In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry have found compounds with potential medicinal properties in the golden sea urchin for the first time. The researchers were interested in studying the extract of this marine organism, also known as Tripneuster gratilla or yellow sea urchin.
The golden sea urchin is commonly found in Vietnamese waters, particularly in rocky bottoms and coral reefs in areas such as Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and especially Khanh Hoa, including Truong Sa island district. Professor Dr. Pham Quoc Long, Chairman of the Scientific Council at the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, highlighted the rich nutritional composition of sea urchin eggs. These eggs are packed with beneficial fats, proteins, and trace elements.
To study these chemical components further, the research team collected samples of golden sea urchins from Hon Tam island, Nha Trang and analyzed various chemical components such as proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids and phospholipids using advanced analytical techniques. The scientists discovered 7 classes of lipids and isolated over 200 molecular forms of phospholipids in golden sea urchin eggs and bodies. They found that protein content in sea urchin eggs was significantly higher than in the body itself and other types of sea urchins to enhance its biological value.
The optimized process led to the extraction of a golden sea urchin egg powder with high solubility and a rich content of essential amino acids and fatty acids. Testing on mice showed that the sea urchin egg powder had low toxicity and anti-aging properties due to its high carotenoid content. The scientists hope that these findings can be utilized to produce health-boosting foods functional foods potentially medicines which could contribute to the development of beneficial products in the health wellness industry.
In conclusion, the golden sea urchin has immense potential due to its rich nutritional composition and medicinal properties which could contribute to developing beneficial products for health wellness industry.
