Erucamide is a fatty acid amide resulting from the formal condensation of erucic acid with ammonia. It has a role as a metabolite in humans and other animals and in plants. In the plastic manufacturing industry, it is commonly used as a slip additive.
Erucamide is used as a slip promoter, antiblock agent, and lubricant in plastics. It serves as a viscosity controlling and opacifying agent in cosmetics. In industry, it functions as a processing aid, lubricating agent, anti-adhesive agent, and corrosion inhibitor. In the United States, it is authorized as an indirect food additive in adhesives under 21 CFR 175.105.
Erucamide has been reported to ameliorate depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models.