Pharmacological significance of marine microbial bioactive compounds

The continuous growth of the world population has raised heatlh issues such as the inefficiency of common drugs, such as antibiotics, due to overconsumption and induced microbial resistance. Therefore, to fulfill the increased consumption demand, there is a strong need for new alternative resources to develop safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Marine environments have diverse resources for the discovery of new drugs. In particular, marine microbes have the potential to provide new drugs as an arsenal against numerous diseases. Marine microorganisms offer the advantage of a renewable and sustainable source of bioactive compounds with various pharmacological activities. Since the last two decades, marine microbiologists have discovered different microbes as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Here I review pharmacological active molecules isolated from marine microorganisms. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antimalarial activities are discussed for 55 marine compounds. Furthermore, 43 marine compounds were recorded for anti-inflammatory, antituberculosis, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic activities. Additionally, 15 marine compounds bind to a variety of receptors and miscellaneous molecular targets.