Glyceryl monooleate
1-oleoylglycerol is a 1-monoglyceride where the acyl group is oleoyl. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a 1-acylglycerol 18:1 and a monooleoylglycerol. It is functionally related to an oleic acid. Glyceryl monooleate, also known as monoolein, is a type of monoacylglycerol, which is a class of glycerolipids. Chemically, it is composed of a glycerol molecule esterified with a single fatty acid molecule. The fatty acid in glyceryl monooleate is typically oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbons and one double bond. The double bond in oleic acid is in the cis configuration, which contributes to the fluidity of the molecule. The chemical structure of glyceryl monooleate features a glycerol backbone with two free hydroxyl groups and one esterified with oleic acid. This structure imparts unique physical and chemical properties to the molecule, including its amphiphilic nature, which means it has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) regions. This amphiphilicity makes glyceryl monooleate an effective emulsifier, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. Biologically, glyceryl monooleate plays several important roles. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier to improve the texture and stability of food products. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solubilizing agent for drugs, an excipient in tablet formulations, and a component in liposomes and other drug delivery systems. Its biocompatibility and ability to enhance drug absorption make it particularly useful in the development of oral and topical drug formulations. Glyceryl monooleate is also involved in lipid metabolism in the body. It is a precursor for the synthesis of other lipids and can be metabolized to produce energy. Additionally, it has been found to have potential health benefits, such as reducing blood cholesterol levels and modulating inflammation. Monoolein is an endogenous metabolite. Monoolein is an endogenous metabolite.