Major bioactive metabolites from marine fungi: A Review

Abstract

Biologists and chemists of the world have been attracted towards marine natural products for the last five decades. Approximately 16,000 marine natural products have been isolated from marine organisms which have been reported in approximately 6,800 publications, proving marine microorganisms to be a invaluable source for the production of novel antibiotic, anti tumor, and anti inflammatory agents. The marine fungi particularly those associated with marine alga, sponge, invertebrates, and sediments appear to be a rich source for secondary metabolites, possessing Antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antiyeast activities. Besides, a few growth stimulant properties which may be useful in studies on wound healing, carcinogenic properties, and in the study of cancers are reported. Recent investigations on marine filamentous fungi looking for biologically active secondary metabolites indicate the tremendous potential of them as a source of new medicines. The present study reviews about some important bioactive metabolites reported from marine fungal strains which are anti bacterial, anti tumour and anti inflammatory in action. It highlights the chemistry and biological activity of the major bioactive alkaloids, polyketides, terpenoids, isoprenoid and non-isoprenoid compounds, quinones, isolated from marine fungi. Background: Oceans have provided a complacent base for biological activities on earth. Many biological compounds with varying degrees of action, such as anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic as well as antibiotic properties have been isolated from marine sources. The marine environment is an unexplored source for isolation of new microbes (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, cyanobacteria and diatoms) that are potent producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. The bacteria and fungi from sea are reported to produce substances which affect central nervous system (CNS), respiratory system (RS), neuromuscular system (NMS), autonomic nervous system (ANS), cardiovascular system (CVS) and gastrointestinal system (GI). Marine secondary metabolites can easily impede other micro organisms [1]. Among marine microorganisms, particularly fungi have gained an important role as a source of