Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 16 (2010) 10–12
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ctnm
The uses and properties of almond oil
Zeeshan Ahmad*
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Salisbury General Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8BJ, UK
a b s t r a c t
Keywords:
Almonds
Almond oil
Complimentary medicine
Holistic medicine
Sclerosant
Ancient medicine
Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous
health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently, almonds and almond oil have
many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.
Further, associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made, which consequently reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Further, some studies show a reduced incidence of
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-operatively, smoothes and rejuvenates skin. Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties and, therefore, 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.
1. Introduction
Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits.
Although no conclusive scientific data exists, almonds and the oil
they produce have many properties including anti-inflammatory,
immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.1–4 An animal
study has highlighted improved movement through the colon and
better bowel transit. As a result these have been extrapolated and it
is through inference that almond oil may have a beneficial effect in
the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Associations have
also been made with reductions in the incidence of colonic cancer.1
Moreover, cardiovascular benefits have also been identified with
almond oils elevating the levels of so-called ‘good cholesterol’,
high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it reduces low-density
lipoproteins (LDL).2 Almond oil has been used for its numerous
health and beauty benefits since the ancient civilizations of the
India, China and Greece.5–7 Almond oil is used today by beauticians,
aromatherapists and massage therapists for its many natural
emollient and skin-rejuvenating properties.8 In the practice of
aromatherapy, almond oil is extremely popular and sought-after
mainly for its rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential
fatty acids.8 Almond oil is used in the cosmetic industry for its
* Tel.: þ44 7957 582399.
E-mail address: zeeshan.ahmad@doctors.org.uk
1744-3881/$ – see front matter Ó 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
penetrating, moisturising and restructuring properties. Almond oil
is also used as massage oil and is valued as carrier oil when used
with essential oil for aromatherapy.8–10 This short paper details the
natural history of the almond, the biochemical composition of its
oilatum and its properties, which make it such a highly used
commodity in cosmetic arenas.
2. The almond
The almond, Prunus dulcis is a species of Prunus belonging to the
subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae; within Prunus, it is
classified with the Walnut in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.
Found across the Saharan plains from Turkey and Iran as far wide as
to India and Nepal, the almond is native to hot climates.6,7 The
almond, the fruit of its tree is not a nut as is the common
misconception. Almonds vary in size, on average from 3 to 6 cm
long. Like other fruits in the Prunus family such as the apricot,
cherry and plum, the almond has a leathery skin or shell (exocarp),
which once peeled reveals the kernel (endocarp) therein.6,7
However, in the case of the almond only, the endocarp is the edible
portion, with the exocarp normally discarded. The converse is true
of its family members mentioned above.
It is important that the wild form of the almond contains very
high concentrations of potentially deadly glycoside when crushed
or chewed as it is transformed into hydrogen cyanide, therefore, the
Z. Ahmad / Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 16 (2010) 10–12
11
fruit needs be handled with great care. Before cultivation for agricultural purposes predating 3000 BC, wild almonds were harvested
as a rich nutritional source and, therefore, they were roasted or
leached to release their toxins.6,7
source of vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, the almond’s rich
vitamin B complex and zinc content support its skin-beautifying
properties, as these components are key to developing and maintaining healthy-looking skin.8–10
3. The biochemical composition of the almond
4. Almond oil
Almond oil comprises sizeable proportions of the essential fatty
acids, which needs to be derived from the diet hence deemed
essential, as they are not synthesised by the body. Almond oil is rich
in beta-zoosterol, squalene and alpha-tocopherol, all of which are
important constituents of healthy looking skin.
Clearly from Fig. 1a and b, almonds are a rich source of essential
fatty acids, carbohydrate and protein and is a highly nutritional
Oleum amygdalae is prepared from a variety of almonds and is
a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odour and a nutty taste. It is almost
insoluble in alcohol but readily soluble in chloroform or ether and it
is used a substitute for olive oil as it exhibits similar carrier properties.8–10 Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the
plant. This oil has been traditionally used by massage therapists to
lubricate the skin during a massage session, and is considered by
a
Fatty Acid
% Composition
Oleic Acid
b
64-82%
Linoleic Acid
8-28%
Palmitic Acid
6 to 8%
Almond Nut, Raw [based on 100g]
Energy
2420kJ
Thiamin (B1)
0.24mg (0.18%)
Carbohydrates
20g
Riboflavin (B2)
0.8mg (53%)
-Sugars
5g
Niacin (B3)
4mg (27%)
-Dietary Fibre
12g
Pantothenic Acid (B5) 0.3mg (6%)
51g
Vitamin B6
0.13mg (10%)
-Saturated
4g
Folate (B9)
29µg (7%)
-Monounsaturated
32g
Vitamin C
trace
-Polyunsaturated
12g
Calcium
248mg (25%)
22g
Iron
4mg (32%)
Magnesium
275mg (74%)
Phosphorus
474mg (68%)
Potassium
728mg(15%)
Zinc
3mg (30%)
Fat
Protein
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
properties, almond oil is a unique non-toxic, non-irritating, nonsensitising and non-comedogenic, water insoluble, readily emulsifiable ester, which possesses the following unexpected properties
and attributes:
imparts a dry lubricating feel in the presence of large amounts
of mineral oil or petrolatum
superior solubiliser of lipophilic cosmetic raw materials,
especially sunscreen agents and volatile silicones
high positive spreading coefficient
anti-tack agent, especially in antiperspirant formulations
wetting agent and auxiliary suspending agent for water insoluble powdered products
stable to hydrolysis within pH range of about 2–12.
5. Health benefits
It is thought that almonds and almond oil have many multifaceted properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.1–4 Further associations between
almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made; as per the
result of one study use of almond oil reduces irritable bowel
syndrome symptoms.1,11–13 Further, some studies show a reduced
incidence of colonic cancer.1,11–13 Moreover, cardiovascular benefits
have also been identified with almond oil elevating the levels of socalled ‘good cholesterol’, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), whilst it
reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Recent studies have found
that the inclusion of almonds in the diet elevates the blood levels of
high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and lowers low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Similarly, a controlled trial showed that 73 g of almonds
in the daily diet reduced LDL cholesterol by as much as 9.4%.2
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.6,7 From history it is known
that the Ayurvedic schools of medicine used almonds and almond
oil to improve skin complexion and to treat skin conditions, thereby
promoting soft healthy skin. Further they used it as a nutritive for
the brain and nervous system. Across the Indian subcontinent
today, many physicians prescribe almonds for those partaking in
scholastic pursuits such as undertaking examinations etc. in view of
this point.6,7 The Greco–Persian Unani–Tibb medical system
considers almond oil as a natural aphrodisiac for massage and
internal consumption.6,7 Together with these massage properties,
almond oil has sclerosant properties which can be used to reduce
hypertrophic scarring. Almond oil is often used together with
phenol and injected in to haemorrhoids.11 This practice is typically
seen in South-East Asia, but is still used in Europe to date. Almond
oil is commonly used in otolaryngology for conditions affecting the
outer ear such as otosclerosis once again for its anti-sclerosant
properties. More recently, Cayce, an American holistic practitioner
recommended that almonds should be included in the staple diet
as he claimed health benefits including improved complexion,
improved movement of food through the colon and the prevention
of cancer were attributable to almonds and their consumption.1
6. Conclusion
Throughout history the use of natural remedies have delineated
the basis of medical treatment and therapies which have been
in some cases mass produced as pharmacological agents12–22;
examples include peppermint oil which has been shown in
multiple studies to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
and improve overall gastrointestinal bowel transit.12,13,19 Other
substances such as the psyllium seed has been shown to improve
constipation, and guar gum which has been used to manage critically ill patients with diarrhoea by optimising their nutrition.14–19
Almond oil is a unique substance with multifaceted properties,
which if studied and harnessed appropriately, could offer better
results postoperatively by minimising scars and contractures
together with improving skin tone and complexion. Further study
is suggested to explore its uses from this standpoint.
References
1. Davis PA, Iwahashi CK. Whole almonds and almond fractions reduce aberrant
crypt foci in a rat model of colon carcinogenesis. Cancer. Lett. 2001;165(1):27–33.
2. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Marchie A, Parker TL, Connelly PW, Qian W, et al. Dose
response of almonds on coronary heart disease risk factors: blood lipids, oxidized
low-density lipoproteins, lipoprotein a, homocysteine, and pulmonary nitric
oxide: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Circulation 2002;106(11):
1327–32.
3. Sultana Y, Kohli K, Athar M, Khar RK, Aqil M. Effect of pre-treatment of almond
oil on ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice. J Cosmet Dermatol
2007;6(1):14–9.
4. Hyson DA, Schneeman BO, Davis PA. Almonds and almond oil have similar
effects on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation in healthy men and women. J Nutr
2002;132(4):703–7.
5. Puri HS. Rasayana: ayurvedic herbs for longevity and rejuvenation. London:
Taylor and Francis; 2003. pp. 59–63.
6. Cantor D, Fleischer J, Green J, Israel DL. The fruit of the matter. Mental Floss
2006;5(4):12.
7. Zohary D, Hopf M. Domestication of plants in the old world. 3rd ed. London:
Oxford University Press; 2000. p. 186.
8. Kuriyama H, Watanabe S, Nakaya T, Shigemori I, Kita M, Yoshida N, et al.
Immunological and psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage. Evid
Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(2):179–84. Epub Apr 27.
9. Kodad O, Socias I, Company R. Variability of oil content and of major fatty acid
composition in almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) and its relationship with
kernel quality. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(11):4096–101. Epub, May 8.
10. Shi Z, Fu Q, Chen B, Xu S. Analysis of physicochemical property and composition
of fatty acid of almond oil. Se Pu 1999;17(5):506–7 [in Chinese].
11. Lenhard BH. Phenol almond oil for sclerosing of haemorrhoids. Hautarzt
1990;41(12):699 [in German].
12. McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health
benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytother Res 2006;20(8):
619–33.
13. Cappello G, Spezzaferro M, Grossi L, Manzoli L, Marzio L. Peppermint oil
(Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double
blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dig Liver Dis. 2007;39(6):530–6.
Epub 2007 Apr 8.
14. Giannini EG, Mansi C, Dulbecco P, Savarino V. Role of partially hydrolyzed guar
gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Nutrition 2006;22(3):
334–42. Epub 2006 Jan 18.
15. Slavin JL, Greenberg NA. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum: clinical nutrition uses.
Nutrition 2003;19(6):549–52.
16. Rushdi TA, Pichard C, Khater YH. Control of diarrhoea by fibre-enriched diet in
ICU patients on enteral nutrition: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Clin Nutr 2004;23(6):1344–52.
17. Parisi G, Bottona E, Carrara M, Cardin F, Faedo A, Goldin D, et al. Treatment
effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on symptoms and quality of life of
patients with irritable bowel syndrome. A multicenter randomized open trial.
Dig Dis Sci 2005;50(6):1107–12.
18. Yu LL, Lutterodt H, Cheng Z. Beneficial health properties of psyllium and
approaches to improve its functionalities. Adv Food Nutr Res 2009;55:193–220.
19. Johanson JF. Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. MedGenMed 2007;9(2):25.
20. Lewith GT, Godfrey AD, Prescott P. A single-blinded, randomized pilot study
evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild
insomnia. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(4):631–7.
21. Kyle G. Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of
anxiety in palliative care patients: results of a pilot study. Complement Ther Clin
Pract 2006;12(2):148–55. Epub, Mar 29.
22. Stamatas GN, de Sterke J, Hauser M, von Stetten O, van der Pol A. Lipid uptake
and skin occlusion following topical application of oils on adult and infant skin.
J Dermatol Sci 2008;50(2):135–42. Epub 2008 Mar 4.