Collagen and Its Functions

Collagen

• Accounts for 30% of the body's protein
• Provides structure, support, or strength to skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues
• Types of collagen: Type I (90% of body's collagen, densely packed, used for skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments) and Type II (found in elastic cartilage, provides joint support)

Uses of Collagen

• Dermal fillers: collagen injections can fill out shallow depressions in the skin, such as lines and wrinkles
• Cosmetic use: as a mask for restoring skin elasticity

Resins and Resin Combinations

• Natural resins: sticky, water-insoluble substances secreted by plants when damaged
• Characteristics: hardens shortly after secretion, can be returned to liquid by heating
• Chemically complex: composed of resinolic acids, resinophenol, resinol, esters, and neutral inert compounds
• Examples: copal resin, oleoresin, gum-resin, oleo-gum-resin, and balsams

Mastic

• Dried resinous exudate obtained from the incised stems and branches of Pistacia lentiscus L. var. latifolius Coss.
• Constituents: triterpenic acid, alcohols, and volatile oil
• Uses: flavoring agent, breath freshener, and for duodenal and peptic ulcer due to antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori

Myrrh

• Dried oleo-gum-resins obtained by incision or spontaneous exudation from the stem and branches of Commiphora molmol Engler
• Constituents: essential oil (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes), gum resin (α,β commiphoric acid)
• Uses: antibacterial and astringent properties, component of dental remedies, minor skin inflammations, gargle and mouth wash, and in some haemorrhoidal preparations

Guggul

• Air-dried oleogum resin exudate from the stems and branches of Commiphora wightii (Arn.)
• Constituents: essential oil, gum, resinous fraction (diterpene), sterols (guggulsterones), guggulipid, and triterpene (myrrhanol)
• Uses: lipid-lowering activity, approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Olibanum (Frankincense)

• Oleo-gum resin obtained by incision from the bark of Boswellia carteri
• Constituents: volatile oil, gum resin (boswellic acid)
• Uses: treatment of bronchial asthma, osteoarthritis, and anti-inflammatory action

Learn about collagen, its types, and functions in the human body. Discover how it provides structure and support to skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.