Poppy Seed Oil
Appearance/form: light yellow thin liquid
Saponification value NaOH: 0.116
Saponification Value KOH: 0.163
INCI name (PCPC): Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy)
CAS No: 8002-11-7
Iodine Value: 132.2
Family: Papaveraceae.
Introduction
Poppyseed oil is extracted from the seeds of a herbaceous plant, the opium poppy or bread seed poppy. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region but spread to the temperate areas in Asia and Europe (1).
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
The poppy plant is known for its distinct red or purple flowers and round capsule-like fruits with a fluted cap. The seeds found in European countries are usually blue and are used in bread or pastries, while white poppy seeds found in India, Middle Eastern and Asian countries are white and used extensively in cooking. The seeds are commonly known as "khus khus" Poppy seed oil is extracted from the seeds by cold compression techniques and is consumed as an edible oil as well as an ingredient in skin and hair care products (2).
Health Benefits of Internal Use
Due to its pleasant nutty taste, poppy seed oil has many versatile uses in food preparation. It is used as salad dressings, cooking oil and even as a dessert flavouring. This is because of various health benefits obtained from consuming the oil. Its phytonutrients boost the immune system and improve blood flow. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, the poppy seed oil is good for heart and brain health as it regulates the digestive and the nervous system. In addition, the high levels of zinc, manganese and copper in poppy seed oil regulate sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, aids digestion of nutrients and improves cell and tissue repair in the body (4).
All parts of the poppy plant exude a milky white liquid called poppy latex, which pharmaceutical companies use to produce pain-relieving drugs like morphine and codeine. Although the seeds don't usually contain these alkaloids, they may be contaminated during harvesting and are washed before consumption. However, unwashed poppy seeds and their byproducts are used as a natural alternative to alkaloids that lower the body's cortisol levels and reduce stress, leading to better sleep cycles (5,6)
Skin and Hair Care Benefits
The seed oil is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that help to protect the body cells from damage or degeneration (7).
It also has high levels of tocopherols or vitamin E, which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. It is beneficial for cell regeneration which leads to improved healing of wounds on the skin. Poppyseed oil is also known to protect the skin from damage caused by sunlight by hydrating the skin and protecting it from inflammation. The high levels of linoleic acid found in poppy seed oil make it an effective moisturizing agent. It contributes to the formation of ceramides in the skin that are essential to maintain and repair the epidermal or outermost layer of the skin (8)
Conclusion
With its beneficial effects on skin and hair health, poppy seed oil is often used as an ingredient in cosmetic and skincare products.
References
Bozan B, Temelli F. Chemical composition and oxidative stability of flax, safflower and poppy seed and seed oils. Bioresour Technol. 2008 Sep;99(14):6354-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.12.009. Epub 2008 Jan 15. PMID: 18198133.
Ref: http://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/2069
Ishtiaque S, Khan N, Siddiqui MA, Siddiqi R, Naz S. Antioxidant Potential of the Extracts, Fractions and Oils Derived from Oilseeds. Antioxidants (Basel). 2013;2(4):246-256. Published 2013 Oct 15. doi:10.3390/antiox2040246