Holothurin

The Holothurine are a group of saponins ( triterpene saponins ) which are to be found as toxic ingredients in sea cucumbers ( Holothuroidea ). These can be stored by the animals in the Cuvier hoses that can be molded at threat active. Previously known representatives of this group are Holothurin A and B Holothurin, occasionally will Echinosid A ( CAS 75410-53-6 ) called Holothurin A2.

The related with the sea cucumbers sea stars form like substances that Asterosaponine.

Structure and Properties

Holothurine are glycosides; aglycone base ( Holothurinogenine ) are derived from Holostan ( ( 20S) -20 -hydroxy- 5α - lanosta -18- acid lactone ) or lanosta. All Holothurine are sulfated at the sugar moiety of the glycoside.

The Holothurine are slightly psychoactive, but uses of entheogenic effects are not known. However, it was found that Holothurine inhibitory effect in mice on the rate of growth of various tumor cells, making them interesting for cancer medicine.

Safety

Holothurine can trigger severe, burning pain in contact with skin and if placed in contact with the eye to irritation and even blindness. Upon systemic uptake the toxins can lead to paralysis, muscle spasms and discomfort in the digestive system as well as in larger quantities to death by respiratory paralysis.

Since sea cucumbers are considered a delicacy in many Asian countries, the toxins containing Cuvier hoses must be removed before cooking or eating.

In mice, both Holothurin A worked with a LD50 value of 9 mg / kg for intravenous administration, as well Holothurin B with an intraperitoneal value of 14 mg / kg highly toxic.