Sodium hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. It is produced by bacteria and purified for use as a medication, in skincare products, and in certain medical procedures.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Sodium hyaluronate is a linear polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, is more soluble and stable in solution, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

Sodium hyaluronate is used in a variety of medical applications. It is commonly used as a viscosupplement, injected into the joint space in patients with osteoarthritis to improve joint function and reduce pain. It is also used in ophthalmology as a lubricant in eye drops and during eye surgeries.

In dermatology, sodium hyaluronate is used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is capable of binding up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an effective humectant.

Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Sodium hyaluronate is generally considered safe for use in medical and cosmetic applications. However, as with any medication or skincare product, side effects can occur. These may include skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions in topical applications, and pain or swelling at the injection site in medical procedures.