Animal Extracts

Animal extracts are substances derived from the tissues, organs or other parts of animals. These extracts are rich in specific bioactive compounds that can be used for a wide range of applications in medicine, cosmetics, food and research. The use of animal extracts is a practice that dates to ancient times and continues to play an important role in various industries today. Creative Enzymes provides a diverse range of premium animal extracts tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Introduction

Animal extracts are the products derived from the processing of animal tissues, organs, or other parts. These extracts contain a mixture of proteins, enzymes, hormones and other bioactive molecules. They are produced by various methods, including mechanical extraction, chemical extraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis. The composition of animal extracts can vary widely depending on the source and method of extraction.

Sources of Animal Extracts

The sources of animal extracts are diverse and include a wide range of species and tissues. Some of the more common sources include:

Bovine (Cattle)

Bovine extracts are derived from cattle and are widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dietary supplements. Common bovine extracts include bovine serum albumin (BSA), collagen, and gelatin.

Porcine (Pigs)

Porcine extracts are derived from pigs and are widely used in medical and cosmetic products. For example, porcine insulin was one of the first sources of insulin for diabetics before the advent of recombinant DNA technology.

Marine Animals

Extracts from marine animals such as fish, shellfish and sponges are rich in unique bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, chitin and marine collagen. These are widely used in nutraceuticals and skin care products. Examples are oyster meat powder, scallop extract, green lipped mussel extract and sea cucumber extract etc.

Insects

Insect extracts, although less common, are gaining attention for their potential applications. Compounds such as chitosan from insect exoskeletons and antimicrobial peptides from insect hemolymph are examples of valuable insect-derived extracts. For example, black ant extract provides multiple health benefits such as modulation of the immune system and can build stress resistance.

Avian (Birds)

Avian extracts, particularly from eggs and feathers, are used in several industries. Egg white proteins and yolk lipids are commonly used in food and cosmetic formulations.

Applications of Animal Extracts

The applications of animal extracts span across multiple industries due to their rich bioactive content. Some of the primary applications include:

Medicine and Pharmaceuticals

Animal extracts have long been used in medicine for their therapeutic properties. Some notable applications include:

Heparin: This anticoagulant is commonly derived from the intestinal lining of pigs and the lungs of cattle. It is essential for preventing blood clots during surgery and other medical procedures.

Collagen and Gelatin: Derived from bovine and porcine tissues, collagen and gelatin are used in wound dressings, drug delivery systems and as scaffolds in tissue engineering.

Thyroid Extracts: Derived from the thyroid glands of animals, these extracts are used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Insulin: Originally derived from bovine and porcine pancreases, insulin is a critical hormone in the management of diabetes. Although recombinant human insulin has largely replaced animal-derived insulin, the latter is still used in certain formulations.

Illustration of pig pancreas (red).

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Animal extracts are valuable ingredients in the cosmetics and personal care industries. They are valued for their beneficial effects on skin and hair health. Some examples include:

Collagen: Widely used in anti-aging creams, serums, and masks, collagen helps improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Elastin: Another protein found in connective tissue, elastin is used in skin care products to improve skin flexibility and firmness.

Lanolin: Extracted from sheep's wool, lanolin is a popular moisturizer found in many lotions, creams, and lip balms.

Snail Mucin: Extracted from snails, this mucin is rich in glycoproteins and has gained popularity for its hydrating and regenerative properties.

Food and Nutrition

Animal extracts are used in the food industry for their nutritional and functional properties:

Gelatin: Derived from the collagen in animal bones and skin, gelatin is used as a gelling agent in desserts, confections, and various processed foods.

Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is a common dietary supplement that supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

Bone Broth: Made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue, bone broth is prized for its high collagen content and is often consumed for its potential health benefits.

Research and Biotechnology

Animal extracts are essential in scientific research and biotechnology due to their unique properties and bioactive components:

Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA): Used as a stabilizer in enzyme reactions, as a blocking agent in assays, and in cell culture media.

Trypsin: An enzyme extracted from the pancreas of pigs, trypsin is used to digest proteins in various laboratory procedures, including cell culture and protein purification. Bovine trypsinogen is a proenzyme (zymogen) that is activated to form trypsin.

Chitosan: Derived from the shells of crustaceans or insect exoskeletons, chitosan is used in drug delivery systems, water purification, and as a biodegradable film in packaging.

Lyophilized Bovine Serum Albumin.