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SEA CUCUMBER (Staurocucumis liovillei, Mensamaria intercedens Lampert)

CLINICAL SUMMARY

Sea cucumber is a marine invertebrate related to sea urchins and star

fish. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue,

impotence, constipation, frequent urination, and joint pain. It is also a

rich source of mucopolysaccharides, especially chondroitin sulfate, commonly

used for arthritis. In vitro studies have shown that the saponins and fatty

acids present in Sea cucumber are responsible for its anti-angiogenic,

anti-tumor (2), antiproliferative (1), and antiviral properties (4) (3). One

study suggests that Sea cucumber extract is beneficial in treating chronic

gingivitis (5). Clinical trials have not been conducted to test the

effectiveness of Sea cucumber for cancer. No adverse effects have been

reported from its use.

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Staurocucumis liovillei, Mensamaria intercedens Lampert

ALSO KNOWN AS

Holothurian, Haishen

FOOD SOURCES

Sea cucumbers are considered a delicacy in Asian countries. They are

cooked, dried and then used in soups and other dishes.

PURPORTED USES

Antiaging

Arthritis

Cancer treatment

Frequent urination

Impotence

CONSTITUENTS

Mucopolysaccharides: Chondroitin sulfate

Saponins: Triterpene glycosides, Philonopside A, Intercedensides

Branched chain fatty acids: 12-methyltetradecanoic acid

(1) (2) (3)

MECHANISM OF ACTION

12-methyltetradecanoic acid, a branched-chain fatty acid isolated from

sea cucumber, is thought to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation by

increasing caspase-3 activity (1). The proposed mechanism for the

anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects of Philinopside A, a saponin derived

from Sea cucumber, is by inhibiting tyrosine kinase receptors (2).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Sea cucumber may not be appropriate for individuals who are allergic

to seafood.

LITERATURE SUMMARY AND CRITIQUE

Clinical trials have not been conducted to test the efficacy of Sea

cucumber for cancer.

REFERENCES

(1) Yang P, et al. Inhibition of proliferation of PC3 cells by the

branched-chain fatty acid, 12-methyltetradecanoic acid, is associated with

inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Prostate 2003; 55(4):281-91.

(2) Tong Y, et al. Philinopside A, a novel marine-derived compound

possessing dual anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects. Int J Cancer 2005;

114(6):843-53.

(3) Maier MS, et al. Two new cytotoxic and virucidal trisulfated

triterpene glycosides from the Antarctic sea cucumber Staurocucumis

liouvillei. J Nat Prod 2001; 64(6):732-36.

(4) Zou ZR, et al. Intercedensides A-C, three new cytotoxic triterpene

glycosides from the sea cucumber Mensamaria intercedens Lampert. J Nat Prod

2003; 66(8):1055-60.

(5) Taiyeb-Ali TB, et al. Efficacy of 'Gamadent' toothpaste on the

healing of gingival tissues: a preliminary report. J Oral Sci 2003;

45(3):153-59.

Written: 06/09/2005

Updated: 08/31/2005

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