For the first time, scientists at the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry discovered many compounds with potential medicinal properties in the golden sea urchin and sought to research the extract. The yellow sea urchin, also known as Tripneuster gratilla, is commonly found in Vietnamese waters on rocky bottoms and coral reefs, especially in areas like Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa, including Truong Sa island district.
Prof. Dr. Pham Quoc Long, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, stated that sea urchin eggs are rich in fat, protein, and trace elements beneficial for human health. Scientists collected samples of golden sea urchins on Hon Tam island, Nha Trang, to analyze the chemical components, including protein content, amino acids, lipid content, fatty acids, and phospholipids.
The research team discovered 7 classes of lipids and over 200 molecular forms of phospholipids in golden sea urchin eggs and bodies, using advanced techniques. Golden sea urchin eggs were found to contain up to 12.45% protein in the total fresh sample, making them a valuable source of protein. The team also tested processes to hydrolyze proteins in sea urchin eggs to create highly active and easily absorbable protein products.
Using enzymatic protein hydrolysis technology, scientists were able to optimize the process of extracting beneficial chemical components from golden sea urchin eggs. The resulting powder contained high levels of soluble protein, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and low toxicity. The high carotenoid content in sea urchin eggs was found to have antioxidant effects, slowing down the aging process.
With its high nutritional and medicinal value, scientists hope that the golden sea urchin eggs found in Vietnamese waters can be used to produce health-protecting foods, functional foods, and even medicines. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of this marine species.