Lab # 7

Preparation of Cod Liver Oil Emulsion

1
Cod liver oil

 Cod liver oil is the oil extracted from the liver of the cod, Gadus
morhua.

 It is one of the best sources of:

 Omega 3 fatty acids
 Vitamin A
 Vitamin D
Omega 3 fatty acids
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are:

 Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

 Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Cod liver oil contains EPA and DHA. ALA is found mainly in plant
oils.
 In fatty acids, omega refers to the methyl end of the molecule as
opposed the carboxylic acid end, which is known as the alpha end.
 The number “3” refers to the placement of the first carbon with a
double bond from the omega end.
 If it is the third carbon then it is Omega-3, if it is the sixth then it is
Omega-6.
 Omega 3 fatty acids are an integral part of cell membranes throughout
the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these
membranes.

 Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help prevent heart disease
and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis,
and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, has several important functions.

One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. In its

more severe forms, vitamin A deficiency contributes to blindness.

Other major health consequences of vitamin A deficiency include

severely reduced immune competence, which leads to an increased
susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Vitamin D

 Vitamin D helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

 A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in

children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in
adults.
Emulsion:

 Emulsions are the biphasic liquid dosage form of medicament in

which two immiscible liquids (generally one of which is water and
other is some lipid or oil) are made miscible by the addition of a third
substance known as emulsifying agent or emulgent. Milk is an
example of natural emulsion.
 The formula for quantities of oil, emulsifying agent and water
required for primary emulsions is as follows

Oil Water Gum

Fixed oil 4 2 1
Volatile oil 4 4 2
Mineral oil 3 2 1
Fixed oils
 Arachis oil, castor oil, cod liver oil, olive oil, almond oil.
Volatile oils
 Peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, turpentine oil.
Prepare 20 ml of Cod liver oil 30% emulsion

Ingredients Working formula

Cod liver oil 6 ml
Acacia 1.5 g
Double strength chloroform water 10 ml
Purified water q.s 20 mL
Formula for the primary emulsion:
As cod liver oil is a fixed oil, the primary emulsion ratio is:

Oil : Water : Gum

4 2 1

In this case 6 mL of Cod liver oil is required, therefore:

4 parts = 6 mL cod liver oil

1 part = 6÷4 = 1.5 g acacia

2 parts = 3 ml double strength chloroform water

Double strength chloroform water

Ingredients Quantity
Chloroform 0.5 ml
Water q.s 100 ml
Procedure
1. Weigh 1.5g acacia and transfer to mortar.
2. Add 6ml cod liver oil and stir gently.
3. Add the 3ml double strength chloroform water to the mortar and stir vigorously
with the pestle in one direction until the primary emulsion is formed.
4. A characteristic clicking sound will be heard when the primary emulsion is
formed. The whiter the primary emulsion the better it is formed.
5. Add remaining double strength chloroform water drop by drop to the primary
emulsion until the emulsion is pourable.
6. Transfer the emulsion to graduated cylinder and make total volume upto 20 ml
with purified water.
 Role of ingredients

 Cod liver oil is the active ingredient used as a source of vitamin A, vitamin D

and omega 3 fatty acids.

 Acacia is used as emulsifying agent.

 Double strength chloroform water is used as preservative.

Uses

 It is given to children to help prevent rickets and other conditions

caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Label
Composition: Storage:
Each 5 ml contains Store below 30 ֯C.
Cod liver oil ………….. 1.5ml Protect from heat and light.

Uses: Directions:
As a source of vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil Shake well before use.
vitamin D and Omega-3. Emulsion
Precaution:
Do not use this product if you 20 mL Mfg. Lic. No. :
are allergic to cod liver oil. Reg. No. :
Batch No. :
Manufactured by: Mfg. Date:
Exp. Date:
MRP. Rs. :