Squalene

Common card · No. 213693

Squalene is an organic compound. It is a triterpene with the formula C30H50. It is a colourless oil, although impure samples appear yellow. It was originally obtained from shark liver oil (hence its name, as Squalus is a genus of sharks). Most plants, fungi, and animals produce squalene as a biochemical precursor in sterol biosynthesis, including cholesterol and steroid hormones in the human body. It is also an intermediate in the biosynthesis of hopanoids in many bacteria. In humans, an estimated 12% of bodily squalene is found in sebum. Squalene is an ingredient in topical products used for skin lubrication, and in some vaccine adjuvants.

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