Paradoxical Effects of Erucic Acid-A Fatty Acid With Two-Faced Implications

Erucic acid (EA) is a monounsaturated fatty acid primarily consumed as rapeseed oil and mustard oil (MO). The consumption of EA-rich food has been reported to have adverse effects on health, particularly myocardial lipidosis and hepatic steatosis. Consequently, several countries, including the United States, European countries, New Zealand, and Australia, set limits on their daily intake. However, EA-rich MO (30%-50%) is still consumed in Asia. In contrast, limited studies on humans have reported a protective role of MO in acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and neurologic disorders. The previous studies have shown the association of EA with both beneficial and adverse effects. Therefore, a comprehensive review of EA will help us understand its effect on health. Because EA consumption is banned in some countries, a detailed and updated review on EA might help us understand its role as a toxicant or therapeutic.