In 1994, Dr. Margaret Craig-Schmidt, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Nutrition and Food Science, Auburn University, conducted a Fatty Acid Analysis of EMU Oil.

The research study found that emu oil contains about 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The most common fatty acid in EMU oil at 41-42% is a mono-unsaturated fat called Oleic acid.

The two Essential Fatty Acids were also present. Linoleic acid or Omega 6 made up approximately 20% with Alpha-linolenic acid or Omega 3 at 1-2%.

Dr. Craig-Schmidt explained that a diet which consisted mainly of mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as Oleic acid would tend to beneficially lower blood cholesterol, while the poly-unsaturated fats, Linoleic and Alpha-linolenic, would lower blood cholesterol even further. These findings show that the properties of EMU oil are consistent with recommendations for a heart healthy diet.

© 1999 EPIC Co-operative

A fatty acid analysis was conducted by Dr. Margaret C. Craig-Schmidt, Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, at Auburn University.

Dr. Craig-Schmidt noted that the properties of the EMU oil made it quite suitable to be used by the cosmetic industry.

In addition to cosmetic uses, laboratory experiments and analysis of EMU oil both in Australia and in the US have confirmed that EMU oil has the ability to reduce inflammation of the joints. EMU oil naturally contains a high level of linolenic acid, (a substance known to ease muscle ache and joint pain) and oleic acid, which provides a local anti-inflammatory effect.

© 1995 Emu Today & Tomorrow, LLC

"Therapeutic Uses of EMU Oil" US Patent #5,662,921, issued September 1997.

The patent invention abstract reveals that, "EMU oil is therapeutically used in methods for lowering cholesterol, triglicerides, and low density lipoproteins, and increasing high density lipoproteins; and treating allergies; and relieving discomfort associated with menstruation."

Interestingly, observations in the patent assert "it has been discovered that administration of emu oil on a regular basis results in lowering cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoproteins (LDL's) and increasing levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL's)."  It also states that "regular use of of EMU oil results in improving the rate of growth and condition of nails.  Additionally, EMU oil can be used to prevent scarring when applied to a newly received cut or burn.  It also diminishes old scars."

Further patent data may be of high interest , especially to women, for it relates that "stretch marks, such as those acquired during pregnancy, can be prevented by application of EMU oil. Additionally, application of EMU oil diminishes or completely erases existing stretch marks."

The patent makes a total of four claims.

© 1995 Emu Today & Tomorrow, LLC

Arthritic and Pain Relieving Applications of EMU oil are rapidly gaining credibility for its penetrating and healing properties.

Testimonials from users, professionals (chiropractors, medical doctors, massage therapist, pharmacists, etc.) has shown EMU Oil to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial.

In the following article, Dr. Thom Leahey of the Arthritis Clinic in Ardmore, OK., discusses the pain relieving effects of EMU Oil and the use of EMU Oil in his practice.

A preliminary study has already produced some positive indication, that the oil may substantially reduce the pain caused by arthritis. "We took a random sampling of 20 volunteers for a double blind, placebo-controlled study using EMU oil and mineral oil," said Dr. Leahey. "The only qualifying parameter was that the volunteer could not have ever used EMU oil before the test. Volunteers also remained on the same arthritis medicine they were currently taking," he explained.

"In this 2 week study, 7 of the 12 EMU oil users reported a significant reduction in pain, morning stiffness and swelling. Only 1 of the 8 mineral oil users (placebo) related the same results," reported Dr. Leahey.

Encouraged by these preliminary findings. Dr. Leahey felt the oil merited additional investigation through a comprehensive clinical study that could be documented and published in scientific and trade journals.

The proposed study, which will extend over a three month period, will involve 500 participants. "The main qualifying factor will be that the participant must have had arthritis diagnosed in their hands," he explained. Although the extensiveness of the arthritis is not a factor that will disqualify a volunteer, Dr. Leahey maintains a personal theory that the oil may have its greatest impact on early stages of arthritis pain.

"I don't know if any topical aid would be beneficial for chronic or burnout arthritis. where the cartilage has been actually destroyed. I suspect the oil reduces inflammation around and within joints, and assists in allowing a greater freedom of movement." he reasoned.

"This study will not only provide for a subjective determination of the effect of the oil.' said Dr. Leahey, "but it will also include direct measurements. By using a dynamometer, we can confirm changes in the participant's gripping strength. Also, by direct examination of the hands, it is very easy to test the sensitivity and number of tender and swollen joints." he revealed.

Volunteers that are accepted and have been off arthritis medicine for one, month will receive an Initial examination measuring the gapping strength in the hands. The subject may be asked at the beginning of the study to assign a number corresponding to the pain level being experienced in their joints on a scale of 1 to 5. After the hands are examined, the subject will be instructed on how to properly apply the oil onto the hands, tentatively 3 times a day for 3 months. The subject's hands will be reexamined and evaluated at the end of each 30 day interval.

"When I was initially approached by patients advising me that they were experiencing relief from EMU oil, I did a literature search on the topic of EMU oil and medical applications. I quickly learned that there is a big void in this area and that there were no published articles in scientific or medical journals." Dr. Leahey revealed.

Personal observation of the effectiveness of the EMU oil on his own patients was the motivating factor behind Dr. Leahey's proposal for a clinical study. "The dramatic results I have observed convinced me that this oil can make an impact on those suffering from arthritis," he stated. "The advent of this oil has simply changed my practice." he asserted.

"The research is imperative," stated Dr. Leahey. The initial results and potential are so exciting. In the last few weeks. I've begun recommending the use of EMU oil as part of a regular treatment program for patients," he revealed. I’ve observed some very surprising results. The oil is very economical compared to regular arthritis medicines, and appears to have fewer side effects," he continued. "It's very encouraging to find something that may help relieve the suffering associated with arthritis, and it's very exciting to be a part of a project that may impact the quality of life for so many people."

"I believe there's been an oil strike here, and I want to be a part of it," Dr. Leahey declared.

Dr. Leahey attended graduate school at Texas A&M University where he graduated with a Bachelors in Science and a Masters in Science. After graduate school, he attended the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in fort Worth where he graduated in June 1983. He did his residency in Michigan at Garden city Hospital and the Internal Medicine portion at Providence Hospital. He finished his residency in June 1988.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury reported at an increasing rate in the work force.

Anyone who does repetitive work with their hands and arms is susceptible. Musicians, cooks, writers, typists and others complain of finger stiffness in the morning a weakened grip and pain in the hands and wrists.

The syndrome occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed after some type of aggravation such as typing or writing. These tendons pass between the bones and ligaments in the palm of the hand in a constricted area called a tunnel.

Treatment includes resting the hands using splints. Oral and injected anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are also common treatments. Surgery may be used to expand the tunnel and reduce the pressure on the nerve that is causing the pain.

An uncommon bet very effective treatment is to take vitamins B6 and B2.

EMU oil may act in an anti-inflammatory manner to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome similar to oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and Motrin.

Vitamins B6 and B2 can be taken for three months at a daily dose of 300 mg for each vitamin. These should be taken in 100 mg doses at each meal.

If, after trial of 3 months, there is no benefit from the use of EMU oil and the B vitamins, you should seek other therapies since permanent nerve damage may occur in some people.

© 1995 "Using Emu Oil for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" by Dr. Leigh Hopkins

At the AOCS annual meeting in May 1998 a presentation was done on the increasing reports of using EMU oil for the treatment of various wounds. A slide presentation was given documenting the healing progression of a Stage 4 pressure ulcer, or bedsore, using a EMU oil based cream.

The pictures show a reduction from Stage 4 to a Stage 2 after only 7 days of treatment. The patient had a 3 month history of pressure ulcers which were unresponsive to conventional treatment, but was completely healed within 8 weeks using the EMU oil cream treatment. The slide documentation was done by Darrell Good of HealthRenu from Gunthersville, Alabama.

© 1999 EPIC Co-operative