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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2018, 21(2): 105-113pl  Macadamia nuts and oil - importance in cosmetology, food industry and potential therapeutic applicationsAgnieszka Gołdyn, Halina Ekiert, Ewa Skrzypczak-Pietraszek Katedra i Zakład Botaniki Farmaceutycznej, Wydział Farmaceutyczny, Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie Summary The paper presents a brief botanical and ecological characteristic of Macadamia species. Particular attention was focused on two Australian species: M. integrifolia and M. tetraphylla being the source of edible nuts commonly known as Macadamia nuts. These nuts are used by cosmetics and food industries. The paper presents the chemical composition of nuts, paying special attention to the components of fatty oil. Physico-chemical properties and biological activity of oil were characterized. Present-day cosmetic applications of nuts and oil have been presented confirmed by scientific research. This information has been enriched with examples of numerous European and non-European cosmetics available in Poland. Potential therapeutic applications of nuts and oil have been described. Attention was also paid to their pro-health qualities. The above information was supplemented with traditional use of nuts and oil by Aborigines. Key words: species of genus Macadamia, botanical and ecological characteristics, chemical compositions, cosmetics applications, potential therapeutic applications, health benefits, traditional use |