The review details how sea cucumbers possess a highly developed regenerative capacity, which is increasingly linked to the bioactive cargo carried within extracellular vesicles, including exosomes. These vesicles are described as nanoscale signalling particles capable of transferring proteins, lipids and RNA between cells, influencing tissue repair, inflammation control and extracellular matrix remodelling.  

According to the authors, sea cucumber-derived exosomes exhibit strong antioxidative effects, helping to neutralise reactive oxygen species and support endogenous antioxidant systems. This is particularly relevant in skin biology, where oxidative stress contributes to collagen degradation, impaired fibroblast activity and delayed tissue repair.  

The review also summarises preclinical evidence suggesting that these exosomes play a role in regenerative signalling. Reported effects include stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, enhanced collagen synthesis, modulation of inflammatory pathways and support of wound healing processes. Rather than acting as isolated compounds, exosomes are presented as biological delivery systems that coordinate multiple regenerative signals simultaneously.  

However, the authors emphasise that most of the evidence currently comes from in vitro studies and animal models. Human clinical data remain limited, and variability in extraction methods, characterisation and dosing presents challenges for translation. The review calls for greater standardisation in exosome isolation and functional assessment, alongside well-designed clinical studies.