Lactoferricin
Research OnlyAn antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions. Shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Research focuses on potential applications in infectious disease, food safety, and cancer. Primarily studied preclinically with very limited human clinical data. Not approved as a therapeutic by any regulatory agency.
LFcinB · Lactoferricin B · LfcinB · LFcin
Mostly preclinical · 2 human studies
- Preclinical
- 93%
- Clinical
- 7%
Based on 28 cited sources
Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.
Research Depth 18: all evidence is preclinical — in-vitro plus animal models (Kondori 21075607 murine Candida, Hao 28287172 endotoxemic mice), zero human therapeutic data (1A=6 animal/no-human, 1B=2 no RCTs, 1C=0 human N~0, 1D=2 indirect), offset by a substantial independently-replicated preclinical program (1E=8). Mechanism 77: membrane-target binding with functional confirmation and fragment SAR (Bellamy 8300449, Ulvatne 11248238 depolarization; 2A=30), most of the antimicrobial and apoptotic chains characterized (2B=22, Mader 15827335 ROS->caspase-2->mitochondrial->caspase-9/3), monotonic dose-response across in-vitro + in-vivo models (2C=16, MICs 0.63-50 ug/mL; Hao 10/15 mg/kg), in-vivo mammalian confirmation (2D=9). Plausibility 74: mechanism->surrogate established but surrogate->human benefit inferred (3A=24), fully coherent cationic-AMP biology (3B=24), multiple same-class agents LL-37/defensins/polymyxin B reliably membrane-disruptive (3C=18), moderately broad antibacterial/antifungal/anticancer/immune claims (3D=8). Global Coverage 64: robustly reproduced across independent groups in Japan, Norway, Canada, China, Sweden (4A=28, 4B=18), 20-100+ diverse studies (4C=18), but no regulator has registered it as a therapeutic (4D=0). Community Experience 7: dossier records no meaningful real-world use or reports (5A=3, 5B=2, 5C=0, 5D=2). Effectiveness not-established: no quantified human efficacy estimate and no meaningful community effect signal.
The proposed mechanisms of Lactoferricin are based primarily on in vitro and animal studies. Human mechanistic data is lacking.
How It Works (Simplified)
Lactoferricin acts as a natural antimicrobial by disrupting microbial membranes through several key mechanisms:
Cationic peptide (+8 charge) binds to negatively charged bacterial membranes via electrostatic attraction, initiating the killing process.
Amphipathic structure allows insertion into lipid bilayers, forming pores that cause membrane permeabilization and cell content leakage.
Human cells have neutral, cholesterol-rich membranes that resist attack, while bacterial and cancer cells have vulnerable anionic surfaces.
In cancer cells, triggers mitochondrial apoptosis pathway via ROS generation and caspase activation, independent of membrane lysis.
Key Research: Bellamy W et al. (1993) demonstrated rapid binding to bacterial surfaces with over 10 million molecules per cell, disrupting membrane permeability. PMID:8300449
Important Limitations
- Almost all research is preclinical (in vitro and animal studies)
- No human clinical trials have evaluated therapeutic efficacy
- Stability and delivery challenges limit in vivo applications
- Optimal formulation for systemic use remains unknown
- Pharmacokinetics in humans not characterized
Based on in vitro observations: Rapid binding to microbial membranes occurs within minutes. Bellamy et al. demonstrated over 10 million molecules binding per bacterial cell. Membrane permeabilization follows quickly. No human pharmacokinetic data available.
PMID:8300449In vitro studies show bacterial killing within 1-4 hours at effective concentrations. Membrane depolarization contributes to cell death. In vivo timeline in humans is completely unknown.
PMID:11248238Animal model studies showed survival benefits over several days of observation, including improved survival of endotoxemic mice treated with lactoferricin B-derived peptides. Antifungal effects in mouse models observed over the treatment period. Human therapeutic timelines not established.
PMID:28287172No long-term human studies exist. Stability, bioavailability, and sustained efficacy in humans are completely unknown. Research focus remains on developing stable formulations for potential therapeutic use.
Research-based observations
This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Good Signs (6 indicators)
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Bad Signs (6 indicators)
For Research Evaluation Only
These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.
LL-37
SynergisticBoth are cationic antimicrobial peptides with membrane-disrupting mechanisms. May have additive or synergistic antimicrobial effects through similar but complementary membrane targeting. No direct interaction studies available.
Thymosin-Alpha-1
CompatibleNon-overlapping mechanisms. Lactoferricin acts directly on microbial membranes while Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates adaptive immunity. Theoretical complementary benefits for immune support.
BPC-157
CompatibleDifferent mechanisms of action. Lactoferricin focuses on antimicrobial activity while BPC-157 targets tissue repair. No known contraindications.
GHK-Cu
CompatibleNon-overlapping mechanisms. GHK-Cu supports tissue remodeling via copper signaling while Lactoferricin provides antimicrobial activity. May complement each other in wound healing contexts.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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Compare Lactoferricin
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