ABSTRACT
Ten lipophilic, naturally occurring compounds in edible oils have been developed into prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for more than 15 medical conditions in some jurisdictions. Eight of these compounds are or have been prescribed and reimbursed through drug insurance plans. In large measure, the use of these compounds is a reflection of the practice of medicine in those jurisdictions (Europe and Japan, particularly) where regulated natural medicines are an integral part of the healthcare system. This chapter describes these compounds and their genesis, therapeutic uses, doses, dietary required intakes where applicable, and their societal relevance. Several of these oilseed medicinals are isolated from refining byproducts. Oilseed medicinals that are prescribed in some jurisdictions are sometimes considered as OTC drugs or dietary supplements in another. Since these compounds already have approved, marketable health benefits, at least in some jurisdictions, some could provide the basis for new functional foods, especially if the cost of these compounds is reduced through molecular farming.
