What is gamat?

GAMAT, commonly known as sea cucumber, is a species of invertebrates which are popular today for its nutritional values and unique healing properties.

It is said that the medicinal properties of gamat were much sought-after by our ancestors since 300 years ago to heal various body ailments.

Gamat hails from the family of Ecchinodermates. There are more than 2,000 species of sea cucumbers worldwide and 49 of them are found in Malaysian waters.

Of these, nine have been identified as gamat and only one is known as the special gamat emas — which is from a species of the Stichopus horrens selenka (formerly known as Stichopus hermanii) based on DNA studies.

Gamat emas is determined by its obvious golden tinge (unlike others which have a blackish colour) and for its efficacy in healing certain illnesses.

Among its other names in nearby regions are Balat, Bat, Brunok, Trepang and Hoi Sum.

Traditionally, gamat has been used to help heal wounds after childbirth, as a tonic drink to restore energy, as an ointment to reduce joint and muscle pain and to relieve pain and swelling.

Gamat is cylindrical in shape with a flat dorso-ventral and has openings at the anterior and posterior.

Further analysis on gamat and its liquids have found that it is high in protein content consisting of more than 44%, carbohydrate (3-5%) and minimal amount of fat (1.5%).

Its other beneficial components include essential amino acid, collagen, vitamin E, traces of minerals such as chromium, pherum, cadmium, manganese, nickel, cobalt and zinc. Its other contents include essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

Gamat is also said to be an anti-thrombotic agent, capable of reducing blood clotting.

This helps reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease.

The two essential fatty acids are believed to also assist in slowing the process of cell degeneration, thus slowing the process of aging.

Research observations on residents in coastal districts of Kudat and Semporna in Sabah as well as Setiu, Kuantan, Pekan and Pangkor Island further strengthen the proof of the effectiveness of gamat as an anti-hypertension agent.

Prof Ridzwan has pioneered the research of sea cucumbers in Malaysia from 1980 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Sabah campus) in collaboration with Ko-Nelayan Sabah and other related agencies.

(source: Gamat Emas International Sdn Bhd - www.gisb.biz)