1-Docosanol Compound

A 1-Docosanol Compound is a saturated fatty alcohol containing 22 carbon atoms,

• Context:
  • It can be used as an antiviral agent to reduce the duration of cold sores.
  • It can be used as an emollient in various cosmetic products to soften and moisturize the skin.
  • It can be used as an emulsifier in formulations, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients.
  • It can be used topically as an over-the-counter medication for treating herpes simplex virus infections.
  • It can be incorporated into moisturizers and skin care products for its hydrating properties.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • a 1-Docosanol cream used as an over-the-counter medication for cold sores.
  • a 1-Docosanol lotion included in skincare products for its moisturizing benefits.
  • a 1-Docosanol topical solution used in antiviral treatments.
  • a 1-Docosanol cosmetic product serving as an emulsifier to stabilize formulations.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • a Cetyl Alcohol compound used in cosmetics and personal care products.
  • a Stearyl Alcohol compound used as an emulsifier and thickener in personal care products.
  • a Lauryl Alcohol compound used to manufacture surfactants and detergents.
  • a Oleyl Alcohol compound used to produce lubricants and plasticizers.
  • ...
• See: Over-The-Counter Medication, Topical Administration, Moisturizer, Emulsifier, Antiviral Agent, Cold Sore

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Docosanol Retrieved:2024-8-5.
  • 1-Docosanol, also known as behenyl alcohol, is a saturated fatty alcohol containing 22 carbon atoms, used traditionally as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics. In July 2000, docosanol was approved for medical use in the United States as an antiviral agent for reducing the duration of cold sores. It is an over-the-counter medication (OTC). It is sold under the brand name Abreva among others.

2024

• LLM
  • Let's explore the development, research, and applications of 1-Docosanol over time.
    1. Early Discovery and Structure: 1-Docosanol, also known as behenyl alcohol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol with 22 carbon atoms. It was first isolated and identified in the early 20th century as researchers were exploring various natural fats and oils.
    2. Initial Industrial Applications (1950s-1970s): In the mid-20th century, 1-Docosanol found its initial uses in industrial applications. It was primarily utilized as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetic and personal care products due to its ability to soften skin and help blend oil and water-based ingredients.
    3. Antiviral Research (1980s): The potential antiviral properties of 1-Docosanol were first discovered in the 1980s. Researchers began investigating its effects on various viruses, particularly those in the herpes family.
    4. Mechanism of Action Studies (Late 1980s-1990s): Scientists worked to understand how 1-Docosanol functioned as an antiviral agent.

5. Clinical Trials for Herpes Treatment (1990s): Throughout the 1990s, several clinical trials were conducted to test the efficacy of 1-Docosanol in treating herpes simplex virus infections, particularly cold sores (HSV-1).

Late 1990s - Early 2000s: More detailed studies on the mechanism of action were carried out. It was during this period that researchers proposed and began to understand that 1-Docosanol likely works by interfering with the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane.

6. FDA Approval (2000): In July 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 1-Docosanol as an over-the-counter treatment for cold sores. It was marketed under the brand name Abreva, becoming the first FDA-approved OTC antiviral drug.

7. Expansion in Skincare (2000s-2010s): Following its success as an antiviral treatment, the use of 1-Docosanol in skincare products expanded. It became a popular ingredient in moisturizers and other cosmetic formulations due to its emollient properties and potential skin benefits.

8. Ongoing Research (2010s-Present): Research continues on 1-Docosanol, exploring its potential uses beyond cold sore treatment and skincare. Some areas of investigation include its possible effects on other viral infections and its role in enhancing skin barrier function.

9. Current Status: Today, 1-Docosanol remains a widely used ingredient in both medicinal and cosmetic applications. It continues to be the active ingredient in Abreva and similar products for cold sore treatment, while also being incorporated into various skincare formulations for its moisturizing and emulsifying properties.

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