Myristic acid (formula - C13H27COOH) - is a monobasic saturated carboxylic acid. Its other name is tetradecanoic acid. It can be seen in many cosmetic substances. But is this substance safe for humans?
Contained in Organic Products
In nature, this acid is found in abundance: in the form of triglycerides in javanese almond kernel oil. And also in many other vegetable oils, such as ukuba oil, babassu, coconut (up to 20%) and palm. The substance is found in fruits of pequi, marula oil and even cottonseed. True, in the latter myristic acid has a share of only 0.3-0.4%.
In addition to the above oils, tetradecanoic acid in large quantities (from 7 to 15%) is found in milk, beef (3-3.5%) and lamb fat (2-3%), as well as slightly in camelina, safflower and olive oils .
The concentration of myristic acid in milk fats becomes higher in winter and decreases in summer.
Physical properties and production
The substance is poorly soluble in water, but it is highly soluble in diethyl ether, acetone and alcohol. The melting point is 54 degrees, and the boiling point is 248 (at atmospheric pressure of 100 mm Hg)
Myristic acid is produced by the preparation of oils. Most often they use nutmeg, which consists mainly of solid tetradecanoic acid triglycerides. It, in turn, is obtained by pressing nutmegs and saponification and distillation of oil from the fruits of other trees of the genus Myristica (processes are conducted in a rarefied space).
Medicines and nutritional supplements
This acid is also found in human subcutaneous fat, and accounts for from 2 to 4% by weight of all fatty acids. Like other saturated fatty acids, it has some antimicrobial properties. These qualities significantly depend on the acidity of the medium.
Myristic acid is characterized by viricidal and fungicidal activity, which inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora and the growth of yeast fungi. It potentiates the intestinal and antibacterial effects of drugs. For example, antibiotics, as a result of which their effectiveness in the treatment of acute intestinal infections of a bacterial and viral nature increases.
Since myristic acid, interacting with viral and bacterial antigens, causes immunological stimulation, it contributes to a stronger immune response of the body with the introduction of intestinal pathogens.
In complex
Together with other fatty acids it is included in the composition of some active substances. For example, fat emulsions for parenteral nutrition. High-purity fish oil, which is one of the active ingredients of such preparations, contains per hundred grams from 1 to 6 grams of myristic acid.
Soap and cosmetics
The production of solid soap also does not do without tetradecanoic acid. However, not in its pure form, but as a part of oils. Along with it, palmitic and stearic acids are used. Often used in cosmetics: in their composition it is myristic acid that facilitates the penetration of active substances into the skin. Its properties activate the regenerative and protective properties of the skin. In addition, the acid has a sliding and lubricating effect. This substance is absolutely safe if used as directed.
In addition to the active component, the acid can be used in cosmetics as an emulsifying and structuring component. It is part of emulsion creams. For example, in men's gel for washing "Black charcoal" and mascara from Eveline. This substance may be part of cosmetics and as a perfume additive.