emu oil

Emu oil is a natural oil extracted from the adipose tissue of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), a large flightless bird native to Australia. It is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants such as vitamins A and E. Emu oil is used both topically and orally with reported therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and antioxidant effects. Topically, it is used for skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, burns, wounds, dry skin) and as a transdermal penetration enhancer. Orally, it is explored for reducing inflammation (inflammatory bowel diseases, mucositis), lowering cholesterol, and potentially as an adjunctive treatment for some chronic diseases. Its mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated but are thought to involve modulation of inflammatory pathways (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and lipoxin), reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancement of skin repair processes. While traditionally used in Aboriginal medicine and now marketed globally in various formulations, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited.

Other names

emu fat oil