Uses of Marine Life in Traditional Medicine

Uses of Marine Life in Traditional Medicine

As scientists struggle to find different medicines and methods of healing the various pathologies humans encounter today,  marine biology has risen as one of the most promising areas of research.  The ecosystem on the ocean floor has reached a physical balance between oceanic species (invertebrates and fish) and their bacteria that can be envied by humans.  Their bacteria are better able to fight off disease without adversely affecting body systems, and as our knowledge of oceanic species is ever increasing, this area has much potential.

The antibiotics we presently have access to have proven to be effective in fighting illness for decades, but more and more strains of disease are proving resistant.  This has stimulated much research to find new medicine. The Philippine Mollusk Symbiont International Cooperative Biodiversity Group focuses specifically on this and has conducted numerous studies that have provided us with useful information about promising treatments.

In a recent study. Oregon Health & Science University, through its relationship with the PMSICBG, is pursuing research to combat the fall of effectiveness in medicines.  In one study, shipworms, a type of mollusk, were researched "because of “the animals' creative use of bacteria to convert wood -- a poor food source lacking proteins or nitrogen -- into a suitable food" (1). This study revealed that shipworms also use a specific bacteria that has the potential of acting as a strong antibiotic for humans.

Another study on mollusks by researchers at the University of Utah shows promise for a new pain medication. Although cone snails were originally assumed as having less effective bacteria because of their strong venom and hard, protective shell, they have been found to possess a bacteria that is neuroactive (affects nerve cells) and has the potential of offering pain relief.

Both of these studies were conducted to learn more about these creatures, but discovered much more valuable information. This shows that new and more effective medicines for preexisting diseases may already exist and even be accessible to scientists. Through pursuing learning more about the unknown, we may soon be able to cure illnesses with which many of us have battles for years.

(1) Oregon Health & Science University (2013, January 29). Tomorrow's life-saving medications may currently be living at the bottom of the sea. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 5, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2013/01/130129130949.htm

posted by Ashley Sterpka1(1)

Addendum (posted by Ashley Sterpka on 2/10/13 in addition to comment replies):

Sharks are also being explored as having potential genetic information  that may act as a treatment for cancer.  As they have cartilage and no bones, they are not subject to tumor growth and metastasis.  Many sharks have been known to live over one hundred years, and you are often able to purchase vitamins which contain shark cartilage.  This is yet another area of marine research which has the potential of medicine and treatment for disease.