Erucic Acid—Both Sides of the Story: A Concise Review on Its Beneficial and Toxic Properties

Abstract

Erucic acid (EA) is monounsaturated fatty acid (22:1 n-9), synthesized in the seeds of many plants from the Brassicaceae family, with Brassica napus, B. rapa, or B. carinata considered as its richest source. As the compound has been blamed for the poisoning effect in Toxic Oil Syndrome, and some data indicated its cardiotoxicity to rats, EA has been for decades classified as toxic substance, the use of which should be avoided. However, the cardiac adverse effects of EA have not been confirmed in humans, and the experiments in animal models had many limitations. Thus, the aim of this review was to present the results of the so far published studies on both toxic, and pharmacological properties of EA, trying to answer the question on its future medicinal use. Despite the ambiguous and relatively small data on toxic and beneficial effects of EA it seems that the compound is worth investigating. Further research should be particularly directed at the verification EA toxicity, more in-depth studies on its neuroprotective and cytotoxic properties, but also its use in combination with other drugs, as well as its role as a drug carrier.

Erucic acid ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide‐induced memory deficit in rats through inhibited inflammation cytokines expression/caspase 3/NF‐κB pathways

“…The beneficial effects of erucic acid can be seen especially in neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the compound's ability to reduce the rate of adrenoleukodystrophy development. [18,40] As a result of erucic acid's activation of PPAR-δ/β, [9] subsequent modulation of gene expression leads to the elevation of endoge-…”

“…The beneficial effects of erucic acid can be seen especially in neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the compound's ability to reduce the rate of adrenoleukodystrophy development. [ 18,40 ]…”

“…In contrast, erucic acid monomers refer to the isolated form of erucic acid that has been purified from its natural source and is available as a single chemical entity. [ 18 ] The purpose of the study was to examine erucic acid's efficacy for the treatment of rats with memory impairment induced by LPS.…”

Effects of photon irradiation in the presence and absence of hindlimb unloading on the behavioral performance and metabolic pathways in the plasma of Fischer rats

“…Erucic acid showed protective effects in the brain and the intestines of a rotenone-treated zebrafish model of Parkinson’s disease and improved activity levels ( Ünal and Al, 2022 ). Other beneficial effects of erucic acid include antibacterial and antiviral activities, as well as cytotoxic anticancer activity ( Galanthy et al, 2023 ). In addition, levels of erucic acid in HU animals irradiated with 3 Gy were positively associated with the change in anhedonia compared to day 1, the activity levels during the second open-field test without objects and the time spent in the center, and activity levels and time spent exploring objects in the first open-field test containing objects.…”

“…In addition, levels of erucic acid in HU animals irradiated with 3 Gy were positively associated with the change in anhedonia compared to day 1, the activity levels during the second open-field test without objects and the time spent in the center, and activity levels and time spent exploring objects in the first open-field test containing objects. However, animal studies indicate that erucic acid might cause cardiotoxicity as well [for a review, see ( Galanthy et al, 2023 )].…”