Name: Peanut Oil
CAS No: Peanut oil [8002-03-7]
BP: Arachis Oil JP: Peanut Oil PhEur: Arachis Oil, Refined USP-NF: Peanut Oil
Aextreff CT; arachidis oleum raffinatum; earthnut oil; groundnut oil; katchung oil; nut oil.
Peanut oil [8002-03-7]
A typical analysis of refined peanut oil indicates the composition of the acids present as glycerides to be: arachidic acid 2.4%; behenic acid 3.1%; palmitic acid 8.3%; stearic acid 3.1%; lignoceric acid 1.1%; linoleic acid 26.0%, and oleic acid 56.0%.(1)
Peanut oil is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations primarily as a solvent for sustained-release intramuscular injections. It is also used as a vehicle for topical preparations and as a solvent for vitamins and hormones. In addition, it has been part of sustained-release bead formulations,(2) nasal drug delivery systems,( 3) and controlled-release injectables.(4) Therapeutically, emulsions containing peanut oil have been used in nutrition regimens, in enemas as a fecal softener, and in otic drops to soften ear wax. It is also administered orally, usually with sorbitol, as a gall bladder evacuant prior to cholecystography. Peanut oil is also widely used as an edible oil.
Peanut oil is a colorless or pale yellow-colored liquid that has a faint nutty odor and a bland, nutty taste. At about 38C it becomes cloudy, and at lower temperatures it partially solidifies.
See Table I.
Autoignition temperature 4438C Density 0.915 g/cm3 at 258C Flash point 2838C Freezing point 58C Hydroxyl value 2.5–9.5 Interfacial tension 19.9mN/m at 258C(5) Refractive index nD 25 = 1.466–1.470 Solubility Very slightly soluble in ethanol (95%); soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and oils; miscible with carbon disulfide, chloroform, ether, and hexane. Surface tension 37.5mN/m at 258C(5) Viscosity (dynamic) 35.2 mPa s (35.2 cP) at 378C(5) Viscosity (kinematic) 39.0mm2/s (39.0 cSt) at 378C(5)
Peanut oil is an essentially stable material.(6) However on exposure to air it can slowly thicken and may become rancid. Solidified peanut oil should be completely melted and mixed before use. Peanut oil may be sterilized by aseptic filtration or by dry heat, for example, by maintaining it at 1508C for 1 hour.(7) Peanut oil should be stored in a well-filled, airtight, lightresistant container, at a temperature not exceeding 408C. Material intended for use in parenteral dosage forms should be stored in a glass container.
Peanut oil may be saponified by alkali hydroxides.
Refined peanut oil is obtained from the seeds of Arachis hypogaea Linne´ (Fam. Leguminosae). The seeds are separated from the peanut shells and are expressed in a powerful hydraulic press. The crude oil has a light yellow to light brown color, and is then purified to make it suitable for food or pharmaceutical purposes. A suitable antioxidant may be added.
Peanut oil is mildly laxative at a dosage of 15–60mL orally or of 100–500mL rectally as an enema. Adverse reactions to peanut oil in foods and pharmaceutical formulations have been reported extensively.(8–18) These include severe allergic skin rashes(8,9) and anaphylactic shock following consumption of peanut butter.(10) Some workers have suggested that the use in infancy of preparations containing peanut oil, including infant formula and topical preparations, is associated with sensitization to peanut, with a subsequent risk of hypersensitivity reactions, and that such products should therefore be avoided or banned.(8–12) However, the role of pharmaceutical preparations in later development of hypersensitivity is disputed since such preparations contain highly refined peanut oil that should not contain the proteins associated with allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.(13–15) Peanut oil is harmful if administered intravenously and it should not be used in such formulations.(16)
Observe normal handling precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Spillages of peanut oil are slippery and should be covered with an inert absorbent material prior to disposal.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (IM injections, topical preparations, oral capsules, and vaginal emulsions). Included in parenteral and nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
Almond oil; canola oil; corn oil; cottonseed oil; sesame oil; soybean oil; sunflower oil.
As a result of the potentially fatal reactions noted in Section 14, certain food products are now commonly labeled with a statement that they contain peanut oil. A specification for unhydrogenated peanut oil is contained in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).(19) The EINECS number for peanut oil is 232-296-4.