Abstract:

In order to understand the nutritive quality of Asterias amurensis, the main nutrient components, including 18
common amino acids, proteins, fat as well as vitamins and mineral ions in the gonad and body wall of Asterias amurensis
were analyzed. The results showed that the content of crude protein was 43.14%. Eighteen common amino acids were found
in the gonad of Asterias amurensis and the content of essential amino acids (EAA) was 127.73 mg/g (dry weight) and the
ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids was 37.32%. According to nutrition evaluation in amino acid score
(AAS), the AAS of the gonad of Asterias amurensis was 103.79, indicating its high nutritional value. The content of crude
fat was 39.22% with the ratio of PUFA to total fatty acids as 48.92%. The gonad of Asterias amurensis was rich in EPA and
DHA and also contained a wide range of vitamins and mineral ions in abundant amounts with low contents of heavy metals,
indicating its high edible and medicinal value. The body wall of Asterias amurensis had relatively high content of crude
protein with all 18 common amino acids and was high in both the characteristic amino acids for collagen-hydroxyproline and
taurine. The crude fat content in the body wall of Asterias amurensis was low, while a high proportion of PUFA and 16.67%
of EPA was found in it. The ash content was high with affluent calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and manganese. The
body wall of Asterias amurensis was suggested to be used for extracting collagen or developing aquatic animal feed.

Key words: Asterias amurensis, nutritional component, nutritional evaluation