ALLANTOIN

Allantoin is a heterocyclic organic compound. Allantoin ascorbate, allantoin biotin, allantoin galacturonic acid, allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid, allantoin panthenol, and allantoin polygalacturonic acid are complexes of allantoin. All of the ingredients in this review act as skin-conditioning agents. Allantoin was reported to be used in 1376 cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2%. There are data gaps regarding use and concentration of the remaining allantoin complexes. Ascorbic acid, biotin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and panthenol have been determined by the CIR Expert Panel to be safe. Galacturonic acid and polygalacturonic acid have not been reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel, and substantial data on these chemicals were not available. The safety test data in this safety assessment and in previous safety assessments were considered sufficient to support the safety of allantoin and the allantoin complexes in product categories and at concentrations reviewed in this safety assessment.

The management of papulopustular rosacea presents a significant clinical challenge. Anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive treatments are ineffective in the rapid amelioration of the dryness, burning, and itching caused by skin barrier damage in patients with papulopustular rosacea. To assess the efficacy and safety of the topical application of compound heparin sodium allantoin gel to treat rosacea. Eighty-two patients participated in this randomized, prospective, single-center, and controlled trial. The Clinician Erythema Assessment score, Investigator Global Assessment score, transepidermal water loss, and skin hydration were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Rosacea-specific quality of life score, itching, dryness, burning, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and Patient Self-Assessment grades were also assessed. Compared with the traditional therapy group, the 8-week and 12-week topical application of compound heparin sodium allantoin gel to treat rosacea significantly decreased Clinician Erythema Assessment/Investigator Global Assessment grades, burning and itching grades, and rosacea-specific quality of life scores. Compound heparin sodium allantoin gel significantly improved the skin barrier with hydration and significantly decreased trans-epidermal water loss. For patients with Demodex infestation, externally applied compound heparin sodium allantoin gel was associated with better rosacea treatment outcomes and improved skin barrier function than externally applied hyaluronic acid. This may be attributable to the inhibition of abnormal demodex, improved skin barrier, and repair of minor skin wounds. Compound heparin sodium allantoin gel effectively improved facial erythema, alleviated ithching and burning sensations, and improved patients' quality of life. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2400087948.

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin-fold condition. Candida infections may occur concurrently or afterward. Topical corticosteroids may reduce inflammation but exacerbate Candida infections. The treatment is contentious. To evaluate the efficacies and safety of adsorbent lotion containing tapioca starch, spent grain wax, Butyrospermum parkii extract, argania spinosa kernel oil, aloe barbadensis, rosehip oil, and allantoin for the treatment of mild-to-moderate intertrigo, relative to 1% hydrocortisone cream. This randomized, double-blinded study enrolled 40 intertrigo patients. Twice daily, 20 patients applied adsorbent lotion while the remainder used 1% hydrocortisone cream. Efficacy evaluation, skin biophysical measurements, skin tolerability, safety, and visual analog scale (VAS) patient-satisfaction scores were evaluated at baseline and Week 2. The adsorbent lotion showed higher complete cure rates for color, partial epidermal loss, papules/pustules/vesicles/patches, dryness, and scaling than the corticosteroid without statistical significance. Adsorbent lotion demonstrated significantly higher reduction in pruritus than the corticosteroid treatment. Reduction of erythema level using Mexameter and VAS patient-satisfaction scores were not statistically different between adsorbent lotion and hydrocortisone cream. No adverse effects or superimposed infections were reported. The anti-inflammatory efficacies of adsorbent lotion and low-potency steroid were equivalent. The lotion was safe and produced excellent pruritus reduction. Patient satisfaction was high.

Radiation-induced skin reaction (RISR) is one of the most common and distressing side effects of radiotherapy in patients with cancer. It is featured with swelling, redness, itching, pain, breaks in skin, discomfort, and a burning sensation. There is a lack of convincing evidence supporting any single practice in the prevention or management of RISR. This double-blinded randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of a natural oil-based emulsion containing allantoin (as known as Moogoo Udder Cream®) versus aqueous cream in reducing RISR, improving pain, itching and quality of life in this patient group. One group will receive Moogoo Udder Cream®. Another group will receive aqueous cream. Outcome measures will be collected using patient self-administered questionnaire, interviewer administered questionnaire and clinician assessment at commencement of radiotherapy, weekly during radiotherapy, and four weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. Despite advances of radiologic advances and supportive care, RISR are still not well managed. There is a lack of efficacious interventions in managing RISR. While anecdotal evidence suggests that Moogoo Udder Cream® may be effective in managing RISR, research is needed to substantiate this claim. This paper presents the design of a double blind randomised controlled trial that will evaluate the effects of Moogoo Udder Cream® versus aqueous cream for managing in RISR in patients with cancer. ACTRN 12612000568819.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder that manifests as blistering and/or skin erosion. There is no approved treatment for EB; current standard of care consists of wound and pain management. SD-101 6% is a topical cream containing 6% allantoin that was developed for treating skin lesions in patients with EB. The aim of this phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SD-101 6% cream versus vehicle (0% allantoin) on lesions in patients with EB. Eligible patients were ≥1 month old, had a diagnosis of EB (simplex, recessive dystrophic, or intermediate junctional) and a target wound 10-50 cm 2 in size that was present for ≥21 days. Patients were randomly assigned to SD-101 6% cream or vehicle, which was applied topically once a day to the entire body for 3 months. Primary efficacy endpoints were time to complete target wound closure within 3 months and the proportion of patients who experienced complete target wound closure within 3 months. Post hoc subgroup analyses were conducted by patient age and in those with body surface area index of total body wound burden ≥5% at baseline. In total, 169 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to SD-101 6% (n = 82) or vehicle (n = 87). Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were similar between treatment groups. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in time to target wound closure (hazard ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.651, 1.549; P = 0.985) or proportion of patients with complete target wound closure within 3 months (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.733 [0.365, 1.474]; nominal P = 0.390). A positive trend toward faster wound closure with SD-101 6% versus vehicle was observed in patients aged 2 to <12 years and those with total body wound burden ≥5% at baseline. SD-101 6% cream was well tolerated. SD-101 6% cream for treatment of EB-associated lesions was not more effective than vehicle in shortening the time to complete target wound closure or achieving complete target wound closure within 3 months. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02384460; Date of trial registration, February 13, 2015; First participant enrolled, March 11, 2015.

With rapid advancement in cutaneous laser therapy, Q-switched lasers have become the standard treatment for tattoo removal. The longer wavelength Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used when removing tattoos in darker skin patients to avoid scarring and permanent pigment changes. Nevertheless, the local experience revealed that nearly 25% of the Chinese patients developed scarring. Meanwhile, multiple clinical studies have shown that Contractubex gel (Merz Pharma, Frankfurt, Germany) was effective in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. To evaluate the efficacy of Contractubex gel in the prevention of scarring after laser removal of tattoos in Chinese patients. A total of 120 Chinese patients with 144 professional blue-black tattoos were recruited into the study. They were randomly assigned into the Contractubex group or the control group. All patients were treated with a QS 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser using a 3-mm spot size, a 10-Hz repeat rate, a pulse duration of 6 nanoseconds, and fluences that ranged from 3.6 to 4.8 J/cm2 (mean fluence, 4.2 J/cm2). The treated areas were assessed 3 months after the last treatments for clinical clearance and complications. Fifty-two patients with 61 tattoos in the Contractubex group were able to achieve a mean clearing rate of 82.3+/-11.6%. There were 7 tattoos in 7 patients that developed scarring, 4 patients had permanent hypopigmentation, and 3 patients had transient hyperpigmentation. In contrast, 55 patients with 68 tattoos in the control group had a mean clearing rate of 80.4+/-11.3%. Among them, 16 tattoos in 14 patients developed scarring, 4 patients had permanent hypopigmentation, and 5 patients had transient hyperpigmentation. Although there was no significant difference in age, sex, fluence, treatment session, and clinical clearance between the two groups, the Contractubex group had a statistically significantly lower rate of scarring than the control group (p<.05). Contractubex gel is effective in scar prevention in Chinese patients having laser removal of tattoos.

Transdermal drug delivery system has attracted considerable attention as non-invasive alternatives to conventional drug administration routes. However, their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by insufficient drug penetration and the inability of controllable release behavior. In this study, photothermally responsive allantoin (AT)-loaded chitosan (CS)-based biomaterial patches incorporating melanin (MEL) were prepared to improve transdermal drug delivery and anti-inflammatory effects. The novelty of this study combines the intrinsic therapeutic potential of AT with the photothermal effect of MEL in a biodegradable CS-based patch platform, enabling externally triggered drug release under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The prepared MEL-added biomaterial patches exhibited a marked photothermal response, reaching 42-44 °C under NIR irradiation, leading to 1.20-2.45-fold higher AT release compared to non-irradiated conditions. Release kinetics using the Fickian diffusion and Korsmeyer-Peppas models revealed that AT release in buffer solution followed Fickian diffusion behavior (R 2  = 0.990-0.999), and AT release in artificial and porcine skin models was governed by a non-Fickian mechanism (n = 0.55-0.98), indicating the combined contribution of drug diffusion and polymer relaxation. In addition, the prepared biomaterial patches demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, with radical-scavenging efficiencies of approximately 55-65%, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed high cell viability (> 90%), and anti-inflammatory evaluation showed a significant reduction in nitric oxide production by approximately 40-60% compared with the lipopolysaccharide-treated group. Overall, these findings suggest that MEL-incorporated AT-loaded CS-based biomaterial patches may serve as multifunctional and stimuli-responsive transdermal platforms for controlled drug delivery and anti-inflammatory applications.

Background/Objectives : Nature-inspired therapeutic strategies that promote biological regenerative mechanisms and replicate the native structural microenvironment conductive to formation of healthy tissue are increasingly recognized as a promising platform for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study proposes an innovative design of novel multifunctional scaffolds composed entirely of natural components-gelatin, L-ascorbic (ASA) acid and allantoin-as a bioinspired approach for skin tissue regeneration through pro-regenerative, antimicrobial, and keratinocyte-supportive properties. Methods : The biocompatible, skin-adhesive scaffolds were prepared via a simple and environmentally friendly heat-induced crosslinking of gelatin with varying ASA contents, and by enriching the system with allantoin. The influence of ASA content on scaffold properties was investigated through characterization of their morphology, porosity, swelling behavior, skin tissue adhesion, and allantoin release potential. Biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, while antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis . Results : The scaffolds revealed a highly porous, interconnected structure with tunable porosity (87.37-92.39%) and soft-tissue-matched mechanical properties (0.81-1.47 MPa). Incorporation of allantoin into the scaffolds enhanced their mechanical performance and swelling capacity. All scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial activity against both tested bacteria, supported keratinocyte viability and provided sustained release of allantoin for up to 76 h, confirming their multifunctional pro-regenerative potential. Conclusions : The novel gelatin/ascorbic acid scaffolds enriched with allantoin combine a porous replicated structure of native extracellular matrix, fluid absorption capacity, soft-tissue-like mechanical properties, stable skin tissue adhesion, cytocompatibility and antibacterial functionality with the pro-regenerative properties of allantoin, thereby representing a multifunctional and biologically inspired platform for advanced skin tissue regeneration and wound-healing applications.

Preterm birth is a leading contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, often necessitating neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The resulting separation of mother-infant dyads may escalate physiological stress and impair early bonding. While Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a well-established intervention, evidence regarding the immediate physiological and affective impact of an isolated, short-duration session remains sparse. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a single one-hour KMC session on oxidative stress and maternal-infant bonding in preterm neonates. This quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care facility in Lahore, Pakistan (February-July 2024). Forty preterm neonate-mother dyads were allocated based on medical record numbers to receive either a single 60 minute KMC session (n = 20) or standard incubator care (n = 20). Primary and secondary outcomes included urinary allantoin (measured via ELISA) and Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) scores, respectively, assessed at baseline and one hour after the intervention. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Baseline groups were comparable (p>0.05). Post-intervention, KMC significantly reduced allantoin levels compared to controls (Adjusted Mean Difference [AMD]: -26.18 µmol/mmol; 95% CI: -36.88 to -15.48; p<0.001; partial η 2 =0.399). MIBS scores also improved significantly in the KMC group (AMD: -13.99; 95% CI: -14.84 to -13.14; p<0.001; partial η 2 =0.967). A single one-hour session of Kangaroo Mother Care is associated with reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers and a significant short-term improvement in maternal-infant bonding. These findings suggest that even brief sessions of skin-to-skin contact may serve as potentially effective acute physiological and psychological stabilizer in the NICU setting. However, these immediate effects should be viewed as acute triggers rather than definitive markers of long-term clinical or developmental outcomes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06338410. Registered 29 March 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06338410 .

Background/Objectives: Wound healing requires simultaneous pain control, inflammation management, infection prevention, and tissue regeneration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate in vitro a non-contact thermosensitive spray hydrogel combining lidocaine for rapid analgesia and allantoin for tissue repair. Methods : The effects of chitosan and Poloxamer 407 on viscosity, spray diameter, and bioadhesion ability of hydrogels were optimized using response surface methodology. Lead formulations (S1 and S2) were selected via a desirability function within the software. The pH, gelation temperature (T G ), rheological behavior, sprayability, bioadhesion, and lidocaine release using the dialysis bag method were assessed. The in vitro cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity (TNF-α), and cell migration (scratch assay) of the formulations were investigated. Results : The viscosity values (42.7-58.7 mPa·s) indicated suitability for spraying at room temperature. T G was 28.7 ± 0.6 °C (S1) and 29.3 ± 0.3 °C (S2), enabling rapid sol-gel transition at skin temperature. The lidocaine release reached 95-100% within 120 min. S2 exhibited lower viscosity and wider spray diameter, improving applicability on larger wound areas. In vitro cytotoxicity, scratch assay, and inflammatory marker analyses demonstrated that the optimized sprayable hydrogels exhibited a biocompatible and cell-healing profile. Conclusions : The developed thermosensitive spray hydrogel enables the combined delivery of lidocaine and allantoin, rapid gelation at body temperature, and touch-free administration. Its suitable viscosity and sprayability, and fast lidocaine release profile indicate high patient compliance and a significant advantage over conventional cream/ointment formulations, particularly regarding painless application, reduced contamination risk, enhanced therapeutic potential, and confirmed in vitro biocompatibility with supportive effects on keratinocyte behavior.

Introduction Keratosis pilaris, commonly referred to as "strawberry legs" or "chicken skin," is a benign yet cosmetically concerning condition characterized by dry, rough, and bumpy skin, predominantly affecting females. It often causes discomfort, such as itchiness and irritation, due to impaired skin texture and hydration. The ThriveCo Bumps Eraser Kit (Beaucience India Private Limited, Faridabad, India), comprising an exfoliating scrub and smoothing body lotion, offers a comprehensive solution. The scrub enhances texture through gentle exfoliation, while the lotion hydrates and soothes irritation. This dual-action approach addresses key symptoms and promotes smoother, healthier skin. Methods This interventional, prospective clinical study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Bumps Eraser Kit. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was collected. Skin hydration was assessed by Corneometer® CM 825 (Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany), pigmentation by Mexameter® MX 18 (Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH), and surface texture by VISIOSCAN® VC20 Plus (Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH), along with Visual Analogue Scale and digital photographs taken on Days 01, 21 (+2), and 45 (+2). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) and Microsoft® Excel 2019 (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), with significance set at 5%. Results The study showed significant improvements. Skin hydration increased by 131.75% (p < 0.0001), redness reduced by 69.30%, pigmentation decreased by 35.77%, and itchiness dropped by 92.63%. Smoothness improved by 55.00%, roughness reduced by 148.54%, and scaliness decreased by 87.09% (all p < 0.0001). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion The ThriveCo Bumps Eraser Kit improves skin texture and hydration. The scrub exfoliates and offers antioxidant benefits, while the lotion nourishes with ingredients like spirulina, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Madhuca indica oil, allantoin, and hydroxyethyl urea. Together, they reduce redness, pigmentation, and irritation, making it an effective addition to daily skincare for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Cleft palate is a congenital craniofacial anomaly that originates from disrupted palatogenesis. During palatal shelf morphogenesis, palatal mesenchyme must expand, remodel, and withstand environmental stress, and oxidative imbalance is considered a convergent cellular risk that can compromise developmental robustness. Allantoin is a clinic-friendly small molecule widely used in topical formulations and reported to modulate cell behavior, but its dose-dependent effects and antioxidant mechanism in embryonic palatal mesenchyme remain unclear. Here, we investigated the concentration window and Nrf2-related cytoprotective mechanism of allantoin in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells. MEPM cells were isolated from E14.5 mouse palatal shelves and treated with allantoin (0.5-5 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity and time-dependent growth were assessed by CCK-8 and growth index analysis. Mesenchymal motility was evaluated using a scratch assay. For cytoprotection, cells were pretreated with allantoin for 24 hours and challenged with 0.1% (w/v) H2O2 for 2 hours, followed by Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD flow cytometry. Osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were induced for 21 days with lower-dose allantoin (0-2 mg/mL) and assessed by Alizarin Red S and Alcian Blue staining with ImageJ quantification. Nrf2 pathway activation was analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1), and pharmacological inhibition was performed with ML385. Allantoin was noncytotoxic across 0.5 to 5 mg/mL and enhanced early proliferative capacity, with the strongest growth-promoting effect observed at intermediate concentrations. Allantoin increased wound closure, indicating improved mesenchymal motility. Under oxidative challenge, allantoin reduced apoptosis and restored viability with maximal protection at 3 to 4 mg/mL. Mechanistically, allantoin upregulated Nrf2 and its downstream targets HO-1 and NQO1 at both mRNA and protein levels, while ML385 partially attenuated these responses. In contrast, higher concentrations during lineage induction (1-2 mg/mL) tended to suppress osteogenic mineralization and chondrogenic matrix formation. Allantoin supports palatogenesis-relevant MEPM cell behaviors, including early growth, mesenchymal motility, and resilience to oxidative stress, within an optimal concentration window (∼3-4 mg/mL). Allantoin's cytoprotective effects are associated with activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 antioxidant program. Given the dose-sensitive suppression of osteo-/chondrogenic differentiation at higher exposure, future applications should prioritize dose- and time-controlled designs and validate findings in palatal shelf organ culture and embryonic palatogenesis models.

Background: Wound healing remains a major clinical challenge, often impaired by persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal extracellular matrix remodeling. Electrospun nanofibers (NFs) have emerged as promising wound dressing platforms due to their biomimetic structure and capacity to incorporate multiple bioactive compounds (ACs) with synergistic therapeutic effects. Objectives: This study aimed to biologically assess novel chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CH/PVA) NFs functionalized with natural active compounds (L-arginine-ARG, allantoin-ALA, royal jelly-RJ, and curcumin-CUR) as multifunctional systems for wound healing and tissue remodeling. Methods: The nanofibrous systems performed the in vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, PRAP), anti-inflammatory potential (protein denaturation test), hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility using dermal fibroblasts. In vivo healing performance was evaluated in an excisional wound model using macroscopic wound contraction analysis, histopathology, and immunohistochemical staining (MMP-9, CD31, VEGF-A, α-SMA). Results: The bioactive-enriched CH/PVA NFs exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, excellent hemocompatibility (hemolysis < 5%), and excellent cytocompatibility, with promoting fibroblast proliferation. In vivo experiments revealed that the treated groups exhibited accelerated wound closure, improved re-epithelialization, increased angiogenesis, and showed more efficient tissue remodeling compared to the controls, as validated by histological and immunohistochemical studies. Conclusions: The findings indicate that bioactive-enriched CH/PVA NFs serve as effective, biocompatible, and multifunctional matrices for wound healing, hence endorsing their potential for further translational advancement in skin regeneration applications.

Symphytum officinale: L. ( S. officinale ), commonly known as comfrey, has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years to treat wounds, fractures, and inflammatory conditions. This review is the first comprehensive ethnopharmacological synthesis that systematically integrates cross-cultural traditional knowledge with the latest evidence on its phytochemical profile, pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and toxicological risks. Unlike previous fragmented reviews that addressed only isolated aspects, we followed PRISMA guidelines to analyze selected studies, with a strong emphasis on developing safe, pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-depleted topical formulations that translate the plant's classic "knitbone" reputation into modern evidence-based phytotherapy. Key bioactive constituents-allantoin, rosmarinic acid, polysaccharides, and lignans-exert anti-inflammatory, tissue-regenerative, and bone-repair effects primarily by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that topical S. officinale preparations significantly outperform placebo in acute back pain, knee osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, and myalgia, while showing non-inferiority to diclofenac and an excellent safety profile. However, the presence of hepatotoxic PAs (intermedine and lycopsamine) strictly limits internal use. Topical application remains safe owing to minimal systemic absorption. By bridging historical wisdom with rigorous contemporary data and spotlighting PA-depletion strategies, this review offers a balanced framework for safe clinical application and future formulation optimization.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of rare inherited blistering disorders of the skin, characterized by fragile skin and mucous membranes. Topical therapies are central to symptom management and wound care, and recent advances provide potential for topical treatments to be disease-modifying approaches. This review examines the clinical efficacy and tolerability of topical therapies for EB, with a particular focus on approved treatments such as beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) and Oleogel-S10, as well as emerging agents like allantoin, diacerein, sirolimus, gentamicin, gentian violet and calcipotriol. Using evidence from clinical trials and pilot studies, their mechanisms and outcomes can be evaluated for different EB subtypes. Topical therapies for EB are evolving, with more gene-based treatments and anti-inflammatory agents showing potential for improving wounds, reducing pain and overall increasing quality of life. Challenges remain in trial designs, accessibility and long-term safety studies, especially in the context of the heterogeneity of EB. The continued use of standardized outcome measures will affect the future progress of studies, as well as using real-world data. Whilst a definitive cure is unlikely for EB, evolving topical strategies have strong potential in providing control of the disease's symptoms and ultimately can improve long-term outcomes.

This review systematically synthesizes current evidence on the nutritional value, biomedical applications, and economic relevance of snail meat and mucus. This was achieved by analyzing published scholarly works gathered using targeted keyword searches in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science from early 2020 to mid-2025. This review addresses the challenge of nutritionally poor diets, driven by excessive intake of protein-deficient foods, in contrast to absolute food shortages. Protein deficiency impairs immunity, growth, muscle maintenance, and recovery, thereby increasing the risk of disease. Snail meat and mucus, recognized as alternative protein sources, are rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, offering benefits for health, sustainable nutrition, and novel therapeutic applications. Although snails are more abundant in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in regions of Africa and Asia, their food and medicinal uses are also well established in many temperate and developed nations. Similarly, snail mucus has been widely studied as a biomaterial for oncology, drug delivery, cosmetics, and wound healing due to its rich bioactive content, including achacin, allantoin, glycoproteins, and hyaluronic acid. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and regenerative properties. Proteomic studies reveal over 1300 proteins in species like Cipangopaludina chinensis, supporting its anti-inflammatory and osteoinductive effects. Snail mucus promotes cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis, making it valuable for diabetic wound care and drug development. Overall, this review provides useful insights into the nutritional and medicinal potential of snail meat and its mucus, highlighting their potential as both a sustainable food source and a promising avenue for drug development.

Snail slime, also known as mucus, presents great potential due to its broad spectrum of ingredients, including the eponymous structural proteins (Mucins), glycoproteins, and bioactive compounds such as hyaluronic acid and allantoin. It is most prominently applied in the cosmetic industry as a raw material for the production of protein-based hybrid hydrogels, and is also known to have potential for synthetic chemistry. For instance, it has been shown to have the ability to form catalytically active gold NPs (Au-NPs) under mild conditions. In this research, these key features are combined, the ability to reduce gold solutions, stabilize their NPs, and be a chemical building block, for developing Au-NP-comprising hydrogel structures from snail slime. Au-NPs are produced under environmentally friendly conditions and integrated into bio-based hydrogels for a sustainable reaction process. In the form of micro-scale dots, the newly designed Au-NP-hydrogels are successfully implemented in a microfluidic single-chamber reactor and utilized for the decolouration (= degradation) of Rhodamine 6G. A path toward a multi-functional, environmentally friendly microfluidic test chip, utilizing the versatile catalytic activity of green gold NPs, embedded in biogenic and hydrogel materials, is hence presented.

BACKGROUD: Mikania cordata is a resource-rich plant which is used in traditional medicinal practices to treat eye sores, snake and scorpion bites, cough, a range of gastrointestinal disorders and topical applications for cuts, wounds and to stop bleeding. This study examined the in vitro wound healing activity of aqueous, acetone and methanolic extracts of M. cordata leaves. METHODS: Human macro-vascular endothelial cells (EC) were exposed to the three extracts at 3.9–500 µg/mL to determine their non-toxic concentrations and in vitro wound healing ability was assessed using scratch assay. The nitrite levels produced by scratched ECs were assessed by Griess assay and the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at 48 h was assessed using the conventional PCR by quantifying the intensity of gel band. RESULTS: All concentrations of the three extracts of M. cordata tested were non-toxic to EC. Methanolic extract and positive control Allantoin showed the highest in vitro wound healing activity of 75% and 82% compared to that by aqueous (66%) and acetone (56%) extracts (p < 0.001). EC treated with 125 µg/ml of methanolic extract showed a significant increase in nitrite level when compared to that of Allantoin ( p < 0.001). A similar expression of VEGF (0.44) was observed in EC treated with methanolic extract of M. cordata when compared to that of the EC treated with Allantoin (0.42). CONCLUSION: M. cordata leaves are potent in wound healing, with methanolic extract showing the highest activity. These findings demand further studies to investigate the active compounds present in M. cordata which specifically contribute to wound healing and the mechanisms induced to promote wound healing.