Research advances in resource development and bioactive substances of crocodile

Crocodiles are the most primitive vertebrate amphibian reptiles with more than two hundred million years history. They have strong growth and reproductive capacity, resistance to diseases and environmental stresses, and are important species for biomedical, ecological and environmental protection research. Research shows that crocodile blood has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer functions, especially for the strong resistance to drug-resistant pathogens and human HIV. Crocodile blood has serum complement activity which can induce the immune function. Meanwhile, the blood produces a variety of low molecular antimicrobial peptides which attack bacterial membrane. Crocodile bile extracts significantly inhibit the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells and hepatic carcinoma cells, and induce their apoptosis probably through damaging mitochondrial membrane potential and induce the production of reactive oxygen species. Crocodile oil has antibacterial anti-inflammatory effects; protects the skin from frostbite and promotes healing of skin burns. As their high values for leather industrial material, for pharmaceutical development and for functional food, crocodiles have become farmed animals with high economic value and are widely breed in China. Recent research on crocodile breeding and bioactive ingredients is reviewed.