Biopotentials of Mangroves

Abstract

Since ancient times and throughout the world, mangroves have been used as traditional medicine. They are biochemically unique producing a wide array of novel natural products such as biologically active antimicrobial compounds. Their anti-inflammatory, anticancer and other therapeutic properties are well documented and several species of mangrove are used in traditional medicine practices to treat a number of human and animal diseases. Ethnomedicines are recognized by World Health Organizations effective therapeutic agents with special application to aquaculture due to the loss of antimicrobial efficiency and the increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Use reduction of synthetic antibiotics is considered a priority as incidences of drug resistant bacteria and viruses have increased substantially. Considering all the benefits that mangrove forests represent, we must examine and protect them in order to provide sustainable exploitation. The present review highlights the potential use of mangrove extracts in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, agriculture and more specifically in aquaculture.