[4] They are contained within clusters of sticky threads called Cuvierian tubules which are expelled from the sea cucumber as a mode of self-defence.

[5] The holothurins belong to the class of compounds known as saponins and are anionic surfactants which can cause red blood cells to rupture.

Unlike the other mentioned blocking agents, the disrupting effect of holothurin appears to be quite irreversible upon washing.

In another experiment on rat phrenic nerve, the nerve-disrupting effect of holothurin A is found to be preventable when specific concentrations of physostigmine are present.

They also inhibit the activity of pancreatic lipase, decrease the growth of white adipocytes, a factor which contributes to obesity, and stimulate the production of LXR-β nuclear receptor and ABCA1 protein.