Starfish could help inflammation treatments, say scientists

A team of researchers believe the slimy coating found on the bodies of spiny starfish could lead to a breakthrough in the field of inflammation.

Scientists at King's College London (KCL) have been analysing the chemicals in the substance, which is thought to prevent larvae, bacteria and other marine life from sticking to the creatures.

According to BBC News, the researchers think this non-stick coating has the potential to inspire a new treatment for inflammatory conditions such as asthma, hay fever and arthritis.

"The starfish have effectively done a lot of the hard work for us," said Clive Page, professor of pharmacology at KCL.

"It's not going to happen tomorrow afternoon, but we are learning all the time from nature about how to find new medicines."

The research is based on the idea that a treatment based on starfish slime could coat blood vessels in the same way the substance covers the creature's body, thereby preventing tissue damage.

British scientists have previously studied whether an enzyme found in spiny starfish could be used in anti-cancer drugs.