Echinochrome A (7-ethyl-2,3,5,6,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a polyhydroxylated
1,4-naphthoquinone,[1] a type of pigments commonly found in sea urchin
shell ("test"),
spine, gonads,
coelomic fluid, and eggs, of
sea urchin.[2] These type of pigments are commonly known as spinochromes and are natural marine phenolic compounds with potential pharmacological effects and modes of action.[3]
First extracted from the sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis, it is the active substance of
histochrome and Echino-A. Histochrome is used for ophthalmic diseases and ischemic heart disease.[medical citation needed] Echino-A has been used in nutraceutical form to diminish glucose levels, cholesterol and tryglicerides.[medical citation needed] The properties and the absence of adverse effects of echinochrome A asan antioxidant has made it the subject of scientific and clinical studies for more than 30 years.[4][5][6]
The several hydroxyl groups have the ability to diminish
reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, preventing
redox imbalance. Echinochrome A has been found to target ophtalmologic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, inflammatory and metabolic diseases through its biological functions by targeting specific molecular signals. The regulation effects produced by echinochrome A in the cells makes this molecule a candidate to improve health.[6][7] Sea urchins are known for their putative health properties for centuries, for example in the Materia medica of the Ming Dynasty authored by Li Zhongli in 1647.[8]
^Barbieri, Elena Susana; Rubilar, Tamara; Gázquez, Ayelén; Avaro, Marisa; Seiler, Erina Noé; Vera-Piombo, Mercedes; Gittardi, Agustín; Chaar, Florencia; Fernandez, Jimena Pía; Sepulveda, Lucas (29 June 2020). "Sea Urchin Pigments as Potential Therapeutic Agents Against the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Based on in Silico Analysis".
doi:
10.26434/chemrxiv.12568595.v1.
hdl:11336/109300.
S2CID225845754. {{
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help) This content is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed