Page 181 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Lipids

It is a group of heterogenous chemical substances that are insoluble in water but
soluble in organic solvents. They produce glycerol, fatty acids and fatty alcohols upon

hydrolysis.
The term "Lipid" includes not only fats, fixed oils and waxes (simple lipids) but
also includes phosphatides and lecithin which may contain phosphorus and nitrogen

in addition to oxygen, hydrogen and carbon.

Lipids

1. Fats and Fixed Oils
• They are triglycerides (esters of fatty acids with glycerol).
• Oils are in liquid form and characterized by their unsaturated fatty acid.
• While fats are in solid form which contain saturated fatty acids.

Examples of Plant Oils and fats widely used in Egyptian market
1. Castor oil:

• Rich in recinoleic acid.
• Contains ricin and ricinin.
• Used as cathartic and a vehicle in IM injections.
• Externally, it is used as emollient and in hair preparation.
2. Cocoa Butter:
• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
• Used as a base for suppositories and in lip sticks.

Evening Primrose Oil:
• Rich in Linoleic and gamma linoleic acids.
• Used in postmenopausal symptoms.

4. Nigella sativa Oil:
• Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Used in bronchitis, bronchial asthma and in rheumatoid arthritis.
• immunostimulatory

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