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Other common
name(s): beche-de-mer, Holothurian, Haishen
Scientific/medical
name(s): Holothuroidea (many different species names)
Description
Sea cucumbers are marine animals that have a soft body with
the shape and texture of a cucumber. There are more than one thousand
species of sea cucumbers, ranging in size from one inch to several feet
long and inhabiting all oceans, especially the Indian and the western
Pacific.
Overview
There is little reliable scientific evidence to support claims
that sea cucumber is effective in treating cancer, arthritis, and other
diseases.
How is it promoted for use?
Some forms of sea cucumber have been used in traditional Asian
folk remedies to help heal wounds and for conditions such as joint pain
and impotence. They are a regular part of some Asian diets. Modern
promoters claim sea cucumbers contain compounds that fight conditions
such as cancer, arthritis, sports injuries, tendinitis, and other
inflammatory diseases.
What does it involve?
Sea cucumber extract is available as a dietary supplement,
either alone or combined with other ingredients (usually in supplements
promoted "for joint health"). The supplements contain ground, dried sea
cucumber and come in tablet form. Sea cucumbers, like all other
animals, are made up of thousands of chemicals, so the exact
ingredients of supplements are likely to vary between products. As a
regular part of some Asian diets, they are available as a food in some
Asian markets in the United States.
What is the history behind it?
It is thought that sea cucumbers have been used as part of the
diet in some Asian countries for hundreds of years. Some varieties of
sea cucumber have been used in traditional Asian folk remedies.
What is the evidence?
Research is currently under way to learn whether some
compounds made by sea cucumbers may be helpful against cancer.
Compounds called triterpenoids have shown some promise in laboratory
studies in slowing cancer cell growth and in stopping the formation of
new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. In another early laboratory
study, a fatty acid (12-MTA) that came from a sea cucumber was found to
slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. No studies testing these
compounds in animals or humans have been reported as of yet in
available scientific publications. Results of such studies are needed
to find out whether these compounds are useful against cancer in living
organisms. It is important to note also that extracted chemicals or
substances are different from supplements made of the whole sea
cucumber and would not be expected to produce the same results.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Sea cucumber supplements have not been tested for safety, and
the possible side effects are unknown. People who are allergic to
seafood may want to avoid sea cucumber. Relying on this type of
treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for
cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. About herbs: Sea
cucumber. 2006. Accessed at: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69368.cfm
on June 11, 2008.
Sugawara T, Zaima N, Yamamoto A, Sakai S, Noguchi R, Hirata T.
Isolation of sphingoid bases of sea cucumber cerebrosides and their
cytotoxicity against human colon cancer cells. Bioscience, Biotechnology
& Biochemistry. 2006;70:2906-2912.
Tong Y, Zhang X, Tian F, et al. Philinopside A, a novel
marine-derived compound possessing dual anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor
effects. Int J Cancer.
2005;114:843-853.
Yang P, Collin P, Madden T, Chan D, Sweeney-Gotsch B, McConkey
D, Newman RA. Inhibition of proliferation of PC3 cells by the
branched-chain fatty acid, 12-methyltetradecanoic acid, is associated
with inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Prostate.
2003;55:281-291.
Zou ZR, Yi YH, Wu HM, Wu JH, Liaw CC, Lee KH. Intercedensides
A-C, three new cytotoxic triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber
Mensamaria intercedens Lampert. J
Nat Prod. 2003:66:1055-1060.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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