CLINICAL STUDIES (Sea Cucumber) ()

1. Sea cucumber was recorded as a tonic and a traditional medicine in many ancient writings (e.g. Shiwu Bencao, Bencao Gangmu Shiyi, Wuzazu, Bencao Congxin) from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
[Yuhai, J. 1996. Blue Materia Medica, China pharmaceutics of marine, lakes and marshes. Xueyuan Press. 156160.]

2. The major edible parts of sea cucumber are the body wall mainly consisting of collagen and mucopolysaccarides.
[Cui, FX, Xue CH, Li ZJ, Zhang YQ, Dong P, Fu XY, Gao X. Characterization and subunit composition of collagen from the body wall of sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus. Food Chemistry 100 (2007):1120-1125.]

3. Collagen-peptides are believed to have a high water retention capacity, a high antiradical activity and a high potential for decreasing blood pressure.
[Byun, H. G., & Kim, S. K. (2001). Purification and characterization of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from Alaska Pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) skin. Process Biochemistry. 36;1155-1162.]

4. In Malaysia, sea cucumbers, generally known as gamat, are a traditional remedy for healing various internal and external wounds. gamat
[B.D. Fredalina, B.H. Ridzwan, A.A. Zainal Abidin, M.A. Kaswandi, H. Zaiton, I. Zali, P. Kittaloop, A.M. Mat Jais. Fatty acid compositions in local sea cucumber, Stichopus chloronotus, for wound healing. General Pharmacology 33 (1999):337-340.]

5. The research interest in sea cucumbers as a source of pharmacological agents was initiated since S. vagiegatus, Semper, which closely resembles S. chloronotus, was widely utilized as a traditional remedy for asthma, hypertension, rheumatoid, sinus, cuts, and burns. S. vagiegatus S. chloronotus
[B.D. Fredalina, B.H. Ridzwan, A.A. Zainal Abidin, M.A. Kaswandi, H. Zaiton, I. Zali, P. Kittaloop, A.M. Mat Jais. Fatty acid compositions in local sea cucumber, Stichopus chloronotus, for wound healing. General Pharmacology 33 (1999):337-340.]

6. From the western medical viewpoint, the reason sea cucumber is valuable is it serves as a rich source of the polysaccharide chondriotin sulfate, which is well known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain. Its action is similar to that of glucosamine sulfate, which is useful for treating osteoarthritis. Sulfates polysaccharides also inhibit viruses.
[Jiaxin Chen. Overview of sea cucumber farming and sea ranching practices in China. SPC Beche-de-mer information bulletin#18 (2003);18-23.]

7. Sea cucumbers also contain saponin glycosides. There compounds have a structure similar to the active constituents of ginseng, ganoderma, and other famous tonic herbs. Additional Chinese studies indicate anticancer properties of both the sea cucumber saponins and the polysaccarides.
[Huizeng, F. 2001. Sea cucumber: Ginseng of sea. Zhongguo Marine Medicine;82(4):37-44.]

8. About 70% of the total body wall protein of the sea cucumber is accounted for by collagen. Collagen is an essential protein component in connective tissues and characterized by its versatility and specific distribution in tissue. 70%
[Yuanhui Z, Bafang L, Zunying L, Shiyuan D, Xue Z, Mingyong Z. Antihypertensive effect and purification of an ACE inhibitory peptide from sea cucumber gelatin hydrolysate. Process Biocemistry 42 (2007):1586-91.]

9. The hydrolysate (GH-III) from sea cucumber gelatin has potent ACE inhibitory activity in vitro and antihypertensive activity. III
[Yuanhui Z, Bafang L, Zunying L, Shiyuan D, Xue Z, Mingyong Z. Antihypertensive effect and purification of an ACE inhibitory peptide from sea cucumber gelatin hydrolysate. Process Biocemistry 42 (2007):1586-91.]

10. In the 1990s, scientists have discovered that sea cucumbers are active inhibitors of angiogenesis as well. 90
[Eckhardt, Gail. Angiogenesis inhibitors as cancer therapy. Hospital Practice 1999;34(1):63.]

11. According to the analysis by principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the sea cucumber nourishes the blood and vital essence (jing), tonifies kidney qi (treat disorders of the kidney system, including reproductive organs), and moistens dryness (especially of the intestines).
[Anderson, E.N. 1988. The food of China. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.]

12. Common uses include treating weakness, impotence, debility of the aged, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and frequent urination.
[Anderson, E.N. 1988. The food of China. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.]

13. From the nutritional viewpoint, sea cucumber is an ideal tonic food. It is higher in protein and lower in fat than most foods. It contains the amino acids and trace elements essential for keeping healthy.
[Fangguo, W. 1997. Nutrient analysis of frozen sea cucumber (Acaudina molpadiodea), Dnghai Marine Science, 15(4):65-67 (in Chinese).