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Keywords: Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous
Almonds health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently, almonds and almond oil have
Almond oil many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.
Complimentary medicine
Further, associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made, which conse-
Holistic medicine
quently reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Further, some studies show a reduced incidence of
Sclerosant
Ancient medicine colonic cancer. Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with almond oil elevating the
levels of so-called ‘good cholesterol’, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it reduces low-density
lipoproteins (LDL).
Historically, almond oil had been used in Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco–Persian schools of
Medicine to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Further, it is through anecdotal
evidence and clinical experiences that almond oil seemingly reduces hypertrophic scarring post-oper-
atively, smoothes and rejuvenates skin. Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties and, there-
fore, has been used to improve complexion and skin tone. Further studies looking into the use of almond
oil post-operatively for the reduction of scarring are suggested.
Ó 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1744-3881/$ – see front matter Ó 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
Z. Ahmad / Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 16 (2010) 10–12 11
fruit needs be handled with great care. Before cultivation for agri- source of vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, the almond’s rich
cultural purposes predating 3000 BC, wild almonds were harvested vitamin B complex and zinc content support its skin-beautifying
as a rich nutritional source and, therefore, they were roasted or properties, as these components are key to developing and main-
leached to release their toxins.6,7 taining healthy-looking skin.8–10
Almond oil comprises sizeable proportions of the essential fatty Oleum amygdalae is prepared from a variety of almonds and is
acids, which needs to be derived from the diet hence deemed a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odour and a nutty taste. It is almost
essential, as they are not synthesised by the body. Almond oil is rich insoluble in alcohol but readily soluble in chloroform or ether and it
in beta-zoosterol, squalene and alpha-tocopherol, all of which are is used a substitute for olive oil as it exhibits similar carrier prop-
important constituents of healthy looking skin. erties.8–10 Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the
Clearly from Fig. 1a and b, almonds are a rich source of essential plant. This oil has been traditionally used by massage therapists to
fatty acids, carbohydrate and protein and is a highly nutritional lubricate the skin during a massage session, and is considered by
Palmitic Acid 6 to 8%
Potassium 728mg(15%)
Fig. 1. (a) A table illustrating the percentage composition of fatty acids found in the almond. (b) A table showing the nutritional constituents together with the recommended
nutritional intake of vitamins and micronutrients.9
12 Z. Ahmad / Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 16 (2010) 10–12
many to be an effective emollient.8,9 With respect to its chemical examples include peppermint oil which has been shown in
properties, almond oil is a unique non-toxic, non-irritating, non- multiple studies to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
sensitising and non-comedogenic, water insoluble, readily emul- and improve overall gastrointestinal bowel transit.12,13,19 Other
sifiable ester, which possesses the following unexpected properties substances such as the psyllium seed has been shown to improve
and attributes: constipation, and guar gum which has been used to manage criti-
cally ill patients with diarrhoea by optimising their nutrition.14–19
imparts a dry lubricating feel in the presence of large amounts Almond oil is a unique substance with multifaceted properties,
of mineral oil or petrolatum which if studied and harnessed appropriately, could offer better
superior solubiliser of lipophilic cosmetic raw materials, results postoperatively by minimising scars and contractures
especially sunscreen agents and volatile silicones together with improving skin tone and complexion. Further study
high positive spreading coefficient is suggested to explore its uses from this standpoint.
anti-tack agent, especially in antiperspirant formulations
wetting agent and auxiliary suspending agent for water insol-
uble powdered products
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