Squalene and Health Effects

Squalene is a terpenoid and main hydrocarbon of olive oil and found at levels as high as 0.7 % in olive oil. Its main sources are olive oil, palm oil, shark liver oil, wheat germ and rice bran. In human body squalene is synthesized by the liver and skin and it is transported in the blood by the small and very small density lipoproteins. In addition to sythesize in human body, it is consumed as an inseparable part of human diet. Besides squalene is a natural antioxidant, it contributes to olive oil stability and flavor by preventing otooxidation reactions. It also has a protective activity against breast cancer, cardiovasculer diseases, tumor formation and it decreases cholesterol level and increases the patient’s responce to vaccine. Squalene is used as a moisturizing or softening agent in cosmetic preparations in natural or hydrogene form (squalene)