Considered a marine delicacy in Asia, sea cucumbers are widely known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Now, new research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) suggests that they might be a crucial ingredient in the fight against diabetes.

The key compound

The study focused on the medicinal properties of a specific species of sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra. The team found that processed dried sea cucumber with salt extracts and collagen can inhibit a compound named Advanced Glycation End product (AGE). To date, there is no commercially available therapeutic agent to inhibit the formation of AGE.

AGEs are formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream. Their accumulation in high levels is associated with complications of type 2 diabetes and other diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, kidney disease and cancer.

AGE inhibition

Lead researcher UniSA’s Dr Permal Deo explained the significance of these findings. “We know that an accumulation of AGEs is associated with complications of type 2 diabetes, so strategies to prevent this may reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications,” said Deo.

The team discovered that processed dried sea cucumber with salt extracts and collagen can significantly inhibit AGEs, thereby reducing a range of sugar-related metabolites in the body and minimising the risk of diabetes.

The diabetes problem

Diabetes is a global health issue. In Australia alone, almost 1.3 million people have type 2 diabetes, and globally, about 422 million people live with the disease. Diabetes-related deaths tally up to 1.5 million every year.

A functional food

Deo emphasised the need for practical measures to combat this global health concern. "Almost 60% of all cases of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented with changes to diet and lifestyle. These results provide sound evidence that sea cucumbers could be developed as a functional food product to help battle the onset of diabetes and diabetic complications,” he said.

This new research has the potential to significantly impact how we approach the prevention of diabetes. It underscores the vital role of marine life and biodiversity in healthcare, underlining the importance of environmental preservation in medical research. With their potential to combat diabetes, sea cucumbers might just be the ocean's unexpected warriors in the fight against this prevalent disease.