Sapropel – Mining Characteristics and Potential Use in Medicine

Found in lakes, freshwater sapropel is a sediment with a fine structure containing more than 10% of organic matter as well as residues of aquatic organisms with a small content of inorganic components of biogenic origin and mixture of mineral ingredients. The mud was first used in medicine by ancient Greeks, and it gained more popularity together with development of balneology in Europe in the 19thcentury as a remedy for several diseases. The last century also brought wider popularity in its cosmetic use. Despite its wide usage, mechanisms behind its effects are not so clear yet. Broad but fragmented studies on the effects of sapropel are available, but few have used modern research methods. There is evidence suggesting that its positive health effects are linked to its thermal capacity, ability of penetration in tissues and biological activity of its components, e.g., humic substances. Evidence also suggests antimicrobial activity and positive effects on skin regeneration. This review aims at summarising available knowledge on the structure and composition of sapropel and its effects on the human body, as well as its potential for further evidence-based use in medicine and cosmetics.