An Analysis of Emu Oil - Continued
In reflection, the majority of the emollients and fatty acids in Emu Oil are found in common carrier and massage oils. The commonly used oils have been show to have know fatty acids that are healing to the skin. As Emu Oil is similar, it is no surprise that it is helpful too. Now, let�s see how Emu oil is compared to other emollients.
Comparisons to other oils:
I found in studies comparing Emu to Corn oil in the studies of mice through topical applications. Corn oil has reasonable amounts of Oleic (28-37%), but there is also 'High Oleic Corn Oil' which is more stable and closer to 50% Oleic. The study did not specify which oil was used. I haven�t found any sources that claim corn oil contain the important Alpha Linolenic Acid; an EFA that is know to be needed in the body and helpful for various problems, specifically skin. It seems Corn Oil is at a disadvantage, and I am not aware of a common or widespread use of corn oil in topical aroma therapy applications or massage. I question the wisdom in choosing Corn Oil for comparison to another topical and often used oil.
I think a test would be more applicable if they included a vegetable mixture of similar fatty acids for analysis. For example: if the study had a blend of mostly Grape Seed, with Shea Butter and Rose Hip Seed Oils, the blend might have similar or better results as the Emu Oil.
Final Constituents of Emu Oil listed greatest to least:
|
Constituents (Fatty Acids) |
Mean Content (%) |
Common Source for Massage |
|
C18:1 oleic |
47.4 |
Olive Oil, Sweet Almond |
|
C16:0 palmitic |
20.6 |
Palm Oil |
|
C18:2 linoleic |
17.3 |
Grape Seed |
|
C18:0 stearic |
9.2 |
Shea Butter |
|
C16:1 palmitoleic |
3.1 |
Macadamia Seed |
|
C18:3 linolenic (alpha) |
1 |
Rose Hip Seed |
|
C14:0 myristic |
0.3 |
(trace) |
Conclusion:
Mysterious and sometimes bizarre health claims have been made about all kinds of products. Currently new oils seem to be the rage. Rose Hip, Meadowfoam, Shea Butter and Jojoba oils have such claims; yet, they all have a unique chemical structures that could explain why they would have different properties than other products and unique qualities to themselves. Their unique compositions can be analyzed and discerned and structures can be examined that could explain their effects.
Could a vegan (vegetarian) gain the exact same benefits by using a mix of Grape Seed, Shea Butter and Rose Hip seed oils? - Possibly, since they contain the same or similar levels of fatty acids in Emu Oil. These are also know to lead to many of the benefits reported by Emu Oil users. One of the biggest advantages is that the price of these vegetable oils is much less than the cost of Emu Oil. In addition the levels of healthy vitamins, such as Toctrienol, a vitamin E, might be greater in the vegetable.
According to my research, sometimes Salicylic Acid and extra Vitamin E are added to Emu Oils. Salicylic Acid would increase the penetration ability of the oil, and could explain some healthy benefits reported. Salicylic acid, acts as a beta hydroxy acid, and has been shown to penetrate into pores, improve acne, and brighten dull skin. Also, Vitamin E when applied on the skin can be absorbed into the body, resulting in higher levels found within the skin cells (). The higher level of vitamin E can facilitate healing as well.
If anyone has any additional details about the components of Emu Oil that have been overlook in this analysis, I would appreciate hearing from you. It is possible that there could be other components in Emu Oil that are outside this analysis (although according to my sources they would be at a trace levels). I would like to express that if you are experience good results with Emu Oil, I have found nothing wrong with it. It is a good blend of different kinds of common fats. With that thought, I found nothing extraordinary about Emu Oil that separates it from other good vegetable oils.
Healthy oils applied to the skin will acts its own special �feeding� of the skin. Weather Emu Oil or other quality vegetable oils, or blends, topical applications of healthy emollients do seem to improve the qualities� of one�s skin. And since the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is important to keep it healthy; your skin has many jobs to do.
David Roman [email protected].