Amphibian Skin and Skin Secretion: An Exotic Source of Bioactive Peptides and Its Application

Amphibians have been consumed as an alternative protein source all around the world due to their delicacy. The skin of edible amphibians, particularly frogs and giant salamanders, always goes to waste without further utilization. However, these wastes can be utilized to extract protein and bioactive peptides (BPs). Various BPs have been extracted and reported for numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. The main BPs identified were brevinins, bombesins, dermaseptins, esculentins, magainin, temporins, tigerinins, and salamandrins. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on various BPs isolated and identified from different amphibian skins or skin secretion and their biological activities. The general nutritional composition and production statues of amphibians were described. Additionally, multiple constraints against the utilization of amphibian skin and secretions are reported. Finally, the prospective applications of BPs in food and biomedical industries are presented such as multifunctional food additives and/or supplements as well as drug delivery agents.

Automated summary

Everywhere in the world, amphibians are being consumed as an alternative protein source due to their deliciousness. However, their edible skin, especially from frogs and giant salamanders, often goes to waste without further utilization. This review discusses the extraction and identification of protein and bioactive peptides (BPs) from various amphibian skins and their biological activities. It also describes the nutritional composition and production status of amphibians, as well as the constraints against utilizing their skin and secretions. Furthermore, prospective applications of BPs in the food and biomedical industries, such as multifunctional food additives and drug delivery agents, are presented.