Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, in vivo and in silico, of the snail slime Helix aspersa Müller

Marouane Aouji, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, MoroccoFollow
Malak Zirari, Laboratory of Organic chemistry catalysis and environment, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
Mariame Taibi, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
Meryem Lamdak, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
Amine Rkhaila, Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-food, Materials and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology - Mohammedia, Hassan II University, BP 146, Casablanca 28806, Morocco
Rachid Bengueddour, Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco

Abstract

Background: The search for effective natural alternatives to synthetic non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often associated with undesirable side effects, is an important axis of current research. The slime of the snail Helix aspersa Müller, is a traditional remedy that deserves scientific investigation for its potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Helix aspersa Müller slime using a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies.

Methods: In vitro analyses included assays for inhibition of protein denaturation, antiprotease and antilipoxygenase activities, and membrane stabilization, with diclofenac and indomethacin as reference standards. The in vivo component involved a rat model of auricular edema to measure the reduction of swelling and attenuation of oxidative stress. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to analyze the binding affinity of slime constituents for key inflammatory targets.

Results: The slime exhibited potent, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro, it inhibited protein denaturation by up to 90.41% at 500 µg/mL, with antiprotease, antilipoxygenase, and membrane-stabilizing effects comparable to standard drugs. In vivo, it reduced auricular edema in rats by 76.68% at a dose of 500 µg/mL, exceeding the efficacy of diclofenac and reducing oxidative stress. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities with key inflammatory receptors, delineating a multimodal mechanism of action.

Conclusion: The secretion of H. aspersa Müller demonstrates exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, validating its potential as a viable natural alternative to conventional NSAIDs for the management of inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Recommended Citation

Aouji, Marouane; Zirari, Malak; Taibi, Mariame; Lamdak, Meryem; Rkhaila, Amine; and Bengueddour, Rachid (2026) "Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, in vivo and in silico, of the snail slime Helix aspersa Müller," BioMedicine: Vol. 16 : Iss. 3 , Article 5.
DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1714