The uses and properties of almond oil
Introduction
Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists, almonds and the oil they produce have many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.1, 2, 3, 4 An animal study has highlighted improved movement through the colon and better bowel transit. As a result these have been extrapolated and it is through inference that almond oil may have a beneficial effect in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Associations have also been made with reductions in the incidence of colonic cancer.1 Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with almond oils elevating the levels of so-called ‘good cholesterol’, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL).2 Almond oil has been used for its numerous health and beauty benefits since the ancient civilizations of the India, China and Greece.5, 6, 7 Almond oil is used today by beauticians, aromatherapists and massage therapists for its many natural emollient and skin-rejuvenating properties.8 In the practice of aromatherapy, almond oil is extremely popular and sought-after mainly for its rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids.8 Almond oil is used in the cosmetic industry for its penetrating, moisturising and restructuring properties. Almond oil is also used as massage oil and is valued as carrier oil when used with essential oil for aromatherapy.8, 9, 10 This short paper details the natural history of the almond, the biochemical composition of its oilatum and its properties, which make it such a highly used commodity in cosmetic arenas.
Section snippets
The almond
The almond, Prunus dulcis is a species of Prunus belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae; within Prunus, it is classified with the Walnut in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. Found across the Saharan plains from Turkey and Iran as far wide as to India and Nepal, the almond is native to hot climates.6, 7 The almond, the fruit of its tree is not a nut as is the common misconception. Almonds vary in size, on average
The biochemical composition of the almond
Almond oil comprises sizeable proportions of the essential fatty acids, which needs to be derived from the diet hence deemed essential, as they are not synthesised by the body. Almond oil is rich in beta-zoosterol, squalene and alpha-tocopherol, all of which are important constituents of healthy looking skin.
Clearly from Fig. 1a and b, almonds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, carbohydrate and protein and is a highly nutritional source of vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, the
Almond oil
Oleum amygdalae is prepared from a variety of almonds and is a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odour and a nutty taste. It is almost insoluble in alcohol but readily soluble in chloroform or ether and it is used a substitute for olive oil as it exhibits similar carrier properties.8, 9, 10 Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the plant. This oil has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session, and is considered by many to be an
Health benefits
It is thought that almonds and almond oil have many multifaceted properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.1, 2, 3, 4 Further associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made; as per the result of one study use of almond oil reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.1, 11, 12, 13 Further, some studies show a reduced incidence of colonic cancer.1, 11, 12, 13 Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with
Conclusion
Throughout history the use of natural remedies have delineated the basis of medical treatment and therapies which have been in some cases mass produced as pharmacological agents12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22; examples include peppermint oil which has been shown in multiple studies to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improve overall gastrointestinal bowel transit.12, 13, 19 Other substances such as the psyllium seed has been shown to improve constipation, and guar gum
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