Colocynth oil
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Description
A semidrying oil expressed from the seeds of a watermelon type fruit (Citrullus colocynthus) native to the arid regions of northern Africa. Colocynth oil contains linoleic acid (65%), oleic acid (17.2%), palmitic acid (8.9%), and stearic acid (5.6%) (Serpico and White 2000). The oil may have been used in ancient Egypt for tanning skins and as a treatment for mange.
Synonyms and Related Terms
"Citrullus colocynthus; aceite de coloquíntida (Esp.); aceite de tuera (Esp.); bitter apple; bitter cucumber
Additional Information
M.Serpico, R.White, "Oil, fat and wax" in Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology, P.Nicholson, I.Shaw (eds.), Cambridge University Press, 2000, p. 390-429.
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "colocynth oil" Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. [Accessed 25 Jan. 2006].