Suggested Dosing
See Mfr's instructions
Suggested Uses
Cancer, arthritis, impotence, urinary frequency
Efficacy
In vitro studies show potential; few clinical trials to verify medicinal claims but pharmaceutical companies have shown interest; used in traditional Asian medicine
Adverse Effects
Generally well-tolerated
Warnings
Cautions
Seafood allergy
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
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
Philinopside A, a saponin derived from sea cucumber, is antiangiogenic & antineoplastic in vitro presumably by inhibiting tyrosine kinase
Rich in muciopolysaccharides, esp chondroitin sulfate, useful for arthritis