The sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) is a marine invertebrate high in protein, and is used to treat many medical conditions. Related to sea urchins and starfish, they are found around the world on the ocean floor, and are named for their resemblance to the common garden salad vegetable, the cucumber. These sea creatures come in a variety of sizes and colors, from black, to bright red, or even transparent.
There are more than 1,000 different species identified so far. Known for its anti-aging properties, the sea cucumber is popular in Asian cuisine, containing a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, and less than 2% fat. The Chinese name for them is “haishen“, which translates to “ginseng of the sea”.
For many centuries, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have believed that the oceans hold many of the answers to health, well-being and longevity. In traditional Chinese medicine, marine products have been used to treat kidney disorders, joint pain, general fatigue, constipation and reproductive problems, including impotence. Marine plants and animals are harvested, sometimes boiled, then dried and ground into a powder and made into salves, potions or other forms of medicinal preparations.
These preparations are called nutraceuticals. That is a food or food extract which has a medical or health benefit. Just as pharmaceuticals, man made preparations of various chemicals and who knows what else, nutraceuticals provide the same health benefit with the use of natural components found in the foods we eat. The Holothuroidea extract is known to contain a powerful anti inflammatory, and when prepared with other marine plant and animal extracts, is an effective natural immune modulator.
The medicinal properties of these marine extracts have now come to the attention of the biomedical and scientific sector of the Western World. Collaborative studies by scientists from China, Japan, Russia and the United States indicates that compounds found in sea cucumber extract may help stop the growth of cancer cells.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre is a cancer treatment and research institution, founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital. Research undertaken there indicates that the saponin content (triterpene glycosides) and fatty acids in Sea Cucumber may be useful as an agent to treat malignant growths and diseases. It also shows immense angiogenesis inhibition potential as well.
Researchers at Sloan Kettering say the Holothuroidea is very rich in the mucopolysaccharide chondroitin sulfate. (Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used as an over-the-counter treatment for arthritis pain.) A study published by Daniel O. Clegg M.D. in 2006 issue of “The New England Journal of Medicine” found that chrondroitin sulfate was effective in reducing arthritis pain in the group of subjects with moderate to severe arthritis pain.
Other scientific studies have indicated that Sea Cucumber extract is effective in treating some forms of cancer. A study published by Alexandra B. Roginsky M.D. in July 2010 issue of “Journal of Neuroendocrine Tumours and Pancreatic Diseases and Sciences” states that “extracts from an edible, non-toxic sea cucumber effectively caused cell damage and cell death in human pancreatic cancer cells”. The results of this study are encouraging for the potential use of sea cucumber extract as a dietary supplement which may be used in the treatment or prevention of pancreatic cancer
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