An Update on Potential Antidepressants Derived from Marine Natural Products

Depression is one of the most frequently occurring psychiatric disorders worldwide, affecting 121 million worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it is the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading contributor to the "global burden of diseases".

Investigating and developing a drug with a novel benefit-risk profile is critical. Marine sources have been explored for their benefits as an alternative therapy for depression treatment. Numerous studies have shown that natural compounds containing peptides, alkaloids, polyphenols, diterpenes, glycosides, vitamins, and minerals from marine sources can potentially treat a wide range of disorders, including depression. Such phytoconstituents are known to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, regulate the synthesis or function of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and acetylcholinesterase, and aid in enhancing serotonin levels and nerve development.

In this review study, a literature search was conducted using terms often used, including animal models of depression and their precise phases, marine sources, algae, sponges, and indole alkaloids. Additionally, databases were examined, including Scopus, Wiley, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The Snowball technique was used to identify several articles about depression but correlated to marine sources in addition to database searches.

Current antidepressant medications have several negative side effects on the human body, including dry mouth, cardiovascular interference, gastrointestinal symptoms, genitourinary symptoms, hepatotoxicity, convulsions, and obesity. As a result, researchers can identify a wide range of potential targets for medications derived from marine sources. A combination of marinederived drugs and available treatments can be estimated to minimize the negative effects. So that these resources can be used as efficiently as possible, and various marine-derived substances can be studied for therapeutic efficacy.

This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical findings of marine-derived compounds with antidepressant properties that alter behavioural parameters and biochemical abnormalities, as well as their mechanism of action and in-vivo potential.