Starfish waste has been shown to be an
effective compost material not only in the promotion
of plant growth but also in terms of having
insecticidal activity. In the present study, plant
growth regulation by chemicals from starfish was
examined. The aqueous fraction from a hot water
extract of the starfish Asterias amurensis Lu¨ tken
showed plant-growth activity, while the aqueous
fraction from a methanol extract inhibited growth
of Brassica campestris. The lipophilic fraction from
the methanol extract also exhibited a plant growthpromoting
effect. The active components fromeach
extract were identified. Asterubine from the hot
water extract promoted plant growth. A ceramide
from the lipophilic fraction showed root growth
promoting effect, and three glucocerebrosides