Sunflower oil

• BPRefined Sunflower Oil
• Ph. Eur.Sunflower Oil, Refined
• USP–NFSunflower Oil

Helianthi annui oleum raffinatum; sunflower seed oil; refined sunflower oil

Fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Helianthus annuus L. · [8001-21-6]

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

Oleaginous vehicle

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Liquid, Semi-solid

Used as an oily vehicle and solvent in oral preparations, including soft gelatin capsule fills, and as an emollient oil in topical creams, ointments and bath oils. It is also widely used as an edible oil and in cosmetics.

A clear, light yellow oil with a bland odour and taste. The refined oil is a mixture of triglycerides of mainly unsaturated fatty acids; an antioxidant may be added.

Fatty acid composition

mainly linoleic acid (about 48–74%) and oleic acid (about 14–40%), with smaller amounts of palmitic and stearic acids (Ph. Eur.); high-oleic varieties contain much more oleic acid

Relative density

about 0.92

Iodine value

high, roughly 120–145, reflecting the large linoleic acid content

Solubility

practically insoluble in water and ethanol; miscible with light petroleum, chloroform and other fat solvents

Physical state

clear, light yellow liquid at room temperature

Because of its high linoleic acid content it is prone to oxidation and becomes rancid on exposure to air, light and heat. Store in a well-filled, airtight container, protected from light, in a cool place; addition of an antioxidant such as tocopherol improves stability.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents. Peroxides formed during oxidation can degrade oxidation-sensitive drugs.

Obtained from sunflower seeds by mechanical expression and/or solvent extraction, followed by refining (degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and deodorisation).

Widely consumed as a food and regarded as non-toxic and non-irritant. Allergy to sunflower seed is uncommon; highly refined oil contains very little protein.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Spillages are slippery; rags soaked in unsaturated oils can self-heat, so dispose of them safely.

An edible oil used widely in foods. Included in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Corn oil; cottonseed oil; safflower oil; soybean oil; olive oil.

Peroxide value and acid value are useful indicators of oil quality and should be checked on receipt and during storage. Where oxidative stability is critical, a high-oleic grade or a more saturated oil may be a better choice.