This comprehensive review explores the properties and applications of natural oils derived from diverse animal sources. Fish-based supplements are today widely consumed for their nutritional/health benefits. In this context, this review opens doors to lesser-known oils that can be explored for such properties. Focusing on the nutritional spectra of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, the document highlights the well-established benefits of fish oil, particularly for cardiovascular health. Further, little-known animalderived oils, including emu, crocodile, ostrich, cobra, and krill oils, are being studied for their unique chemical compositions and potential health benefits. These oils exhibit wound-healing (for burns and diabetic wounds), anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antimicrobial activities, and are used in the treatment of chemotherapy- induced mucositis and hyperlipidemia. Attempts are also made to understand the mechanistic pathways and signal modulations that contribute to the beneficial properties of these oils. Presently, the effective utilization of these oils in the mainstream is limited and underutilized. As our dependence on plant-based products increases, questioning their sustainability, lesser-known natural oils obtained through the processing of waste animal fats can be effectively employed, harnessing newer alternatives in nutrition, medicine, and therapeutics.
Shinde et al. (Sat,) studied this question.