Giant salamander peptides, derived from the Chinese giant salamander (CGS), are gaining attention for their potential medicinal and nutritional properties. These peptides, found in the skin and secretions of the salamander, exhibit various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anti-cancer effects.
1. Sources and Composition:
Giant salamander skin and secretions are rich in bioactive peptides.
These peptides are often produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of the salamander's proteins.
The CGS is a source of collagen peptides, which have shown immunomodulatory functions.
Specific peptides like PFGI, GPY, PGL, GGL, and PGA have been identified as having anti-photoaging effects.
2. Biological Activities:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory:
The peptide KGEYNK (KK-6) from CGS skin has demonstrated both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the antioxidant effect potentially enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect.
CGS skin collagen peptides (CGSSCPs) have shown to regulate macrophages, potentially inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and promoting the expression of lincRNA-EPS, which may be involved in anti-inflammatory pathways. Other Potential Activities:
Giant salamander peptides have also been suggested to have antibacterial, anti-fatigue, and ACE-inhibiting properties.
Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements:
The potential health benefits of these peptides make them candidates for functional food additives and dietary supplements.
Their anti-photoaging properties suggest potential applications in cosmetic products.
The diverse biological activities of these peptides could lead to their development as new drugs or drug delivery agents.
The protein-rich mucus secreted by giant salamanders has shown promise as a medical adhesive, potentially better than some existing options.
