Therapeutic enhancement of Cornu aspersum snail slime through medicinal plant diets

¹ Research Team: Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
² Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS) of Meknes
³ Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco
⁴ Organic chemistry laboratory, Faculty of Science, Moulay-Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
⁵ Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Valorization, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco

^* Abdelmajid El khayari: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Natural bioresources are increasingly explored as safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals, particularly in response to antimicrobial resistance and inflammatory side effects. This study examines the impact of medicinal plant-enriched diets on the bioactive composition and therapeutic potential of Cornu aspersum snail slime. Slime from plant-fed snails was compared with that from wild specimens using GC-MS/MS analysis, alongside evaluations of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities through in vitro and in vivo assays. Slime derived from plant-fed snails exhibited significantly enhanced bioactivity, characterized by stronger antibacterial effects, increased antioxidant capacity, and improved anti-inflammatory and wound-healing responses. These findings demonstrate that dietary supplementation with medicinal plants is an effective strategy for enhancing the pharmacological value of Cornu aspersum snail slime.