Cetyl myristoleate

Cetyl myristoleate is a chemical compound which is a type of fatty acid ester or, more specifically, a cetylated fatty acid (CFA). It is the cetyl ester of myristoleic acid. Although it is used as a dietary supplement, there is little clinical evidence to support a benefit for any medical condition.

Synthesis
Cetyl myristoleate has been prepared by an esterification reaction between myristoleic acid and cetyl alcohol in benzene, catalyzed by p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate.

Animal pharmacology
In animal studies, cetyl myristoleate was first reported to block inflammation and prevent adjuvant-induced arthritis at very high doses in rats. Other studies using identical and similar methods have failed to replicate this effect. In follow-up studies in mice, a modest anti-inflammatory effect was observed.

Study in humans
Although cetyl myristoleate is sold as a dietary supplement, its possible benefits in the treatment of any medical condition are largely unknown and the Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against supplement manufacturers for exaggerated claims.

There is some clinical evidence for the benefits of CFAs, which may contain cetyl myristoleate, in arthritic patients. One pilot study found that cetyl myristoleate may be beneficial against fibromyalgia. However, these low-quality clinical trials provide only limited scientific evidence of efficacy.