Abstract: A pentapeptide is disclosed having the generic formula A-A-A-B-C (SEQ ID NO:2) wherein A is a non-polar amino acid, B is a polar amino acid, and C is a charged amino acid. In a preferred embodiment the peptide has the sequence A-Pro-Pro-B-C (SEQ ID NO:3), and in a further preferred embodiment has the sequence of leucine-proline-proline-serine-argenine (SEQ ID NO:1). In a most preferred embodiment, the peptide comprises at least one D-amino acid. The peptide can be extracted from the epidermis of sea cucumbers. The peptides of the present invention are useful for inhibition of tumor progression and/or inflammation in a mammal by administration from 1 milligram per kilogram body weight to 5000 milligrams per kilogram body weight. The peptide can be administered in conjunction with any suitable carriers or excipients as are known those skilled in the arts via oral delivery forms, such as in capsules, drinks, powders, rectally via suppositories, or other suitable means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatable dosage form of a “jerky stick” or treat for companion animals which includes sea cucumber fractions alone or in combination with glucosamine sulfate and/or glucosamine hydrochloride, and/or sea vegetables, and/or green tea; such jerky stick containing an effective amount of sea cucumber material for the inhibition or modulation of arthritic or nutritional problems in dogs, cats, and containing palatability co-factors which render the jerky stick attractive to the animal in need.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are described for treatment of inflammatory autoimmune and other diseases by administration of lipid fractions of sea cucumber tissue. Compositions of matter useful for inclusion in aquatic and human diets are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processing methods and compositions of matter are disclosed for lipid fractions of sea cucumber intestinal mass and body wall tissue suitable for the healthfood industry and aquaculture feed pigment industry. A process and composition of matter description for obtaining a high protein de-lipidized, de-odorized meal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the complement pathway in a mammal comprising administering an effective dose of a composition comprising an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of isolated sea cucumber (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Holothuroidea) body wall, isolated sea cucumber epithelial layer, isolated sea cucumber flower, sea cucumber fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, combinations thereof, active derivatives thereof or combinations of active derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibition of angiogenesis in a warm-blooded animal by the administration of preparations isolated from the echinoderm sea cucumber (Class Holothuroidea). This preparation is useful as a therapeutic agent against malignant tumors and as a preventive or therapeutic drug against various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, caused by vascular hyperplasia.

Abstract: The invention concerns fractions from echinoderms of the class Holothuroidea (sea cucumber) that can be used directly as active therapeutic agents or as raw materials in producing biologically active derivatives thereof. The fractions can be used alone or in combination and are derived from a) the epithelial layer, free of muscle and collagenous tissues, b) the isolated flower, or c) the whole body wall substantially free muscle, viscera and flower. The invention also concerns processes for obtaining these fractions that involve the use of thermal/mechanical and/or enzymatic means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fractions of sea cucumbers (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Holothuroidea), particularly those derived from the epithelial layers and the flower portion, that markedly inhibit inflammation in laboratory animals and show significant subjective benefit in humans with inflammation disorders such as arthritis, and methods for preparing the same.