Myristic acid: application and properties

Myristic acid (formula С13Н27СООН) is the marginal monobasic carboxylic acid. Another of its name - tetradecanoate acid. It can be seen in the composition of many cosmetic products. But is it safe substance for human?

Contained in natural foods

The nature of this acid is found in abundance: in the form of triglycerides in the oil cores of the Java almond. And in many other vegetable oils, such as oil ucuuba, babassu, coconut (20%) and palm. Substance found in fruits pequi, Marula oil, and even cotton. However, in recent myristic acid has a share of just 0.3-0.4%.

In Addition to the above oils, tetradecanoate acid in large quantity (7 to 15%) is contained in the dairy, beef (3-3,5%) and mutton fat (2-3%) and slightly camelina, safflower and olive oils.

The Concentration of myristic acid in milk fat is higher in winter and decreases in summer.

Physical properties and production

Substance poorly soluble in water, but perfectly soluble in diethyl ether, acetone and alcohol. The melting temperature is 54 degrees, and boiling - 248 (at atmospheric pressure 100 mm Hg.St.)

Produce myristic acid by obtaining from oils. Often use nutmeg, which consists mainly of solid triglycerides tetradecanoic acid. It, in turn, is obtained by pressing nutmegs and saponification and distillation oil of the fruits of other trees of the genus Myristica (processes are conducted in the rarefied space).

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Drugs and supplements

This acid is contained in the subcutaneous fat of the person, and is from 2 to 4% by weight of all fatty acids. Like other saturated fatty acids, it has some antimicrobial properties. These qualities greatly depend on the acidity of the medium.

Myristic acid is characterized by viricidal and fungicidal activity, which suppresses the development of pathogenic microflora and the growth of fungi-yeast. It potentiates intestinal and antibacterial effects of medication. For example, antibiotics and thereby increase their effectiveness in the treatment of acute intestinal infections of bacterial and viral nature.

As myristic acid, interacting with viral and bacterial antigens, causing immune stimulation, it contributes to a stronger immune response of the organism during the introduction of enteric pathogens.

The complex

Together with other fatty acids it is included in composition of some active ingredients. For example, fat emulsions for parenteral nutrition. Fish oil of high purity, which is one of the active ingredients of such drugs, contains in one hundred grams from 1 to 6 grams of myristic acid.

Soap and cosmetics

The Production of solid soap is also not without tetradecanoic acid. However, in pure form and in the composition of the oils. It is used along with palmitic and stearic acid. Often used in cosmetic products in their composition facilitates the penetration of active substances into the skin that is myristic acid. Properties activate its restorative and protective properties of the skin. In addition, acid has a sliding and lubricating effect. This substance is absolutely safe if used as directed.

In Addition to the active component, the acid may be used in cosmetics as an emulsifying and structuring component. It is included in the composition of the emulsion creams. For example, the men's gel cleanser "Black coal" and mascara by l'oreal. May include this substance in cosmetic products and as fragrance additive.