Spermaceti (Physeter macrocephalus) Pharmacognosy

Sperm Whale pharmacognostic scheme

1. Spermaceti Name: Muhammad Haider Ali Roll No: 43

2. Introduction: Spermaceti is a substance which is obtained from the head of the sperm whale. Sperm whale have a huge head up to one third the length of the body in which a light oily fat i.e. spermaceti is found.

3. Biological source: Spermaceti is a solid wax obtained from the head of the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus Linn. Family: Physeteridae.

4. Geographical source: Physeter macrocephalus are naturally found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans chiefly near the coasts of Mozambique, Zanzibar and Ceylon . Description: Occurs as white translucent, crystalline masses It has no marked odor or taste.

5. Collection and Preparation: The liquid is collected and on cooling it to deposit about 11% spermaceti. This is separated by filtration Purified by melting and washing with dilute solution of sodium hydroxide Then washed with boiling water. On cooling, it forms white crystalline masses.

6. Chemical Constituents: Mixture of Cetyl esters Cetyl Palmitate Cetyl myristate C etyl laurate Cetyl stearate

7. Uses: Spermaceti is used to increase the viscosity of cerates and ointments as in Cold cream and Rose water ointment. It used to make high quality candles. Ambergris is a perfume which is a secretion of the spermaceti whale. It is found floating on the sea. It is used as an emollient (which softens and soothes the skin and mucous membrane). It is also used in cosmetics.