echinochrome

Echinochrome is a polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone pigment (spinochrome) naturally found in sea urchins. It is the active ingredient in several products including Histochrome and EchA Marine. Echinochrome acts primarily as an antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby preventing redox imbalance and cellular damage. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine production—reducing pro-inflammatory interleukins (such as IL-1B and IL-6) and increasing anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-10 levels[1][4]. Clinically approved in Russia for myocardial infarction and used for ophthalmic diseases under the brand name Histochrome[3][4], it has also been studied as a dietary supplement to improve quality of life in long COVID patients[3][7]. Its pharmacological actions include cardioprotection after myocardial infarction[5], neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia[9], metabolic regulation (glucose/lipid lowering)[1], and general reduction of inflammation.

Brand names

HistochromeGistochromeEchA Marine

Other names

7-ethyl-2,3,5,6,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone2-ethyl-3,5,6,7,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone