Allantoin is a chemical compound with formula C4H6N4O3. It is also called 5-ureidohydantoin or glyoxyldiureide. It is a  of .

Named after the  (an  embryonic excretory organ in which it concentrates during development in most  except humans and higher apes), it is a product of oxidation of  by  . after birth, it is the predominant means by which  is excreted in the  of these humans and higher apes, the metabolic pathway for conversion of  to allantoin is not present, so the former is excreted. Recombinant  is sometimes used as a drug to catalyze this metabolic conversion in patients. in fish, allantoin is broken down further (into ) before excretion. Allantoin is a major metabolic intermediate in many other organisms including plants and bacteria.

Function

It is an important fine chemicals widely used in pharmacy, light industry, agriculture, daily chemicals and bio-engineering:

1. in Pharmacy:can boost the growth of cells and healing up of wound; also effective to xerodermia, osteomyelitis and hepatocirrhosis etc.

2. in cosmetics:can keep moisture of skin; widely used in freckles cream, shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.

3. in agriculture:used as plant growth regulator of wheat, rice, vegetables and tea.