Marine Pharmacognosy: Potential Sources of Novel Bioactive Molecules – A Review

Introduction: Marine pharmacognosy is the study of natural compounds found in marine species in order to develop novel therapies. Diverse species such as the sponges, the algae, the corals, tunicates, and microorganisms live on reefs of coral, deep-sea habitats, and mangroves, which cover more than 70% of the planet. These develop distinct metabolites to survive severe environments, indicating promise for medication discovery with an emphasis on sustainability. Methods: This review is based on peer-reviewed publications published in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science on "marine bioactive compounds." It prioritizes high-throughput screening (HTS), computational biology, and genomics. Case studies for trabectedin and vidarabine were examined, as well as manufacturing, sustainability, and conservation issues. Results: Marine organisms produce: Trabectedin (tunicates), an alkaloid, which inhibits cancer by attaching to DNA. Terpenoids: Pseudopterosins (algae/corals) have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Polyketides: Bryostatins (microbes) are anticancer. HTS and synthetic biology aid in discovery; vidarabine (sponges) heals herpes. Although genomic sequencing helps, low yields & overharvesting limit production. Discussion: Extreme environments have sculpted marine metabolites, making them attractive for drug discovery. Trabectedin and vidarabine have enormous promise. While HTS, computational biology, and genomics improve discovery, yields are low, and synthesis difficulties persist. Sustainable sourcing reduces environmental harm. Deep-sea exploration & green chemistry may help to solve health issues such as antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: Sponge, the algae, tunicates, & microbes provide treatments with anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. HTS, synthetic biology, & genomics drive discoveries, but sustainable manufacturing is critical. Drug discovery can be advanced by technology and conservation while marine biodiversity is protected.