Marine natural flora: A potent source of anticancer metabolites

Abstract

Invertebrates belonging to marine environment along with a growing number of marine organisms including bacteria, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, microalgae, seaweeds, mangroves, and other halophytes making over 90% of the oceanic biomass are considered novel sources of anticancer molecules production. These marine floras diverse in taxonomy are largely productive, biologically active, and chemically unique moiety and offer a great scope for discovery of new anticancer drugs. The marine floras are rich in medicinally potent chemicals predominantly belonging to polyphenols and sulphated polysaccharides. The chemical and biological diversity of the marine environment is immeasurable, hence represents an extraordinary resource for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Recent advances in research and technology have significantly contributed in structure elucidation, and organic synthesis of target molecules of therapeutic potential, resulting in the isolation and clinical evaluation of various novel anticancer agents. This review is presented as a brief survey of recent investigations in the marine pharmacology and discovery of new anticancer drugs to provide baseline information for promoting the marine flora-based anticancer research. This review in the current scenario of increasing cancer incidence may provide scientific insights deprived of cheaper, safer, and potent medicines to challenge the dreadful human disease.