LOBAN as sold in the market is a resin of a tree, Styrax Benzoin. It is extracted by making an incision on the stem of the tree; the secreting liquid is collected, dried and sold for usage. Though the trees of Loban are found in India, the maximum Loban is imported from Thailand, Malaysia and the Islands of the East Indies. Chemical synthesis of Loban reveals that Loban contains benzoic acid, cinnamic acid and aniline. Besides, a volatile oil is also found. It is used throughout India as incense. It is the source of benzoic acid which is largely used in medicine as aromatic, stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic and styptic. When its vapors burned is used as deodorant and antiseptic in sick rooms and hospitals. Styrax incense is used in the Middle East and adjacent regions as an air freshener. The fumigation of Loban is a good insect repellent. It has qualities of an insecticide, is antiseptic and fights epidemics.
