Derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It is used widely in pharmaceuticals as a base in formulations. There is also extensive research showing it can be effective in wound healing, as well as having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (Sources: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, November 2002, pages 1453–1459;Biomaterials, November 2001, pages 2959–2966; International Journal of Food Microbiology, March 2002, pages 65–72; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, August 2001, pages 1047–1067; and British Journal of Plastic Surgery, October 2000, pages 601–606). See mucopolysaccharide