Page 372 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303 (1)

Pharmacognosy-2 (PG303) Level 2 Clinical Pharmacy-Pharm D

Spermaceti

Spermaceti is a solid wax obtained from the mixed oils derived from the head and
blubber of the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, and the bottlenose whale
Hyperoodon rostratus.

The whales are found in pacific Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Preparation In the head of the animal and above the shull, is a large cavity
containing crude sperm oil enough to fill 10 large barrels. This
oil on cooling deposits 11% of spermaceti. The deposit is
pressed, melted strained, washed, and allowed to cool.
Characters Translucent, crystalline, pearly-white masses, oily in touch with
a little odor or taste.
Constituents • Cetin (Cetyl palmitate, C 15H 31COO-C 16H 33), mainly

Esters of cetyl alcohol and other fatty acids.

Uses • Manufacture of emollient ointments.
• Internally used as a demulcent in coughs (In the form of
emulsion with egg yolk or gum acacia).

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