Marine Natural Products as Novel Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is distinguished by gradual changes in behavior because of the aggregation of β-amyloid and τ protein that blocks the signal transduction pathway. It is one of the major problems in the current scenario. It mainly occurs after the age of 60 and eventually leads to memory loss. Nonetheless, medicinal plants have therapeutic potential to improve many diseases. Medicinal drugs with their phytoconstituents may offer therapeutic potential for improving the preventive treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Five synthetic drugs that have been approved by the FDA include Tacrine, Rivastigmine, Donepezil, Galantamine, and Memantine for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's. In the search for effective anti-Alzheimer's drugs from a natural source, we discovered marine resources as the origin of the therapeutic and nutritional compound. The methodology involves conducting a comprehensive literature survey. The database search methodology used in this review was the use of keywords, which can be found in the article pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease. The significant articles focused on marine flora phytoconstituents, such as acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors, thus prompting a comprehensive review based on pertinent information. The review included descriptions of various studies, revealing that numerous compounds derived from marine sources have demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Many compounds that originated from marine sources showed good efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase inhibition was the main pharmacological mechanism that was reported for most of the molecules, however, few articles having alternative anti Alzheimer’s mechanisms have also been reported. This article highlights marine compounds derived from marine sources like algae, fungi, and sponges, which can combat Alzheimer's disease.