Frog skin adds to growing list of animal-based anti-aging solutions

The team, led by professor Kim Se-Kwon of the Department of Chemistry at Pukyong National University, in Busan, believes the study findings indicate that the bullfrog may harbor a valuable anti-aging solution. In a report published in the academic journal Bioresource Technology and reported on by AFP, the scientists highlighted how they managed to isolate a peptide found in both the skin and the muscle of the frog. Bullfrog peptide contains strong antioxidant effect​ Because of the peptide's strong antioxidant qualities, the scientists say that it is effective in eradicating the effects of free radicals on the skin - one of the main contributing factors to skin aging, which can lead to wrinkles. The scientists believe that the peptide extract, derived from a creature that many farmers and environmentalists term a pest, could prove to be a cheap and easy way to produce an alternative to synthetically produced vitamin E - or dl-alpha tocopherol. This substance is widely used in the skin care industry, particularly in the anti-aging arena but often proves to be prohibitively expensive due to excessive demand and has also been associated with allergic reactions. Currently the largest manufacturer of synthetic vitamin E for the cosmetics industry is Cognis, which has a worldwide distribution for the ingredient. More economical and effective ​ Professor Kim claims that the bullfrog extract could provide a more economical and easier to source alternative to alpha-tocopherol, as well as being approximately 10 percent more efficient than tocopherol at eliminating free radicals. Likewise, Professor Kim also points out that there are advantages for formulators because it is water-soluble, which means it can be easily incorporated into a wide range of products - even beauty drinks. The bullfrog adds to a growing number of animal-based extracts or bi-products that have been launched in personal care and cosmetic products in recent years. There have been a number of skin care products on the market based on snail slime extract for some years, whereas a snake venom-based anti-aging cream was launched by Planet Skincare in the UK towards the end of last year. Likewise, donkey milk has been garnering increasing interest as an ingedient for skin care products of late, thanks mainly to its known anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties, while camel's milk is also used in skin care products for its high mineral and vitamin content.