Chitosan

Efficacy-safety rating:

ÒÒ...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Chitosan?

Chitin is a cellulose-like biopolymer found mainly in exoskeletons of marine invertebrates and arthropods, such as shrimp, crabs or lobsters. Chitin also can be found in fungi and yeasts. Deacylated chitin is called chitosan.? Chitosan is unique in that it possesses positively charged amino groups, which bind to the body?'s negatively charged lipid and bile components, preventing absorption by the body.? “Squid pens,” a waste by-product of New Zealand squid processing, are a renewable and inexpensive source of chitosan.

What is Chitosan used for?

Chitosan is used in many areas, including the environmental, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Chitosan has been used for environmental concerns in the past 30 years in water purification plants to absorb greases, oils, metals and toxic substances. It can absorb 4 to 6 times its weight. Chitosan has been used in various drug delivery systems in the pharmaceutical industry.

Medicinally, chitosan has antimicrobial effects and can be used for kidney failure and to lower cholesterol. Fiber products such as bran, resins, pectins, etc, have been used in the past for cholesterol and weight reduction. Chitosan beads are capable of absorbing LDL-cholesterol in laboratory tests. Hypocholesterolemic effects in humans have been reported. Chitosans characteristic film-forming and protective polysaccharide suggests its potential in skin regeneration. Chitin?'s involvement with human enzymatic activity seems to be activation of macrophages and stimulation of fibroblasts, promoting normal tissue production. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use ofchitosan as a wound healer. Chitosan also enhances absorption of poorly absorbable drugs.

What is the dosage of Chitosan?

Chitosan has been administered at doses from 1 to 4 g daily in clinical studies of cholesterol reduction.

Is Chitosan safe?

Contraindications in persons allergic to shellfish.

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

None well documented.

Those allergic to shellfish also may experience allergies to chitosan products.

Chitosan's toxicity profile is relatively low.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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