Urea is a powerful protein denaturant via both direct and indirect mechanisms[1]. A potent emollient and keratolytic agent[2]. Used as a diuretic agent. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) has been utilized to evaluate renal function[3]. Widely used in fertilizers as a source of nitrogen and is an important raw material for the chemical industry.
References:
[1]. Bennion BJ, et al. The molecular basis for the chemical denaturation of proteins by urea. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Apr 29;100(9):5142-7.
[2]. Pan M, et al. Urea: a comprehensive review of the clinical literature. Dermatol Online J. 2013 Nov 15;19(11):20392.
[3]. Wang H, et al. Urea. Subcell Biochem. 2014;73:7-29.