Ectoine is a bacteria-derived extremolyte that can protect proteins and biological membranes from damage caused by extreme environmental conditions like heat, UV light, high osmolarity, or dryness. It helps protect the cellular functioning of microorganisms living in extreme environments such as deserts, salt lakes, ice flows, and hot sulfurous springs.

Ectoine is a superior moisturizer with long-term efficacy and an active ingredient in skincare and sun protection products. It stabilizes proteins and other cellular structures and protects the skin from stresses like UV irradiation and dryness.

In preclinical studies, ectoine was shown to protect lung and skin cells against the damage induced by toxic pollution particles and to prevent the subsequent activation of inflammatory cascades. A similar effect was observed in model systems for inflammatory bowel disease. Interestingly, ectoine can stabilize lipid layers in pulmonary surfactants, as well as the tear film of the eyes, against physical stress.

Topically applied ectoine effectiveness in upper airway inflammations such as acute pharyngitis/laryngitis, rhinosinusitis, rhinitis sicca, and acute bronchitis. In addition, several trials showed the efficacy of ectoine in various diseases with barrier dysfunctions, such as rhinitis sicca, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, lung inflammation caused by environmental pollutants, prevention of upper respiratory infections, and atopic dermatitis. Moreover, studies on allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome have been published.

References

[1] Andreas Bilstein. “Ectoine in the Treatment of Irritations and Inflammations of the Eye Surface.” BioMed Research International 2021 (2021): 8885032.

[2] Ruediger Graf PhD . “The multifunctional role of ectoine as a natural cell protectant.” Clinics in dermatology 26 4 (2008): Pages 326-333.

[3] Andreas Bilstein. “Ectoine in the Treatment of Irritations and Inflammations of the Eye Surface.” BioMed Research International 2021 (2021): 8885032.