Peanut oil

• BPArachis Oil
• JPPeanut Oil
• Ph. Eur.Arachis Oil, Refined
• USP–NFPeanut Oil

Arachis oil; refined arachis oil; groundnut oil; earthnut oil; katchung oil; arachidis oleum raffinatum

Refined fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Arachis hypogaea, consisting mainly of triglycerides of oleic and linoleic acids · [8002-03-7]

Polymer, mixture or material of variable composition — no single molecular formula applies.

Oleaginous vehicle

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Sterile (parenteral/ophthalmic)

Used as an oily vehicle and solvent for intramuscular injections and oral soft capsules, in topical preparations and ear drops, and in rectal enemas for softening impacted faeces. It is also a food oil.

A colourless or pale yellow oily liquid with a faint, nutty odour and a bland taste. It becomes cloudy at about 3 °C and partly solidifies at lower temperatures.

Fatty acid composition

oleic acid about 35–72%; linoleic acid about 13–43%; plus palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic and lignoceric acids

Relative density

≈ 0.91–0.92

Refractive index

≈ 1.47 at 20 °C

Solubility

practically insoluble in water; very slightly soluble in ethanol (95%); miscible with light petroleum, chloroform and ether

Stable, but becomes rancid on prolonged exposure to air, light and heat because of its unsaturated fatty acids; antioxidants may be added. It may be sterilised by dry heat. Store in a well-filled, airtight container, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding about 40 °C.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents; it saponifies with alkalis.

Obtained by expression or solvent extraction of shelled peanut seeds, followed by refining (degumming, neutralising, bleaching and deodorising).

Generally non-toxic and non-irritant, but peanut allergy is the main concern. Highly refined oil contains very little protein, yet medicines containing arachis oil carry a warning in the EU that they should not be used by patients allergic to peanut or soya. Intramuscular injections must use a sterile, parenteral-grade oil.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended; spills are slippery and should be cleaned up promptly.

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (intramuscular injections; oral capsules; topical preparations) and in parenteral and non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe, with mandatory allergy labelling.

Hydrogenated arachis oil; olive oil; sesame oil; soybean oil; almond oil.

Because of allergy concerns, other oils such as sesame or medium-chain triglycerides are often preferred in new formulations. When used, the refined pharmacopoeial grade should be specified and allergen labelling applied.