Chemical Properties
Pale-yellow, semidrying oil; mild taste;
pleasant odor. Soluble in alcohol, ether,
chloroform, and carbon disulfide. Combustible.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic and oleic.
Production Methods
Sunflower oil is obtained from the fruits and seeds (achenes) of the
sunflower, Helianthus annus (Compositae), by mechanical means or
by extraction.
General Description
Sunflower seed oil from Helianthus annuus contains saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids), monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid), and polyunsaturated acid (mostly linoleic acid). In addition, this edible oil also contains nonglyceridic contents including tocopherols and plant sterols, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sunflower oil is widely used as an edible oil, primarily in
oleomargarine. It is also used extensively in cosmetics and
pharmaceutical formulations.
Therapeutically, sunflower oil is used to provide energy and
essential fatty acids for parenteral nutrition. Studies have shown
that sunflower oil may be used in intramuscular injections without
inducing tissue damage.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Sunflower seed oil is one of the most used vegetable oils in human nutrition. Oilseed crop sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is also used for biodiesel production. Sunflower oil is used as an emollient in cosmetics, and it serves as an effective phenolic antioxidant. Phytosterols in sunflower oil help in regulating the cholesterol levels in the body. Therefore, sunflower oil may be used to treat pathological conditions such as like acne, arthritis, and hair damage.
Safety
Sunflower oil is widely used in food products and on its own as an
edible oil. It is also used extensively in cosmetics and topical
pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a
relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.
storage
Sunflower oil should be stored in an airtight, well-filled container,
protected from light. Stability may be improved by the addition of
an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxytoluene.
Incompatibilities
The oxidative stability of sunflower oil is reduced in the presence of
iron oxides and zinc oxide.
Sunflower oil forms a ‘skin’ after being exposed to air for 2–3
weeks.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the
UK.
