Erucic acid

Erucic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with the chemical formula C22H42O2. It is a prominent component of certain vegetable oils, notably those derived from rapeseed (Brassica napus), mustard seed, and wallflower seed. Its systematic IUPAC name is (Z)-docos-13-enoic acid. Here are some key points regarding erucic acid:

Sources

• Rapeseed Oil: Erucic acid is commonly found in high concentrations in rapeseed oil. Traditional rapeseed oil can contain up to 40-50% erucic acid.
• Mustard Seed Oil: Mustard oil is another significant source, often containing 20-40% erucic acid.
• Wallflower Seed Oil: Less commonly used, but it can contain erucic acid as well.

Uses

• Industrial Applications: Erucic acid is used in the production of lubricants, emulsifiers, and as a surfactant. It is also utilized in the manufacture of plastics, nylons, and coatings.
• Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: It is used as an ingredient in some pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products due to its emollient properties.

Health Concerns

• Cardiotoxicity: Historically, erucic acid was linked to heart disease, specifically myocardial lipidosis, in animal studies. This led to concerns about its safety in human consumption.
• Regulations: Due to these health concerns, many countries have set regulations on the permissible levels of erucic acid in food products. For example, canola oil, a variant of rapeseed oil, has been bred to contain very low levels of erucic acid (less than 2%).

Nutritional Aspects

• Low Erucic Acid Varieties: To address health concerns, low-erucic acid rapeseed oils (such as canola oil) have been developed and are widely used in cooking and food production.

Chemistry and Properties

• Physical State: Erucic acid is a colorless or pale yellow oily liquid at room temperature.
• Melting Point: It has a melting point of about 33-34°C (91-93°F).
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform.

Research

• Biological Effects: Research continues into the biological effects of erucic acid. While it is not considered essential in the human diet, understanding its metabolism and long-term effects remains an area of scientific inquiry.

In summary, erucic acid is a fatty acid with significant industrial and limited pharmaceutical uses. Although its high levels in traditional rapeseed oil raised health concerns, the development of low-erucic acid varieties has mitigated these risks, allowing for safe consumption in food products.