Identifiying of the Black Spiny Brittle Star, Ophiocoma aethiops (Ophiacanthida: Ophiocomidae), in herbal remedies sale location at Mercado Corona, Guadalajara, Mexico
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Since 1891, Mercado Corona, located in Guadalajara city downtown, has been an important Mexican traditional market for selling food, medicinal plants, religious articles, and holiday and celebration supplies. During a visit to the market on 30 March 2024, it was observed that some medicinal plant stalls were selling dried starfishes (Black Spiny Brittle Star, Ophiocoma aethiops), as a natural remedy against cancer, anxiety and drunkenness. Information about use, preparation and administration of Black Spiny Brittle Star, was obtained by questions (not structurated interviews) to the sales people. There are no published clinical studies that address the benefits of intake dry O. aethiops as medicine, but some information exists about their use in traditional pharmacopoea of Comca'ac ethnic group (Seri) of Sonora, Mexico, and the presence of bioactive compounds with potential human health effects in certain Ophiocoma species.
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