Glycerol

Absorption

Well absorbed orally, poorly absorbed rectally. Studies in humans and animals indicate glycerol is rapidly absorbed in the intestine and the stomach

Toxicity

Glycerol has very low toxicity when ingested ; Rat LD50 (oral)-12600mg/kg Mice LD50 (oral )-4090mg/kg Human TDLo (oral) - 1428mg/kg

Description

Glycerol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic, sweet-tasting trihydric alcohol. It is also called glycerin or glycerine, with the term glycerol being preferred as the pure chemical form and the term glycerin(e) being primarily used when the compound is used commercially in various grades.

Description

Glycerol (also called glycerin or glycerine) is an alcohol produced by the hydrolysis of triglycerides, or as a byproduct during the manufacture of soap and biodiesel. It absorbs water from the air, and it is used as a moisturizer in soaps and lotions. Glycerol has a sweet taste, and it can be used as a food preservative and a nonsugar sweetener.

The Uses of Glycerol

Glycerol is used both in sample preparation and gel formation for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Glycerol (5-10%) increases the density of a sample so that the sample will layer at the bottom of a gel’s sample well. Glycerol is also used to aid in casting gradient gels and as a protein stabilizer and storage buffer component.

Background

A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Indications

It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent.

Pharmacokinetics

Glycerin is commonly classified as an osmotic laxative but may act additionally or alternatively through its local irritant effects; it may also have lubricating and fecal softening actions. Glycerin suppositories usually work within 15 to 30 minutes.

Metabolism

Glycerin is a substrate for synthesis of triacylglycerols and of phospholipids in the liver and adipose tissue. When fat metabolized as a source of energy, glycerol and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream. Circulating glycerin does not glycate proteins and does not lead to the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). In some organisms, the glycerin component can enter the glycolysis pathway directly to provide a substrate for energy or glucose production. Glycerol must be converted to their intermediate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate before being used in glycolysis or gluconeogenesis. Glycerol metabolism is regulated by the enzymes glycerol kinase, (cytosolic) NAD+-dependent G3P dehydrogenase and (mitochondrial) FAD-linked G3P dehydrogenase.

Effectiveness

Glycerol is effective for:
Constipation. Using glycerol as a suppository or as an enema in the rectum decreases constipation in adults and children at least 2 years of age.
An inherited skin disorder that causes dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis). Applying a specific product containing glycerol and paraffin to the skin reduces symptoms like itching and scales in children with ichthyosis.