Synonym:
Oleum Hippoglossi
Biological source:
Halibut-liver oil, a pale yellow oil with a fishy odour and taste, is obtained from the dried livers of Hippoglossus hippoglossus Linn. This largest species of the group of flat-fishes belongs to the family Pleuronectidae. The oil is extracted with a volatile organic solvent, which is later removed by evaporating at a low temperature.
Geographical source:
Hippoglossus hippoglossus inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
Chemical constituents:
Halibut-liver oil contains large quantities of vitamin A (60-100% more than that in Cod-liver oil) and Vitamin D (about 20% more than that in Cod-liver oil).
Uses:
Halibut-liver oil is a good natural source of vitamin A and vitamin D. The oil is medicinally used in the treatment of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency diseases.