Table of Contents
Practical Significance
Cod liver oil emulsion is used as a source of vitamin A, vitamin D and iron. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin D is important for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Through this experiment, the students will be able to learn the composition, preparation, evaluation, storage, use, direction and labeling requirements of cod liver emulsion.
Relevant Theoretical Background
Cod liver oil is a fixed oil that requires the addition of acacia gum as an emulsifying agent. The proportions of 4:2:1 (oil: water: gum) will be used to prepare the primary emulsion. Cinnamon water (1 part of cinnamon in 39 parts of water) acts as a flavoring agent and vehicle. Cod liver oil is a pale-yellow tasteless liquid obtained from the liver of cod fish (Gaddus callarias) and contains omega-3-fatty acids and vitamins A and D. Gum acacia is used as an emulsifying agent which forms
a protective barrier and reduces the interfacial tension. Ferric ammonium citrate acts as a source of iron.
Requirements
a. Apparatus: Mortar and pestle, Spatula, 100 ml Glass beaker, Pipette, Glass rod, 50 ml Measuring cylinder, 30 ml capacity Amber colored bottle, etc
b. Equipment: Calibrated weighing balance.
c. Chemicals: Cod liver oil, gum acacia, syrup, ferric ammonium citrate, cinnamon water (1 part of cinnamon in 39 parts of water).
Factor Calculation
Factor = Required Quantity/ Given Quantity
Formulation Table
Procedure
a. Calculate quantities of oil, gum acacia, and water required for primary emulsion. Follow the dry gum method.
b. Measure the required quantity of cod liver oil in the dry measuring cylinder and transfer it to a dry mortar.
c. Weigh out gum acacia and transfer it to the above mortar and triturate rapidly so as to form a homogenous mixture.
d. Add measured quantities of cinnamon water in small quantities at a time into the mortar and triturate well after each addition.
e. Continue trituration until a clicking sound is produced and the product becomes white or nearly white. At this stage, the emulsion is known as the primary emulsion.
f. Mix syrup with 4 ml of cinnamon water and dissolve ferric ammonium citrate.
g. Add the above solution to the primary emulsion while stirring.
h. Add remaining water in small quantities at a time with constant trituration to get a homogeneous product.
i. Transfer the emulsion to a measuring cylinder and add more vehicles to make up the final volume. Stir thoroughly to form a uniform emulsion.
j. Evaluate formulation as per evaluation parameters and note the observations.
k. Transfer into the glass container, attach a prepared label and submit.
Use of Preparation
Source of vitamin A, vitamin D and iron.
Special Labelling Instructions
Shake well before use.
Direction
One tablespoonful to be taken twice a day.
Storage
Store in an airtight container away from light.
Dose
15-20 ml.
Result
__ml of Cod oil emulsion is prepared, evaluated and submitted in a ___________ container with special instructions as__________________________________________________.
Virtual Interactive Simulation
[embeddoc url=”https://teachntest.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2887a-cod-liver-oil-emulsion-1.ppsx”]Instructions:
Click “Start,” “Next,” or “End” to navigate between slides.
Follow the sequence order for the best experience.
Allow each animation to complete before moving to the next step.
The process may vary slightly from the steps above.
For any suggestions or corrections, please email pankajvalvi@gmail.com.
FAQ’s
-
Enlist tests to detect the type of emulsion.
Dilution Test: Add water to the emulsion. If the emulsion is oil-in-water (O/W), it will dilute easily with water. If it’s water-in-oil (W/O), it won’t mix.
Dye Solubility Test: Add a water-soluble dye (e.g., methylene blue) to the emulsion. If the continuous phase is water, the dye will uniformly color the emulsion (O/W emulsion). For an oil-soluble dye, it will color the emulsion uniformly in the case of a W/O emulsion.
Conductivity Test: O/W emulsions will conduct electricity due to the presence of water, whereas W/O emulsions won’t, as oil is a poor conductor.
Filter Paper Test (Cobalt Chloride Test): Place a drop of the emulsion on cobalt chloride paper. If the paper turns pink, the continuous phase is water (O/W). If there is no color change, it is W/O. -
What are the necessary precautions for electrolytes (ferric ammonium citrate) before addition to primary emulsion?
Stability Check: Ensure that the electrolyte does not destabilize the emulsion, as electrolytes can cause flocculation or coalescence.
Slow Addition: Add electrolytes gradually to prevent immediate destabilization of the emulsion.
Compatibility Check: Ensure the electrolyte is compatible with both the emulsifier and the phases of the emulsion.
Mixing Method: Stir the emulsion gently but thoroughly during the addition of electrolytes to ensure uniform distribution without breaking the emulsion. -
Describe the dry gum method for the preparation of emulsion.
Proportion: Typically, the ratio of oil, water, and gum (emulsifying agent) is 4:2:1.
Gum and Oil Mixing: First, triturate the required quantity of gum with oil in a dry mortar.
Water Addition: Add the water all at once to the oil-gum mixture and continue to triturate rapidly until a clicking sound is heard, and the emulsion appears creamy and homogeneous.
Final Dilution: After forming the primary emulsion, additional water can be added slowly, with continuous stirring, to adjust the final volume and concentration. -
What is the category of cod liver oil emulsion?
Cod liver oil emulsion is classified as a nutraceutical and is typically an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. It is used as a dietary supplement to provide essential fatty acids and vitamins (like A and D).
-
What is the use of cinnamon water?
Cinnamon water is commonly used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceutical preparations. It provides a pleasant taste and can mask the unpleasant flavors of certain medications. Additionally, it may have mild digestive benefits and antimicrobial properties.