Palmitoleic acid

Table of Contents

Other names

Omega-7
Sea Buckthorn Oil (source)
Macadamia Oil (source)

Synopsis

Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (16:1n-7) naturally found in small quantities in the human body, especially in adipose tissue, liver, and skin, and is also present in food sources like macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn berries, and some cold-water fish. While not considered an essential fatty acid—since the body can synthesize it from palmitic acid via the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase—palmitoleic acid plays a significant role in metabolic regulation, skin health, and inflammation control.

Medicinally, palmitoleic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory, lipid-modulating, and insulin-sensitizing effects. It acts as a lipokine, a type of signaling lipid that communicates between fat tissue and other organs, helping regulate metabolism and glucose uptake. Studies have shown that palmitoleic acid can improve insulin sensitivity, lower triglycerides, and reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels—making it a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

It also plays a key role in skin barrier function and wound healing, supporting cellular regeneration and hydration. For this reason, palmitoleic acid is often included in dermatological products and skin repair creams, especially those targeting dryness, irritation, and aging. Supplementation, typically via macadamia nut oil or purified omega-7 capsules, is marketed for heart health, joint support, glucose control, and skin elasticity.

Historical Use in Medicine
Palmitoleic acid itself was not isolated and studied until the 20th century, but its natural sources—particularly sea buckthorn and macadamia nuts—have been used for centuries in traditional systems of medicine. In Tibetan and Chinese medicine, sea buckthorn berries, rich in palmitoleic acid, were used to treat skin wounds, burns, respiratory infections, and gastric ulcers. The oil was applied topically and consumed internally to promote healing and rejuvenation.

In Hawaiian and Aboriginal medicine, macadamia nuts were part of the traditional diet and were considered nourishing and energy-giving, although their medicinal properties were not formally recognized. The high palmitoleic acid content in these nuts is now thought to contribute to their observed cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.

Scientific interest in palmitoleic acid grew in the early 2000s as researchers began exploring omega-7 fats as potential regulators of lipid and glucose metabolism. It has since become a focus in the fields of functional nutrition and integrative medicine, especially for addressing insulin resistance, obesity-related inflammation, and skin degeneration due to aging or environmental damage.

Today, palmitoleic acid is considered a promising nutraceutical and functional lipid, linking traditional oil-based healing practices with modern therapeutic strategies for metabolic and dermatological health.

Uses: Health Conditions

None

Body Systems

Digestive System (Science)
Mucus Membranes (Science)
Skin (Science)