Lipids are fat-like compounds that include fats, waxes, phospholipids and sterols. The document discusses the classification, functions and examples of various lipids. Fats are esters of fatty acids and glycerol that act as energy stores. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA found in fish oils are essential for brain and heart health. Beeswax and carnauba wax are natural waxes with emollient properties used in cosmetics and manufacturing.

1. Lipids
1
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

2. Lipids
Lipids (Greek word means fat)
• Consist of numerous fatlike chemical compounds
that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic
solvents.
2
Functions:
• Fat is stored in adipose tissues, where it also serves as a thermal insulator in the
subcutaneous tissues.
• Fatty acid derivatives serve as vitamins (A, D, E, K)or hormones.
• It act as energy/food reservoir (Triacylglycerol).
• Structural components in cells and Cell membranes (phospholipids and sterols).
• Combinations of lipid and protein (lipoproteins)are important cellular
constituents, occurring both in the cell membrane and in the mitochondria and
serving also as the means of transporting lipid in the blood.
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

3. 3
Classification:
A. Simple Lipids
Esters of fatty acids with glycerol, mainly of two types:
1- Fats and oils:
These are esters of fatty acids and glycerol.
2- Waxes:
- Esters of fatty acids + alcohol other than glycerol.
B. Complex Lipids
Esters of fatty acids + alcohol + other groups like phosphate, nitrogenous base,
carbohydrate, protein, etc.
1- Phospholipids: Fatty acids and alcohol, phosphate group.
2- Glycolipids (glycosphingolipids): Fatty acids+ alcohol+ carbohydrate
as nitrogenous base.
3- Lipoproteins : Macromolecular complexes of lipids with protein.
C. Derived Lipids
These are derived from hydrolysis of simple and complex lipids, these include:
Lipid-soluble vitamins, Steroid hormones, Hydrocarbons, ketone bodies, Mono and
diacylglycerols, etc.
D. Neutral Lipids (unchanged)
These are mono , di and triacylglycerols, cholesterol.
E. Miscellaneous lipids: eg: carotenoids, squalene.
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

4. 1. Fats and Fixed oils
• They are esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols.
• Oils from seeds, nuts & vegetables are typically composed of triglyceride
molecules (also known as triacylglycerol or triacylglyceride).
• A triglyceride is a glyceride in which the glycerol is esterified with three fatty
acids (mixtures of esters of fatty acids e.g. myristic, palmitic, oleic, stearic
or linoleic acids with glycerol).
4
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

5. Dehydration synthesis
enzyme
enzyme
enzyme
dehydration synthesis
5
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

6. Fatty Acids
Carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon side chains.
Types of fatty acids
• Unsaturated Fatty acids (have carbon–carbon double bonds).
• Saturated Fatty acids (without double bonds).
Length of free fatty acid chains (Fatty acid chains differ by length):
1- Short-chain fatty acids (fatty acids with aliphatic tails of fewer than six
carbons e. g. butyric acid).
2- Medium-chain fatty acids (fatty acids with aliphatic tails of 6–12
carbons).
3- Long-chain fatty acids (fatty acids with aliphatic tails 13 to 21 carbons).
4- Very long chain fatty acids (fatty acids with aliphatic tails longer than 22
carbons).
6
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

7. Common Fatty acids
7
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

8. Saturated fats and fatty acids
-No C=C double bonds
-long, straight chain.
-Most of them are of animal fats.
-solid at room temp.
-contributes to cardiovascular disease
(atherosclerosis) = plaques deposits.
8
Unsaturated fats and fatty acids
-One or more than one of C=C
double bonds in the fatty acids.
-plant & fish fats
-vegetable oils
-liquid at room temperature
-The double bonded C prevent the
molecules from packing tightly
together
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

9. Omega-3 fatty acids
• They are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a double bond (C=C)
at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids since they are
necessary for human health, but the body can't make them. So, we
have to get them through food.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and other
seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils.
• Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, as well as
normal growth and development.
• They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of
heart disease.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish
(particularly fatty fish) at least 2 times a week.
9
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

10. Omega-3 fatty acids
Being deficient in omega-3s is associated with lower intelligence,
depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and many other
health problems.
 Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce
inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases
such as:
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Cognitive decline
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
cancer
10
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

11. Omega-3 fatty acids
The three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human
physiology are:
• α-Linolenic acid (ALA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (EPA and DHA commonly found in
marine oils).
11
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

12. Omega-3 fatty acids
1- α-Linolenic acid (ALA):
• ALA is the most common omega-3 fatty acid in the diet.
• ALA is 18 carbons long, with three double bonds.
• It is found in plant oils e.g. line seed and canola oil.
• It needs to be converted into the EPA or DHA before it can be
utilized by the human body.
• ALA is found in many plant foods, including kale, spinach, purslane,
soybeans, walnuts and many seeds and hemp seeds.
12
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

13. Omega-3 fatty acids
2- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• It is 20 carbons long, with 5 double bonds.
• EPA is mostly found in seafood, including fatty fish and algae
• Its main function is to form signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which
play numerous physiological roles.
• Eicosanoids made from omega-3s reduce inflammation, while those made
from omega-6s tend to increase inflammation
13
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

14. Omega-3 fatty acids
3. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• It is 22 carbons long, with 6 double bonds.
• DHA is an important structural component of skin and the retina in the eye.
• Fortifying baby formula with DHA leads to improved vision in infants.
• DHA is absolutely vital for brain development and function in childhood, as well as
brain function in adults.
• Early-life DHA deficiency is associated with problems later on, such as learning
disabilities, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), aggressive hostility
and several other disorders.
• A decrease in DHA during aging is also associated with impaired brain function
and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
• DHA is mainly found in seafood, such as fish, shellfish,
and fish oils.
14
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

15. General uses of fixed oils:
• as a food and source for energy
• as solvents for some drugs and as bases for the preparation of some
pharmaceutical forms.
• in the manufacture of liniments, emollients, plasters and soap.
• some are laxative.
• some are demulcent.
Chemical test:
with sudan red, gives red stain.
Characters of fixed oils:
1- Non-volatile compounds.
2- Liquid or semisolid.
3- have permanent stain on paper (contrary to volatile oils).
4- are hydrolyzed by aq. Alkalis giving soaps (salts of fatty acids) and glycerine.
5- are soluble in organic solvents, insoluble in water.
15
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

16. Examples of valuable fixed oils
 Olive oil and Cod-liver oil.
• Olive oil is the oil expressed from the ripe fruits of Olea europea.
-1st oil expressed: Virgin oil subsequent extractions: marc is solvent
extracted–lower quality oil.
-Superior grades of oil: Extra-virgin, Virgin, or Refined.
• Olive oil: Pale yellow liquid, sometimes with a green tint.
• Oil has a slight odour & nice taste.
• Oils from different sources differ slightly in their constituents.
This result may be due to the different varieties of olive used, or to
climate differences.
16
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

17. Type I Type II BP Limits
_______________________
% % %
_________________________________________
Oleic Acid 78-86 65-70 56-85
Linoleic Acid 0-7 10-15 3.5-20
Palmitic Acid 9-12 15 7.5-20
Stearic Acid 9-12 15 0.5-5.0
17
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

18. COD-LIVER OIL
Medicinal cod-liver oil is a fixed oil prepared from
the fresh liver of the cod, Gadus callarias, & other
Gadus spp. (Gadidae Family), under conditions which
make it palatable & containing a certain amount of
Vitamins.
COLLECTION & EXTRACTION
Cod-livers (contain 50% oil), are removed immediately
after the fish are caught & transferred to steamers &
stored at low temperature.
The oil should be stored in airtight containers
protected from light & stored in a cool, dry place.
18
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

19. CONSTITUENTS
The oil consists of glycerides of unsaturated (85%) and saturated (15%)
acids (myristic acid, palmitic acid & traces of stearic acid).
ACTIONS & USES
• The medicinal properties of cod-liver oil are mainly due to the
Vitamins A & D.
• It is widely used in underdeveloped countries for the
prevention & treatment of rickets.
• Europe & USA: Traditionally used as a vitamin supplement.
• Recent research: relief of rheumatic pains & joint & muscle stiffness.
• Reduces blood cholesterol and Protects against CVD.
19
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

20. 1- Castor seeds
• Consists of the dried seeds of Ricinus comminus (Fam. Euphorbiacese).
• Laxative, in the manufacture of soap, as food in China.
2- Line seed
• Consists of the seeds of Linum usi-tatissimum (Fam. Linaceae)
• Laxative, antiseptic, in the manufacture of soap, ink, used also as food in Egypt.
3- Soybean
• Consist of the seeds of Glycine soja (Fam. Leguminosae)
• Demulcent, in the manufacture of paint, as food.
4- Sesame seeds
• Consist of the seeds of Sesamum indicum (Fam. Leguminosae).
• Demulcent and purgative, in the manufacture of sweets and food.
• as solvent for some i. m. drugs.
Other important drugs containing fixed oils
20
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

21. Linum usi-tatissimum
Seeds of Linum usi-tatissimum
Seed of Ricinus comminus
Ricinus comminus PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

22. Glycine soja
Sesamum indicum
Seeds of Glycine soja
Seeds of Sesamum indicum
22
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

23. 2. Waxes
• Wax generally refers to "organic substances that become solid at room
temperature and liquid when heated."
• It is a simple lipid which is an ester of a long-chain alcohol and a fatty
acid. The alcohol may contain from 12-32 carbon atoms.
23
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

24. Origin of waxes:
24
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

25. Beeswax
• Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis.
• Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various
long-chain alcohols.
• New beeswax is light yellow in color, mainly due to the presence of
pollen, but over time it darkens to a golden yellow. Beeswax turns
brown from contact with bees and propolis.
• There are 3 main types of Beeswax: Yellow, White, and Absolute. They
vary in their processing methods, benefits, and uses.
25
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

26. Uses of Beeswax
• As medicine, beeswax is used for lowering cholesterol and for relieving
pain. It is also used for swelling (inflammation), ulcers, diarrhea, and
hiccups.
• In foods and beverages, white beeswax and beeswax absolute (yellow
beeswax treated with alcohol), are used as stiffening agents.
• In manufacturing, yellow and white beeswax are used as thickeners,
emulsifiers, and as stiffening agents in cosmetics ( it hydrates, conditions,
soothes, and calms the skin. It exfoliates, repairs damage, promotes the
skin’s regeneration and diminishes the appearance of the signs of aging).
• Beeswax absolute is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes.
• White beeswax and beeswax absolute are also used to polish pills.
26
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

27. Carnauba wax
• Carnauba wax is a natural “vegetable” wax derived from the leaves of
the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), family: Arecaceae.
• Consists of a complex mixture of esters, free alcohols, aliphatic acids,
aromatic acids, free ω-hydrocarboxylic acids, hydrocarbons (paraffins)
and triterpene diols. Esters are the main component, corresponding to
more than 80% of the composition, and mostly consist of aliphatic
esters and cinnamic acid diesters
27
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

28. Type of Carnauba wax:
Since the apical leaves have a lower percentage of chlorophyll, type A
wax has a coloration that varies from white to light yellow, and has a
higher economic value than type B does, which has a greenish-gray
coloration.
28
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023

29. Carnauba wax uses:
• Carnauba wax is extensively utilized in the chemical, pharmaceutical,
food, cosmetic and medical field.
• It is known that a p-methoxycinnamic acid isolated from type A wax
has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties.
• Triterpenoids, shown antiprotozoal
• Furthermore, chitinase and a β-1,3-glucanase isolated from type B
wax, have shown antifungal activity.
29
PHRM321, Pharmacognosy Department,
2023