Sea Cucumber Peptide

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Cat Number

PIPE-0224

For research use only. We do not supply to patients.

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Standard

In-House

General Description

Sea cucumber peptides are derived from sea cucumbers by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis. Essentially, the larger proteins contained in sea cucumbers are broken down into short chains of amino acids known as peptides. Sea cucumber peptides have a low molecular weight, are highly bioavailable, and can be absorbed by the human body more easily than proteins can. SCPs are jam-packed with collagen, taurine and minerals found in sea cucumbers.

Mechanism of Action

Sea cucumber peptides owe their healing properties mostly to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. On a cellular basis, they operate through free radical-scavenging abilities and inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. They aid tissue protection against oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. Others act as natural ACE inhibitors, thereby lowering blood pressure. Some SCPs encourage macrophage and natural killer cell activity, modulating and enhancing innate immunity.

Application

Because sea cucumber peptides have been shown to have many biological activities they have found many uses in nutraceutical and cosmetic products. Sea cucumber peptides are commonly used indietary supplements to promote joint health, muscle recovery and maintenance and regulate metabolism such as inflammation or tiredness. As cosmetics, sea cucumber peptides are often marketed as "anti-aging" due to their skin-repairing properties that induce collagen production. They are commonly added to premium creams and serums to increase skin firmness and hydration.

Sea cucumber peptides are natural ACE inhibitors. Hypertensive subjects decrease their blood pressure through administration of sea cucumber peptides. Sea cucumber peptides decrease blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) using specific amino acid sequences found in peptides. Many of these sequences are shorter chains of amino acids containing hydrophobic or aromatic residues that bind to the active sites and zinc cofactors in ACE. By inhibiting ACE peptides can halt the RAS converting Angiotensin I into the vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II and simultaneously inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin in the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) for vasodilation.

Fig. 1 ACE inhibitory effects of sea cucumber peptide (SCP). (Man J, et al. 2023)