Allantoin

Allantoin

General information

Allantoin is a chemical compound with formula C4H6N4O3. It is also called 5-ureidohydantoin or glyoxyldiureide.(1)(2) It is a diureide of glyoxylic acid. Allantoin is a major metabolic intermediate in most organisms including animals, plants, and bacteria. It is produced from uric acid, which is a degradation product of purine nucleobases, by urate oxidase (or uricase). (3)(4)(5)

Allantoin is present in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant and in the urine of most mammals. Chemically synthesized bulk allantoin, which is chemically equivalent to natural allantoin, is safe, non-toxic, compatible with cosmetic raw materials and meets CTFA and JSCI requirements. Over 10,000 patents reference allantoin.(6)

Key Therapeutic benefits

Manufacturers cite several beneficial effects for allantoin as an active ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics, including: a moisturizing and keratolytic effect, increasing the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promoting cell proliferation and wound healing; and a soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant effect by forming complexes with irritant and sensitizing agents. A study published in 2009 reported the treatment of pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical nonsteroidal agent containing allantoin.(7)

This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking. Some products (e.g., zinc oxide, white petrolatum) are used mostly to protect the skin against irritation (e.g., from wetness).

Dry skin is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin. Emollients/moisturizers work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin. Petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone are common emollients. Humectants, including glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol, draw water into the outer layer of skin. Many products also have ingredients that soften the horny substance (keratin) that holds the top layer of skin cells together (e.g., urea, alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic/citric/glycolic acid, and allantoin). This helps the dead skin cells fall off, helps the skin keep in more water, and leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer.

In Wound Healing , Allantoin works by slowing bacterial growth and loosing and softening scales and crust.The keratolytic effect and abrasive and astringent properties of Allantoin are used in skin softening cosmetic preparations. Allantoin is a moisturizing, soothing, healing, anti-irritating, keratolytic and non-toxic agent. Allantoin is a cell-proliferating healing agent which stimulates healthy tissue formation. It removes necrotic and scaling tissue.

 

Toxicology

Allantoin works by slowing bacterial growth and loosing and softening scales and crust.The keratolytic effect and abrasive and astringent properties of Allantoin are used in skin softening cosmetic preparations.
Allantoin is a moisturizing, soothing, healing, anti-irritating, keratolytic and non-toxic agent. Allantoin is a cell-proliferating healing agent which stimulates healthy tissue formation. It removes necrotic and scaling tissue

 

References

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=204

Jump up^ http://www.chemblink.com/products/97-59-6.htm

Jump up^ Pizzichini, Maria; Pandolfi, Maria Luisa; Arezzini, Laura; Terzuoli, Lucia; Fe?, Linda; Bontemps, Francois; Van den Berghe, Georges; Marinello, Enrico (1996-08-09). “Labelling of uric acid and allantoin in different purine organs and urine of the rat”. Life Sciences. 59(11): 893–899. doi:10.1016/0024-3205(96)00387-6.

Jump up^ Xi, H.; Schneider, B. L.; Reitzer, L. (2000-10-01). “Purine catabolism in Escherichia coli and function of xanthine dehydrogenase in purine salvage”. Journal of Bacteriology. 182(19): 5332–5341. doi:10.1128/jb.182.19.5332-5341.2000ISSN 0021-9193PMC 110974? PMID 10986234.

Jump up^ Johnson, Richard J.; Sautin, Yuri Y.; Oliver, William J.; Roncal, Carlos; Mu, Wei; Gabriela Sanchez-Lozada, L.; Rodriguez-Iturbe, Bernardo; Nakagawa, Takahiko; Benner, Steven A. (2009-01-01). “Lessons from comparative physiology: could uric acid represent a physiologic alarm signal gone awry in western society?”. Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology. 179 (1): 67–76. doi:10.1007/s00360-008-0291-7ISSN 1432-136XPMC 2684327? PMID 18649082.

Jump up^ Araújo LU, Grabe-Guimarães A, Mosqueira VC, Carneiro CM, Silva-Barcellos NM. (2012-10-22). “Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin”. Acta Cir Bras. 25 (5): 460–6. doi:10.1590/S0102-86502010000500014PMID 20877959.

Jump up^ Veraldi, S; De Micheli, P; Schianchi, R; Lunardon, L (2009). “Treatment of pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical non-steroidal agent”. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. 8 (6): 537–9. PMID 19537379.