Ectoine

Ectoine is a natural cyclic tetrahydropyrimidine, which is a low molecular weight, water-binding and organic osmolyte. It is a part of a class of small molecule chaperones (SMCs).

Ectoine acts as an osmoprotectant in a wide variety of microorganisms including heterotrophic, halophilic bacteria and non-halophilic bacteria such as Streptomyces species and E.coli. This compatible solute exhibit protective effects in E.coli during drying and storage. Ectoine is implicated in protein and lipid bilayer stabilization. It also regulates the preservation of turgor pressure and ameliorates desiccation stress. It may be used to treat inflammatory diseases such as, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ectoine can cause DNA structural changes in vitro and protects DNA from ionizing radiation (IR). It prevents insulin amyloid formation in vitro.