Abstract
In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.
Highlights
Extracts of marine invertebrates especially echinoderms attained intensive investigatory activities due to their nutritive and benifets for human health (Katanaev et al, 2019; Luparello et al, 2019)
Biochemical analysis were done for nine echinoderm species; seven species of sea cucumbers namely (Holothuria atra, Holothuria nobilis, Holothuria leucospilota, Holothuria scabra, Bohadschia vitiensis, Pearsonothuria graeffei, Stichopus variegatus) and two species of sea urchins (Diadema setosum, Echinometra mathaei)
The sea cucumber H. nobilis showed the highest percentage of polyunsaturated C:18 fatty acid (17.71%) and the lowest (4.72%) in Holothuria atra, and a high overall mean was recorded for all species (10.58 ± 4.17%)
Summary
Extracts of marine invertebrates especially echinoderms attained intensive investigatory activities due to their nutritive and benifets for human health (Katanaev et al, 2019; Luparello et al, 2019). Holothurin or saponins (triterpene glycosides) is a biological active compound found in sea cucumbers (Nigrelli, 1952; Yamanouchi, 1955). Sea urchin’s gonads are consumed especially in France, Japan and Peru Their taste is soft, melting and sweet like fruit. The Egyptian sea cucumber has very low content of fats while having high protein and carbohydrates content This is why it is suggested as a source of food in Egypt especially Actinopyga mauritiana that contains high protein content and Holothuria scabra which is rich in omega-6. Some other species are commercially important as food delicacy in the oriental region They are considered as a multimillion-dollar industry that processes and sells the body wall and gonads. The high value of such species along with the ease of their collection from shallow water and their top-heavy age structures all lead to the collapse and overexploitation their natural populations as well as the depletion of their fisheries in some regions (Mona et al, 2012; Raghunathan et al, 2013; Katanaev et al, 2019; Luparello et al, 2019; Chen et al, 2020)
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