Hyraceum

Hyraceum, a unique fossil metabolic product, is obtained from the urine and faeces of the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), a small mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. The rock hyrax produces a distinctive resin-like substance through the fermentation of its waste products, which has been used for centuries in traditional African and Middle Eastern medicine, connecting us to our historical roots. Hyraceum is primarily composed of hippuric acid, benzoic acid, and other organic compounds, and has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and digestive issues (Gundidza, 1986; Sobiecki, 2002). Recent scientific research has investigated the potential medicinal properties of hyraceum, suggesting that it may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, though more studies are needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential (Spies et al., 2011; Adamu et al., 2013).