What is the Succinic Acid CAS# 110-15-6 in Amber Beeswax?

Among gemstones, amber is undoubtedly one of the most precious and admired. Its formation takes thousands or even millions of years, making it far more complex than it appears on the surface. Amber contains a wealth of natural compounds that can be extracted and utilized in various ways, including medicine. Thus, amber is not only valued for its beauty but also for its significant medicinal properties.

Amber’s Key Component – Succinic Acid

Succinic acid is a colorless crystalline substance first extracted from amber by scientists in the 15th century. As a valuable natural compound, it remains widely used in modern medicine. Although amber is the main natural source, succinic acid is also found in many plants and animal tissues.

Amber typically contains 3%–8% succinic acid, concentrated mainly on its surface. For this reason, unpolished or lightly polished amber can exhibit mild antibacterial properties. Succinic acid benefits the human body by enhancing immunity, boosting vitality, and regulating the body’s acid–base balance. In foreign countries, more than a dozen types of pharmaceuticals based on succinic acid have been developed, functioning primarily as inhibitors and antioxidants. Among all varieties of amber, white beeswax amber contains the highest concentration of succinic acid.

The Relationship Between Amber and Beeswax

Amber and beeswax share the same organic origin — both are formed from the resin of pine or leguminous trees that underwent burial and geological processes over millions of years. The main distinction lies in their appearance and succinic acid content: amber is transparent, while beeswax is opaque and often contains more succinic acid, particularly in varieties like floating flower and white wax, where the white bands indicate high succinic acid concentration.

Most beeswax available on the market today is produced along the Baltic Sea coast, especially in Russia and Ukraine, leading to classifications such as Russian and Ukrainian beeswax. Russian beeswax, often known as chicken oil yellow, tends to be thicker in texture and darker in color, with a higher succinic acid content that contributes to its quality and value.

Benefits of succinic acid to the human body

The benefits of succinic acid to the human body can be summarized as follows:

1. Enhances Immunity and Vitality

Succinic acid strengthens the immune system, boosts energy levels, and helps maintain the body’s acid–base balance. Unlike many other compounds, the accumulation of succinic acid residues in the body causes no negative effects, and even excessive intake is generally harmless to humans.

2. Balances and Rejuvenates Body Functions

Often referred to as a modern elixir of youth, succinic acid is widely used in skincare products for its antioxidant properties, helping to improve skin elasticity and delay aging. It is also highly beneficial for athletes, as it acts as a regulator that supports the overall balance of bodily functions.
Among all sources, Baltic amber contains the highest concentration of natural succinic acid. However, many jewelry-grade ambers undergo heat-treatment optimization for better appearance, which significantly reduces or eliminates their succinic acid content—resulting in weakened or even absent fluorescence, a hallmark of natural amber.

3. Promotes Recovery and Healing

Amber products rich in succinic acid can be worn to allow the compound to penetrate the skin, stimulate blood circulation, and alleviate pain. It is particularly effective in post-illness or injury recovery, helping patients regain strength and immunity.
In Russia, succinic acid is used as a remedy for alcohol dependence, as it helps reduce cravings and rapidly neutralizes excess alcohol in the body. A single tablet containing about 0.1 gram of succinic acid can restore an intoxicated person to normal functioning within 15 minutes.

4. Broad Applications and Additional Benefits

Succinic acid has a slightly sour taste and is commonly used in the food industry as a flavoring agent, acidulant, and buffer. It also functions as a surfactant in the manufacture of cleaning and depilatory products.
In agriculture, irrigating crops with a low-concentration succinic acid solution can significantly increase yield and shorten growth cycles, as it enhances the plant’s resistance to fungi and bacteria.
Additionally, amber oil, rich in succinic acid, is effective in relieving rheumatic pain. When absorbed through the skin, it promotes blood flow, reduces muscle soreness, and supports tissue regeneration.