Why does the sea heal?

“The sea heals every disease”: breathing sea air, going to the seaside for treatment – for centuries, the sea has been firmly associated with health and longevity.

Life on Earth began in the ocean millions of years ago, so in a sense each of us is a small part of the global ocean, and everything marine is naturally close and native to our bodies.

The similarity between human blood plasma and seawater has long been demonstrated, as has the high absorption of marine‑derived ingredients by the human body.

Russian scientists began studying the benefits of marine ingredients and their effects on human health back in the Soviet era and, over the decades, have accumulated a rich body of clinical practice clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of marine components.

In Doctor Ocean formulas, marine organisms are used in the form of dietary supplements. This dosage form is fully justified, because our goal is to compensate for specific micronutrient deficiencies that lead to systemic imbalance and, ultimately, to the development of various diseases and pathological conditions.

In essence, Doctor Ocean complexes offer the well‑known Mediterranean‑style diet in a modern, ergonomic format – a convenient capsule that delivers active substances to the very targets defined by nature itself [1]

We all know that seafood is good for us, but some marine organisms can help address truly serious health challenges [2].

Squid ganglia

Squid are remarkable creatures. Their appearance seems almost alien, and the capabilities of their organism could easily make one suspect an extra‑terrestrial origin.

During the era of coronavirus and its multiple waves, squid provided a solution that has already been successfully implemented in a number of immune‑support complexes.

Studies begun as early as the 1950s showed that squid do not have a separate immune system. Its role is performed by the optical ganglia – clusters of nerve cells located directly behind the eyes. These ganglia provide protection, enabling the squid to survive at extreme depths and low temperatures.

Peptides isolated from the ganglia exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, enzyme‑inhibiting, immunomodulating, anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial properties [3] [4].

Their potent immunomodulatory effect attracted particular scientific interest, as it opened up broad prospects for creating products that support immunity without exerting a negative impact on other organs and systems.

Research into the unique properties of squid ganglia has been ongoing since the late twentieth century. The first medicinal product based on them was the veterinary drug Gangliin, registered in 1991.

The next step was the development of Tinrostim, a human dietary supplement that proved to be an effective immunomodulator. Its improved and enhanced formula with squid‑ganglia peptides is now marketed under the brand name ImmunoStimul.

In addition, these peptides became the basis of the product “CovBAD”, developed by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation for the prevention of coronavirus infection.

Once in the body, squid‑ganglia peptides activate macrophages responsible for engulfing and clearing pathogenic organisms. This reduces the level of toxic damage that typically accompanies viral infections.

Administration of the peptides has also been shown to increase the concentration of macrophages directly at the sites of viral accumulation, providing a more targeted action on the viral focus.

Reduced toxicity and accelerated clearance of the pathogen are directly linked to faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.

The peptide complex also enhances phagocytic activity, in other words, it increases the body’s own resources, enabling a faster and more effective immune response to viral challenges [5].

Turning antibodies into action

Another important property of squid‑ganglia peptides has also been demonstrated.

The peptide complex stimulates humoral immunity by increasing the number of antibody‑producing cells in the spleen and the level of antibodies in the blood. Thus, supplementation with squid‑ganglia–based complexes can strengthen anti‑infective protection and improve the effectiveness of vaccination in people who do not develop a sufficient protective antibody titre [6].

Squid against cancer

Squid‑ganglia peptides have shown very promising results in studies of the “graft‑versus‑host” reaction – a serious complication that can occur when transplanted bone marrow or stem cells perceive the recipient as foreign and begin attacking the host’s own tissues.

It was found that the peptide complex exerts an inhibitory effect on this reaction while not exhibiting myelotoxic or lymphotoxic properties [7].

Incorporating squid‑ganglia peptides during chemo‑ and radiotherapy has been shown to reduce the frequency of local radiation reactions and other adverse side effects [8].

Ganglia against herpes

Herpes is an unaesthetic but clear signal of immune weakness. The immunomodulatory effects of squid‑ganglia peptides were evaluated in a study involving 210 patients with herpes infection.

Supplementation led to earlier reduction in pain and faster regeneration of affected tissues. Overall, a positive clinical effect was achieved 2–3 days earlier than in the control group.

Marine elixir of “immortality”: sea urchin roe

The sea urchin is a unique creature that could claim the title of “near‑immortal” [9]. Once it reaches sexual maturity, it essentially stops ageing and begins to actively reproduce, continuing the species until it eventually ends up on someone’s plate.

The ability of sea urchins to maintain reproductive function, together with the unique composition of their roe – rich in magnesium, iodine, calcium, lipids, amino acids and vitamins – makes these animals an extremely valuable source for supporting and restoring women’s health.

A complete complex of vitamins and micronutrients needed to support women’s health, especially during pre‑menopause and the menopausal transition, is incorporated into the Extra Youth complex.

This life stage is associated with declining reproductive function and is often accompanied by pathological manifestations: weight gain, increased risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, as well as psycho‑emotional changes such as sleep disturbances, anxiety or even depression.

Extra Youth helps support an optimal level of hormone production and can serve as a non‑hormonal alternative to conventional hormone therapy.

During menopause the musculoskeletal system is placed under significant strain, as calcium loss from bone accelerates. This process can only be halted by taking balanced preparations whose goal is not only to replace calcium losses, but also to normalise key regulatory processes in the body.

Sea urchin roe is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, helping to slow down ageing. Regular intake of sea‑urchin‑based complexes demonstrates a positive trend in terms of slowing age‑related changes and reducing the damaging impact of free radicals [10].

The first clinical study of Extra Youth was carried out at the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine of the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy. It involved 101 women aged 39–77 years with various degrees of menopausal symptoms.

Efficacy was assessed using structured questionnaires at defined time points. By day 30 of supplementation the following results were recorded:

66% reported improved quality and depth of sleep.

75% noted reduced fatigue and low mood.

63% reported decreased frequency and intensity of headaches, dizziness, hot flashes, palpitations and night sweats.

66% reported reduced joint pain and improvements in skin, hair and nail condition.

No adverse effects associated with the product were observed in any participant [11].

A second study was conducted in 2018 at the Department of Gynaecology of Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University under the supervision of Professor A.D. Makatsariya.

The study showed improvements in haemostatic parameters, including a reduction in D‑dimer levels (from 272 ± 40 to 140 ± 12) and decreased platelet aggregation, which was interpreted as a reduction in thrombosis risk – one of the major contributors to sudden death [12].

Moving at shark speed: marine cartilage

One of the most significant discoveries by Russian scientists concerns the properties of shark and ray cartilage in the management of musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, arthrosis and osteoporosis.

The uniqueness of marine cartilage lies in the combination of highly bioavailable structural components of cartilage – chondroitin and glucosamine – with pronounced anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects.

This complex of micronutrients is implemented in Arthrofish, a product used to alleviate symptoms in patients with joint and bone diseases. Unlike synthetic analogues, natural marine components provide an exceptionally high level of bioavailability – up to 89% – while matrix metalloproteinase‑inhibiting proteins help reduce inflammation and associated pain [13].

The properties of Arthrofish have been confirmed in clinical practice, and the results support its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation without the need for additional NSAID therapy.

A clinical study conducted at the Primorsky Regional Osteoporosis Prevention Centre under the supervision of I.A. Rubashek demonstrated the following:

In the group receiving a hydrolysate of marine‑organism tissues, baseline pain on a visual analogue scale was 5.4 (vs. 5.8 in the control group). After one month, pain in the active group fell to 1.8, while in the control group it remained at 6.0.

In the active group, 18 patients reported complete resolution of morning joint stiffness after one month.

26 of the 28 patients taking the hydrolysate discontinued NSAIDs due to clinical improvement, whereas patients in the control group continued NSAID therapy as needed at the same frequency.

Women receiving Arthrofish also showed improved joint mobility accompanied by an increase in bone mineral density, as measured by ultrasound densitometry [14].  

A second study [15], conducted in Moscow at the Department of Internal Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, and the Department of General Practice, Sechenov University (Professor V.V. Tsurko), also demonstrated a marked reduction in pain in 56 patients of both sexes with previously inadequate response to anti‑inflammatory therapy:

- After 4 weeks of Arthrofish intake, pain intensity on the visual analogue scale decreased by 30.5% from baseline.

After 8 weeks, the reduction reached 65.3%.

The WOMAC index decreased by 28.4% and 60.9% respectively.

Most patients rated the treatment results as good (25%) or excellent (65%).

Today Arthrofish is widely recommended by specialists as a source of bioavailable chondroitin and glucosamine in comprehensive therapy for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and as a potential alternative to long‑term NSAID use.

The potential of sea cucumbers

Remarkable properties have been identified in holothurians – sea cucumbers such as Cucumaria and trepang.

Traditionally considered a delicacy in Asia and the Middle East, sea cucumbers have been used for centuries to support male vitality and overall stamina.

Empirical medical practice long ago recognised their rich vitamin‑mineral profile, which includes significant amounts of B‑group vitamins (essential for potency and proper function of the pelvic organs) as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.

In addition to this nutrient density, sea cucumbers exert a pronounced effect on male health thanks to their high content of triterpene glycosides, chondroitin sulfate, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), sulphated polysaccharides, sterols (glycosides and sulphates) and essential fatty acids [16].

These unique properties of sea cucumbers are harnessed in the Extra Power complex, designed for comprehensive support of men’s health with a particular focus on sexual function.

Studies conducted at the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy demonstrated that a course of Extra Power improves spermatogenesis parameters, strengthens erections and increases the duration of sexual intercourse.

80% of participants reported improved erection quality, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group.

Serum testosterone levels increased by 26%.

The proportion of motile spermatozoa increased by 73% compared with baseline.

Significant improvements in physical well‑being and psycho‑emotional status were also observed. Supplementation with Extra Power was not associated with adverse effects [17].

Importantly, the beneficial effects persisted for at least six months after the end of a two‑month course. Thus, two courses per year can provide year‑round support for male health, sexual function and reproductive capacity.