Sea Cucumber

Sea cucumbers are so low on the evolutionary scale that it's hard to tell whether they are flora or fauna. Despite their name and plantlike appearance, sea cucumbers are living, breathing creatures that inhabit the oceans of the world.

For centuries, sea cucumbers have been used in Asia for food and for medicinal purposes. Recently, a supplement made from home-grown sea cucumber caught off the coast of Maine has become a popular treatment for arthritis. The body walls of sea cucumber are similar to human cartilage. Sea cucumber is an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are important building blocks of cartilage, the connective tissue that absorbs shock and protects bones. It is the wearing down of cartilage that causes bones to rub together, triggering the pain and inflammation typical of arthritis.

In addition to these two substances, sea cucumber contains another recently discovered substance that according to laboratory reports is an even more potent anti-inflammatory agent than hydrocortisone. Although hydrocortisone is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent and pain reliever, it can produce serious side effects. Notably, hydrocortisone can raise blood pressure, increase cholesterol, weaken bones, thin the skin, and depress immune function. Athletes use sea cucumber to promote healing of cartilage injuries, which can occur as part of the normal wear and tear of an active lifestyle.

Arthritis afflicts not only humans but older animals as well. Sea cucumber is also an effective treatment for animals suffering from the aches and pains of arthritis.