ABSTRACT
Sea cucumbers are characterized by cylindrical or tubular structure resembling very much to cucumbers and hence, got the name sea cucumber. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea in the phylum Echinodermata (meaning spiny-skinned) and divided into three subclasses namely Dendrochirotacea, Aspidochirotacea, and Apodacea. The processed form of sea cucumber is well known as Beche-De- Mer (literally “sea-spade”). Sea cucumbers contain generally high amount of moisture, and lower amount of proteins and lipids compared to fish and shellfish. Sea cucumbers have been used for therapeutic applications for centuries by people of Asia, particularly the Chinese and Malaysians. Sea cucumber whole and dried forms are used as a food or tonic to attain longevity and also as an aphrodisiac. Sea Cucumber extracts can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritic disease, bursitis, and other problems of the bones and joints without any of the problems associated with hydrocortisone.
