Article

Use of cream containing mucus secreted by snails has an anti-aging effect on skin

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Abstract

Background: A cream made from mucus secreted by snails contains 80% mucin, as well as glycosaminoglycan, allantoin for skin rejuvenation, glycolic acid for keratin removal, and collagen and elastin, which are components of dermis. Objective: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of using cream containing mucus secreted by snails to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, restore dermal density, and lift the skin. Methods: Cream containing mucus secreted by snails was applied to the lateral epicanthal areas and the left cheek of 10 subjects for 4 weeks twice per day. Wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin tightening were evaluated at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks. A patient survey was conducted at 4 weeks. Results: There were statistically significant differences between baseline and 4 weeks after applying the cream in terms of wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin tightening (p<0.05). Conclusion: Use of cream containing mucus secreted by snails seems to be effective for anti-aging of the skin. Long term follow up studies, such as 3 or 6 months, to confirm the efficacy of the cream should be conducted involving a larger number of patients.

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... Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are highly charged polysaccharides that are an important structural component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are often used in cosmetic products (1)(2)(3). In a previous clinical trial, it was identified that a cream containing GAGs regulated wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density and skin tightening (4). However, although GAGs serve important roles in skin aging, their regulatory mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated. ...
... In addition, a protective effect of GAGs against cell apoptosis was observed. A previous study demonstrated that a cream comprised of GAGs positively regulated wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density and skin tightening in a clinical trial (4). Given that the expression of various proinflammatory cytokine/chemokines are significantly elevated and the expression of type I collagens is decreased in aged skin dermis, the current study suggests that GAGs may be used as anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agents for skin. ...
Article
It has been established that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) serve an important role in protecting the skin against the effects of aging. A previous clinical trial by our group identified that a cream containing GAGs reduced wrinkles and increased skin elasticity, dermal density and skin tightening. However, the exact molecular mechanism underlying the anti‑aging effect of GAGs has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study assessed the influence of GAGs on cell viability, collagen synthesis and collagen synthesis‑associated signaling pathways in tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α)‑stimulated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs); an in vitro model of aging. The results demonstrated that GAGs restored type I collagen synthesis and secretion by inhibiting extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in TNF‑α‑stimulated HDFs. However, GAGs did not activate c‑jun N‑terminal kinase or p38. It was determined that GAGs suppressed the phosphorylation of downstream transcription factors of ERK activation, activator protein‑1 (AP‑1; c‑fos and c‑jun), leading to a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase‑1 (MMP‑1) levels and the upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‑1 in TNF‑α‑stimulated HDFs. In addition, GAGs attenuated the apoptosis of HDFs induced by TNF‑α. The current study revealed a novel mechanism: GAGs serve a crucial role in ameliorating TNF‑α‑induced MMP‑1 expression, which causes type I collagen degeneration via the inactivation of ERK/AP‑1 signaling in HDFs. The results of the present study indicate the potential application of GAGs as effective anti‑aging agents that induce wrinkle reduction.
... (Figure 1a and b) [6]. A diverse array of bioactive molecules, including lactic, hyaluronic, and glycolic acid, and proteins, such as collagen and elastin, comprise snail mucin [7,8]. These compounds are heralded for their cosmetic (i.e., anti-aging and hydrating) effects, but they also possess valuable properties for medical dermatologic conditions [7]. ...
... Fucoidans obtained from various marine macroalgae promote the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and dermal papilla cells, stimulate hair growth in vitro and in vivo, and have anti-aging properties [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55]. Glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin sulphate, have been proven to be skin anti-ageing ingredients/agents/compounds, wound healing promoters, and antiapoptotic agents [56][57][58][59]. ...
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Background Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits. Aims This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin. Methods A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing snail mucin and their application in medical and dermatologic fields examining their uses. Economic reports were also investigated for Global Market estimates. Results The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti‐acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large‐scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies. Conclusions The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.
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A new glycosaminoglycan has been isolated from the giant African snail Achatina fulica. This polysaccharide had a molecular weight of 29,000, calculated based on the viscometry, and a uniform repeating disaccharide structure of -->4)-2-acetyl,2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranose (1-->4)-2-sulfo-alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid (1-->. This polysaccharide represents a new, previously undescribed glycosaminoglycan. It is related to the heparin and heparan sulfate families of glycosaminoglycans but is distinctly different from all known members of these classes of glycosaminoglycans. The structure of this polysaccharide, with adjacent N-acetylglucosamine and 2-sulfo-iduronic acid residues, also poses interesting questions about how it is made in light of our current understanding of the biosynthesis of heparin and heparan sulfate. This glycosaminoglycan represents 3-5% of the dry weight of this snail's soft body tissues, suggesting important biological roles for the survival of this organism, and may offer new means to control this pest. Snail glycosaminoglycan tightly binds divalent cations, such as copper(II), suggesting a primary role in metal uptake in the snail. Finally, this new polysaccharide might be applied, like the Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide, to the study of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and to the semisynthesis of new glycosaminoglycan analogs having important biological activities.
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