From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed’s Potential for Drug Development

Abstract

Seaweed, a miscellaneous group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, being considered nutraceutical ingredient. This revision delves into the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients as a beneficial resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which reveal a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. It explores their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, shedding light on their potential as therapeutic agents. Moreover, the manuscript provides insights into the development of formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Regulatory considerations, sustainability, and scalability of sustainable seaweed sourcing and cultivation methods are addressed, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in harnessing seaweed’s potential. This revision underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to the critical advancement of sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

Molecular Docking of Seaweed-Derived Drug Fucoxanthin Against the Monkeypox Virus

“…The docking score of -5.46 kcal/mol indicates a strong binding affinity between fucoxanthin and the receptor molecules associated with the MPXV. This implies that fucoxanthin has promising potential as a powerful inhibitor of the MPXV, making it a compelling subject for further investigation and advancement as a medicinal agent derived from seaweed [32][33][34].…”

Seaweeds as Nutraceutical Elements and Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus: Future Perspectives

“…This step comprises three phases: Phase I (<100 patients), Phase II (100-500 patients), and Phase III (1000-5000 patients). ( 4) National and international medicament/drug agency approval review: after obtaining approval and becoming commercially available, national and international agencies conduct postmarket safety monitoring [115].…”

“…Variability in seaweed species, coupled with external factors such as geographic location and processing methods, influences the composition of these elements. Concerns among food regulators about the potential toxicological profile of seaweed underscore the importance of monitoring and regulating its consumption for public health and safety [115,136,137].…”

What is the role of microbial biotechnology and genetic engineering in medicine?

“…In particular, seaweed, a diverse group of marine algae, is well recognized not only for its rich nutritional composition but also for its ability to produce various bioactive compounds. As such, it is considered a nutraceutical ingredient (Cotas et al, 2024 ). One of the most important nutraceuticals produced by algae is astaxanthin.…”