethanol
• Its high protein content
• Its water solubility only

Correct Answer: Its solubility in lipophilic bases and ethanol

Q20. Which traditional route is myrrh often administered for respiratory complaints?

• Inhalation of smoke or vapors
• Intravenous injection
• Rectal suppository only
• Transdermal patch with live bacteria

Correct Answer: Inhalation of smoke or vapors

Q21. Which laboratory test would help detect the volatile oil content in myrrh?

• Hydrodistillation followed by measurement of oil volume
• Biuret test for proteins
• Flame test for sodium
• Gram staining

Correct Answer: Hydrodistillation followed by measurement of oil volume

Q22. Myrrh’s antiseptic action is primarily against:

• Certain bacteria and fungi
• All viruses with 100% efficacy
• Prions only
• Helminths exclusively

Correct Answer: Certain bacteria and fungi

Q23. Which statement about myrrh’s smell and volatile oil is correct?

• Myrrh has no volatile oil and is odorless
• Volatile oil imparts balsamic aromatic odor to myrrh
• Myrrh’s odor is due to inorganic salts
• Myrrh smells like raw fish

Correct Answer: Volatile oil imparts balsamic aromatic odor to myrrh

Q24. A distinguishing chemical test for resins like myrrh in the lab is:

• Solubility in volatile organic solvents and color reactions on TLC
• Precipitation with sodium chloride
• Immediate dissolution in water with neutral pH
• Conversion to glucose on heating

Correct Answer: Solubility in volatile organic solvents and color reactions on TLC

Q25. Which of the following is a correct description of myrrh’s commercial form used in pharmacies?

• Purified volatile oil only
• Crude oleo-gum-resin tears used as such or processed into extracts
• Spray-dried synthetic powder
• Fermented liquid sold in bottles

Correct Answer: Crude oleo-gum-resin tears used as such or processed into extracts

Q26. Which therapeutic claim about myrrh requires caution and further clinical evidence?

• Use as a topical antiseptic in minor wounds
• Complete cure of chronic systemic infections without medical supervision
• Adjunctive use in oral hygiene products
• Traditional use as expectorant

Correct Answer: Complete cure of chronic systemic infections without medical supervision

Q27. The pharmacognostic term for the dried exudate (myrrh) is:

• Fixed oil
• Oleo-gum-resin
• Latex only
• Essential powder

Correct Answer: Oleo-gum-resin

Q28. Which statement about storage of myrrh is correct for maintaining quality?

• Store in airtight containers away from light and humidity
• Store in open sunlight to keep it dry
• Store in damp areas to prevent cracking
• Freeze at -80°C always

Correct Answer: Store in airtight containers away from light and humidity

Q29. Which modern analytical method can quantify specific terpenoids in myrrh extracts?

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Simple taste test
• Microscopy of powder only
• Color comparison to a paper chart

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Q30. In quality control, high ash value in a myrrh sample may indicate:

• Possible contamination with inorganic matter or adulterants
• Excess volatile oil content
• Higher gum content only
• Pure and better quality sample always

Correct Answer: Possible contamination with inorganic matter or adulterants

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com