Sea cucumber
The sea cucumber is an echinoderm of the class Holothuroidea, with an elongated body and leathery skin, which is found on the sea floor worldwide.
Sea cucumber is considered a delicacy in Far East countries such as Malaysia, China, Japan, and Indonesia. It is also highly valued for its supposed medicinal properties.
The popular Chinese name for sea cucumber is haishen, which means, roughly, "ginseng of the sea".
It is used as a general tonic indeed, thanks to its high content in proteins (55%) and low in fats (less than 2%).
According to analysis by principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the sea cucumber nourishes the blood and vital essence, tonifies kidney (treats disorders of the kidney system, including reproductive organs), and moistens dryness (especially of the intestines). Common uses include treating weakness, impotence, debility of the aged, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and frequent urination. Sea cucumber is traditionally served in the form of a soup.
Sea cucumber and its properties have been the subjects of western research either.
Some varieties of sea cucumber (known as gamat in Malaysia) are said to have excellent healing properties. There are pharmaceutical companies being built based on this gamat product. Extracts are prepared and made into oil, cream or cosmetics. Some products are intended to be taken internally. The effectiveness of sea cucumber extract in tissue repair has been the subject of serious study. It not only helps a wound heal more quickly but is also said to reduce scarring.
Sea Cucumber is a marine animal related to starfish containing mucopolysaccharides (such as chondroitin), protein, saponins, vitamins A & C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and carbohydrates.
The University of Queensland Centre for Drug Design conducted a series of chromotographs that displayed "an enormous number of compounds". Some of the compounds identified unique to the animal kingdom include two types of triterpenoidal oligoglycosides, one type occurring with a sulfate group and the other without. Molecules of this general classification are abundant in the plant kingdom, but are quite rare among animal tissues. Other compounds found in abundance include analogues of monosaccharide structure and analogues of sulfated mucopolysaccharide configuration.
Sea cucumber, having a cartilagenous body, serves as a rich source of mucopolysaccharides, mainly chondroitin sulfate, which is well-known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain, especially that of osteoarthritis. As little as 3 grams daily of the dried sea cucumber has been helpful in significantly reducing arthralgia.
Sea Cucumber has shown an ability to balance prostaglandins, which regulate the inflammatory process.
Sea cucumbers also contains saponins (triterpene glycosides). These compounds have a structure similar to the active constituents of ginseng, and other famous tonic herbs. Several pharmacology studies documented that sea cucumber saponins may be accounted for some anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.
In addition, the sea cucumber oil contains two anti-inflammatory fractions. One fraction has fatty acids characteristic of those found in fish; they can be used as a substitute for fish oil in reducing inflammatory byproducts of fat metabolism, and to nourish the brain and heart. The main compounds of interest in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) also found in sea cucumber.
The other oil fraction is a mixture of branched chain fatty acids, mainly 12-MTA (methyltetradecanoic acid). This compound, and the more widely studied variant, 13-MTA, are potent inhibitors of the 5-LOX (lypoxygenase) enzyme system. 5-LOX inhibitors are one of the key areas of modern drug development, with plans evolving to use the compounds in treatment of asthma, ulcerative colitis, and arthritis. In addition, cancer-inhibiting effects have been observed in preliminary studies with prostate cancer cell lines and other human cancer cells.
When taken orally, sea cucumber may be have an anti-inflammatory activity against several arthritis, tendinitis, athletic injuries, and joint pain.
It's widely used by homeopathy where it is believed 25 times more powerful than aspirin to relieve inflammations and pain.
| SEA CUCUMBER |
| Main Actions: | analgesic (joint), anti-inflammatory |
| Main Uses: |
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| Properties/Actions Documented by Reasearch: | anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-asthma, antiulcerative, wound healing |
| Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: | tonic; and to treat weakness, impotence, debility of the aged, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and frequent urination |
Standard Dosage: |
Studies have documented that 3 grams daily of sea cucumber are enough to reduce arthralgia. However, follow the label instructions of sea cucumber-containing products |
| Contraindications: | None known. However, if you're allergic to any medicine, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any cardiovascular problem, it's advisable to ask your doctor before taking sea cucumber |
| Drug Interactions: | None known. However, if you're taking Digoxin (or any other drug for cardiovascular system), it's advisable to ask your doctor before taking sea cucumber |
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