A Comprehensive Update on the Bioactive Compounds from Seagrasses

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Pharmacology
• Natural product chemistry

Background:

• Marine angiosperms, particularly seagrasses, produce diverse secondary metabolites with therapeutic potential.
• Seagrasses have a history of traditional use for treating various ailments, including fevers, mental disorders, and skin diseases.
• Current research emphasizes the pharmacological activity of secondary metabolites for drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compile the pharmacological activities of various seagrass species.
• To identify and analyze the bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action.
• To consolidate existing knowledge on the medicinal properties of seagrasses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus).
• Compilation and analysis of studies on seagrass secondary metabolites and their pharmacological effects.
• Synthesis of information on traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Seagrasses exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
• Numerous unique secondary metabolites have been isolated from seagrasses, showing significant therapeutic potential.
• The review consolidates data on the pharmacological pathways and mechanisms underlying these activities.

Conclusions:

• Seagrasses represent a valuable and largely untapped source of natural products for pharmaceutical development.
• Further research into seagrass bioactive compounds can lead to novel therapeutics for diverse human diseases.
• This review underscores the importance of exploring marine ecosystems for sustainable drug discovery.