Sea urchin bioactive compounds: emerging interventions for age-related diseases

Abstract

Among the marine bioresources, sea urchins are emerging as a promising provider of bioactive compounds with broad therapeutic potentials, including for ageing and age-related diseases. This review highlights the therapeutic promise of sea urchin bioactive compounds, covering evidence from both laboratory and clinical studies. Compounds found in sea urchin such as carotenoids, polyhydroxynaphthoquinones (PHNQs), and flavonoids demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with notable cell viability improvements, targeting conditions like metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, as well as ophthalmic, dermatological, and post-menopausal conditions. Sea urchins hold great nutritional value, rich in proteins, minerals, and trace elements, which further supports their potential health benefits in humans. However, challenges remain, including the risk of adverse effects at high doses, limited bioavailability, species-specific bioactivities, and the limited understanding of their molecular mechanisms of action. Future research should focus on elucidating these mechanisms, as well as conducting rigorous preclinical and clinical investigations to validate their therapeutic efficacy. With continued research, we shall develop strategies for the best use of sea urchins including for health benefits.