Ground shark cartilage ointment is popular for its role in fast wound recovery. The active ingredient primarily responsible for this function is:
Ground shark cartilage ointment is popular for its role in fast wound recovery. The active ingredient primarily responsible for this function is:
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
N-acetylglucosamine in shark cartilage for wound healing:Shark cartilage has been used in traditional medicine and wound care products. The primary active component for wound healing is N-acetylglucosamine (NAG):• NAG is an amino sugar (monosaccharide derived from glucose with an acetylated amino group).• It is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate.• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is essential for:- Extracellular matrix hydration and scaffolding- Promoting cell migration and proliferation during wound healing- Growth factor binding and presentation• NAG directly promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition.Other answer options:• Hydroxyproline/Dihydroxyproline: modified amino acids in collagen; not specific to shark cartilage wound healing.• DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine): the adhesive compound in mussels (Mytilus), not shark cartilage.Answer: N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) from shark cartilage promotes wound healing as a precursor for hyaluronic acid and GAGs.