Sunflower Oil

Synonyms: Helianthi annui oleum raffinatum; huile de tournesol; oleum helianthi; sunflowerseed oil.

Description: Sunflower oil occurs as a clear, light yellow-colored liquid with a bland, agreeable taste.

Chemical Name: Sunflower oil

Diluent; emollient; emulsifying agent; solvent; tablet binder.

• Sunflower oil is widely used as an edible oil, primarily in oleomargarine.

• It is also used extensively in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations.

• Therapeutically, sunflower oil is used to provide energy and essential fatty acids for parenteral nutrition.

• Studies have shown that sunflower oil may be used in intramuscular injections without inducing tissue damage

The oxidative stability of sunflower oil is reduced in the presence of iron oxides and zinc oxide. Sunflower oil forms a ‘skin’ after being exposed to air for 2–3 weeks.

Sunflower oil is widely used in food products and on its own as an edible oil. It is also used extensively in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. When heated to decomposition, sunflower oil emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Corn oil; cottonseed oil; peanut oil; sesame oil; soybean oil.