Natural Marine Species Bioactive Compounds and their Ethnopharmacological Approach from Ecological Biodiversity: Sustainable Therapeutic Properties

Abstract

Marine ecosystems are a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering immense potential for therapeutic applications. Research studies from pubmed, Google scholar, Science direct, databases provided derived from diverse organisms such as algae, sponges, mollusks, and marine microorganisms, these natural products exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Ethnopharmacological knowledge, deeply rooted in traditional practices, serves as a valuable guide for identifying the medicinal potential of marine resources, creating a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern drug discovery. Recent advancements in biotechnological tools and sustainable bioprospecting have accelerated the discovery, isolation, and development of these bioactive compounds into promising therapeutic agents. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. The exploration of marine biodiversity is still limited, with many ecosystems, such as deep-sea and polar regions, largely unexplored. Sustainable harvesting practices, understanding the mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of marine bioactive, and mitigating the environmental impacts of large-scale extraction are critical issues. Additionally, the integration of ethnopharmacological knowledge with modern scientific approaches requires systematic validation and documentation. This review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of marine bioactive compounds, highlights the importance of sustainable and ethical bioprospecting practices, and identifies key research gaps that must be addressed to fully harness the benefits of marine biodiversity for global health.

Keywords: Ethnopharmacology; Marine organism; Marine drugs; Biodiversity; Secondary metabolites; Marine Pharmacognosy