The biological significance of the unsaponifiable matter of oils

Abstract

Phytol, oleyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and cholesterol were separately fed to rats in small doses of 2-3 drops or as 1 % of the diet over a period of 15-30 days. The total weight was noted, and the degree to which the alcohols were absorbed from the alimentary tract was determined by examination of the accumulated feces for the period. The daily amount absorbed varied from 0.046 gm. for phytol and oleyl alcohol, and 0.03 gm. for cetyl alcohol, to 0.016 gm. for cholesterol. The same sequence was found for the relative solubilities of these alcohols in a 5% solution of bile salts at 37[degree]. The presence of these alcohols in the diet increases the unsaponifiable fraction of the liver.