Snail (Achatina fulica) Slime Extract Effectively Increases the Speed of Incised Wound Healing Process

Abstract

Introduction: Wound healing is a critical biological process essential for maintaining skin integrity and overall health. The need for efficient wound care treatments has led to the exploration of natural products with regenerative properties. Achatina fulica slime extract has gained attention due to its bioactive components, including glycosaminoglycans, allantoin, glycolic acid, and Achasin protein, which contribute to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative effects. These properties suggest that snail slime extract may be a viable alternative for enhancing wound healing.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Achatina fulica slime extract in accelerating the wound healing process.

Methods: Using an in vivo experimental model with Rattus norvegicus, four groups were assessed: positive control (Human Placental Extract + Neomycin Sulfate 0.5%), high-dose slime extract (4 mg/ml), low-dose slime extract (2 mg/ml), and a negative control. Each mouse received a standardized 20-mm incised wound, and wound length was measured daily until full healing.

Results: Results showed that the positive control group had the fastest healing, followed by the high-dose, low-dose, and negative control groups. Statistical analysis demonstrated that Achatina fulica slime extract significantly accelerated wound healing compared to the negative control (p < 0.05), with the high-dose slime extract performing significantly better than the low dose.

Conclusions: The data suggest that snail slime extract may serve as a promising natural remedy for wound healing, particularly in cases where conventional treatments are unavailable or less effective. These findings emphasize the need for developing cost-effective, accessible, and biocompatible treatments derived from natural sources, which could significantly benefit global healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings.