Carnauba Wax

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Chapter: Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry : Drugs Containing Lipids

It is an exudates from pores of the leaves of the Brazilian wax-palm tree Copernicia prunifera and C. cerifera, belonging to family Palmae.


CARNAUBA WAX

 

 

Synonym

 

Brazil wax.

 

Biological Source

 

It is an exudates from pores of the leaves of the Brazilian wax-palm tree Copernicia prunifera and C. cerifera, belonging to family Palmae.

 

Geographical Source

 

Brazilian wax trees are found in North Brazil to Argentina in South America.

 

Preparation

 

The leaves of Brazilian wax-palm are collected, dried, and then spread on cloth. By brushing and beating, the wax is separated. It is then melted, processed further to purify, and poured into the moulds.

 

Characteristics

 

It is hard greenish solid wax with crystalline fracture. It has sharp characteristic odour and bland taste. It is soluble in fat solvents.

 



Chemical Constituents

 

It contains esters of hydroxylated fatty acids, that is, carnaubic and cerotic acid and melissyl cerotate.

 

Uses

 

Carnauba wax is used for preparation of cosmetic products, depilatories, and deodorant sticks. It is also used for tablet coating. High-quality shoe polishes and automobile waxes are other products made from carnauba wax.

 

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