Avocado seed husks contain a variety of chemical compounds that could help to kill viruses, combat heart problems, and even treat cancer.
Researchers identified 116 compounds in the avocado seed husk oil, many of which could be beneficial to human health, and many of which could not be found in the avocado seed itself.
Some compounds of particular interest in the seed husk oil were behenyl alcohol, dodecanoic acid, and heptacosane. Behenyl alcohol is used in antiviral medication, dodecanoic acid is known to boost “good” cholesterol, and heptacosane has shown promise for killing tumors.
Additionally, the team identified compounds in avocado seed husk wax that are used as food additives – such as butylated hydroxytoluene – and in cosmetic products, including bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate.
