Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Organisms for Human Health Applications

Abstract

The oceans are one of the most valuable natural resources on Earth's and it is providing food to many organisms especially fish and shellfish. The oceans contribute more than 70% of the earth's surface and the diversity of the marine environment comprises the presence of potentially bioactive compounds. Marine organisms are very striking sources of nutritional and functional food ingredients. Marine organisms act as the best potential reservoir for such compounds of polysaccharides, sterols, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), antioxidants, and pigments. These organisms contain rich sources of natural bioactive compounds with potential applications in different fields which include medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food, among others. Many of these bioactive compounds were involved in health benefits since they play a substantial role in the prevention of several pathologies due to their antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects, to mention a few. This article highlighted the bioactive compounds derived from different microorganisms and their functional properties for human health.