Human fat

Human fat was mentioned in European pharmacopoeias since the 16th century as an important fatty component of quality deemed ointments and other pharmaceuticals in Europe.

[6] From the late 19th century, human fat was produced and offered under the trade name Humanol as a sterile, liquified preparation for injections in Germany.

In 2009,[8] a group of Peruvian gangsters, nicknamed "pishtacos" by the police, was accused of having manufactured and marketed human fat.

[9] Both Spanish (sacamantecas) and Peruvian (pishtaco) folklore contain examples of monsters or criminals who murder human victims for their fat.

In Latin American urban legends, it is claimed that human fat is used to grease bells for better sound, or applied to modern machinery such as railways or airplanes.

Two apothecary vessels with inscription AXUNG. HOMINIS for human fat, approx. 17th or 18th century
Humanol Steril of Turm-Apotheke Leipzig, approx. early 20th century
Glass ampule with content and inscription Adeps Humani [ 1 ]
Pishtacos in the Colonial era (top), 20th century (middle) and now (bottom). Peruvian retablo from Ayacucho .