Crocodile oil is extracted from the fatty tissues of crocodiles. Crocodile fat is a product of commercial farming, evident in Thailand. Historically, for centuries crocodile oil has been used by traditional practitioners across the globe, including Chinese Traditional Medicine, Southeast Asia, Ancient Egypt. Crocodile oil was found to be used since the 19th century for different purposes in different cultures. Due to the oil's components, its richness in monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated fats, it is today commonly used as ointment for treatment of skin conditions, skin structure enhancement, collagen deposition, and medicine for illnesses. In recent times, the use of crocodile oil has invited criticism from the use of crocodile oil as there is an increased demand for cruelty-free and vegan-friendly beauty products in consumers of today's society.
History
Crocodile oil was used by traditional practitioners for centuries in treatment of ailments, skin conditions, and illnesses such as cancer. In Ancient Egyptian medicine, crocodile oil was used in a liniment to stimulate the growth of hair, to treat bald patches also called Alopecia as well as prevent grey hair growth. Crocodile oil was recognised by the Ancient Egyptians to treat burns when combined with other components such as Egyptian Goat fat and lion fat. Crocodile oil was also used by the Egyptians to help with trembling in limbs when smeared with other components including honey and olive oil. The Papyrus Ebers mentions Egyptians medicine recommends the creation of a vaginal contraceptive solution composed of crocodile oil, gum acacia or honey, and natron. The Historical Table of the Materia Media reports crocodile oil use in Egyptian Medicine in creating the ointment with combination of "slime of the nile", frictions of crocodile fat in rheumatism, salt, alum, platters. In Africa, crocodile oil is used for ailments such as skin rashes and to promote wound healing. There is also evidence of crocodile oil being used traditionally in South Africa. South Africans consult traditional healers, where they play a role in expanding the healthcare system in rural areas. Crocodile fat is mixed with the ground bark of Cryptocarya latifolia and used by the Zulu people to treat chest ailments.
Crocodile oil was also used by Indian Medicine in the 19th century mentions the use of crocodile oil due to the oil natural properties for treatment of burns. They reported other uses of crocodile such as its fat, meat, and skin. Crocodile oil use in India is recorded in numerous other journals, more specifically, the oil is prepared by the Sanif tribe who eats crocodile fat, located in Panjab. They state crocodile oil contains larger amounts of "solidifiable fat" than any fish oil. The journal also mentions the oil to be procurable in abundance in Agra. Similarly, a journal from the University of Illinois, published by Royal Society of Arts in 1879 discussed the commercial value of crocodile oil as well as how the oil was used in the 19th century specifically in Agra, India. A Western researcher examined that crocodile oil contained larger proportion of solid fat either cod liver or fish oils. They softened the quality of various animal oils on leather and found leather treated with crocodile oil remained stiffer compared to other natural oils. Melted fat of crocodile or crocodile oil was also recorded to be used for "gastric obstructions". In addition, a journal dated in 1886 also refers to the use of crocodile oil in Germany for leather dressing, prepared in Punjaub and solidified at 33 degrees.
Chinese traditional medicine as well as Southeast Asian medicine uses crocodile oil and products as ointments for burns and scalds. A study tested burn wound-healing efficacy of crocodile oil through a Chinese herbal medicine called crocodile oil burn ointment, consisting of crocodile oil, natural mineral and extraction of other herbal medicines by employing second-degree burns in rats and found crocodile oil enhances burn wound healing capabilities. Chinese traditional medicine uses the oil of crocodiles for other conditions such as bronchitis, allergy, skin problems, high blood pressure, and cancer. Crocodile oil is also prescribed to treat burns, skin ulcers and cancer, coughs, and asthma in Madagascar. There is also evidence of crocodile oil being used traditionally in South Africa for skin condition treatments for eczema and rashes and for promoting wound healing. Crocodile oil is used in Mexico for treatment of illnesses such as asthma, emphysema, and influenza.
Composition
The following table provides information about the composition of the fatty acids in crocodile oil: