Chemical investigation of the internal secretion of the sperm blue whale.
Ambergris, which is an internal secretion of the sperm blue whale, was extracted with 96% ethanol. The saponified and unsapondied portions have been studied in detail. The number of fractions and components of the unsaponified matter as separated by column and thin layer Chromatography confirm the presence of ambrein (triterpenoid) as well as same other steroid. The saponified portion is reported to contain stearic, oleic, linoleic, archidic and betenic acids. More than one compound have been found in each fraction.
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College of Pharmacy, University of Riyadh, PO 4275, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.