Peanut oil is the oil from the seed (peanut) of the peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea). Peanut oil is used in cooking and is also used to make medicine.

Peanut oil is high in monounsaturated “good” fat and low in saturated “bad” fat. This is believed to help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. Peanut oil might help to reduce fatty build up in blood vessels.

People use peanut oil for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, heart disease, joint pain, dry skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Peanut is considered a major food allergen in the US. Peanut contents, including peanut oil, must be labeled on packaged food and supplement products.

There is interest in using peanut oil for a number of purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

When taken by mouth: Peanut oil is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if peanut oil is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. Peanut oil can cause allergic reactions in people who have an allergy to peanut.

When applied to the skin: Peanut oil is likely safe. But peanut oil can cause allergic reactions in people who have an allergy to peanut.

When given as an enema (rectally): There isn’t enough reliable information to know if peanut oil is safe to use or what the side effects might be.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Peanut oil is commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if peanut oil is safe to use in greater amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to peanuts, soybeans, and related plants: Peanut oil can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to peanuts, soybeans, and other members of the Fabaceae plant family.

It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.

Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

There are no known interactions with foods.

Peanut oil is commonly used in foods. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of peanut oil might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Aceite de Cacahuete, Aceite de Maní, Arachide, Arachis hypogaea, Cacahouète, Cacahuète, Earth-Nut, Groundnuts, Huile d’Arachide, Huile de Cacahouète, Huile de Cacahuète, Monkey Nuts, Peanut, Peanuts.

To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.

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