Update on Monoterpenes from Red Macroalgae: Isolation, Analysis, and Bioactivity.

Area of Science:

• Marine Natural Products Chemistry
• Phytochemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Macroalgae synthesize diverse monoterpenes via mevalonate (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways.
• Halogenated monoterpenes show significant biological activities, with higher halogen content, especially bromine, enhancing efficacy.
• Existing reviews lack a focused examination of red macroalgal monoterpenes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To exclusively review monoterpenes derived from red macroalgae.
• To comprehensively present biosynthesis, isolation, analysis, and bioactivity of these compounds.
• To update literature and systematically present anticancer activities.

Main Methods:

• Literature search and synthesis of existing studies on red macroalgal monoterpenes.
• Summary of isolation and analysis techniques, including structure elucidation.
• Systematic compilation of reported biological activities, with a focus on anticancer effects.

Main Results:

• Identification of diverse acyclic, monocyclic, and bicyclic monoterpene structures from red macroalgae.
• Demonstration of significant anticancer, antiplasmodial, and insecticidal activities of halogenated monoterpenes.
• Correlation between halogen number/position and biological potency, particularly for anticancer applications.

Conclusions:

• Red macroalgae are a rich source of structurally diverse and biologically active monoterpenes.
• Halogenated monoterpenes, especially brominated ones, hold significant promise for drug discovery, particularly in oncology.
• This review provides a consolidated and updated resource for researchers in marine natural products and medicinal chemistry.