One of the most deadly illnesses in the world remains cancer. New drugs
with novel modes of action are urgently needed, recently, much work has been done on
novel anticancer molecules derived from natural origins, particularly plants,
microorganism and marine organisms. Marine natural products are repositories of
novel bioactive metabolites containing different classes of bioactive substances and
drug leads. This book chapter highlights the influence of marine organisms, with a
specific focus on the ocean resources of marine plants, bacteria, algae, fungi,
actinomycetes, sponges, soft corals, diatoms and ascidians, calculating above 90% of
the overall ocean biomass. The cell lines and preclinical anti-cancerous effects of
marine natural products were first introduced; their activity in preventing tumour
development and associated compound-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity was
addressed. They are taxonomically distinct, having a high degree of efficiency and
novel chemical structures that are pharmacologically active, creating tremendous
potential for the progress of new anticancer molecules. These molecules have
numerous pharmacological potentials, such as antioxidant, anti-tumour and antibacterial.
Several marine anticancer agents have recently been extracted, characterized,
described and are currently being studied for a clinical study. In this book chapter, we
have attempted to assemble knowledge about the anticancer potential of marine
products in a diversity of flora and fauna, as well as their probable mechanism of
action. The molecular mechanisms that underpin the biological effects are also
discussed. Finally, it addresses therapeutic methods and the present use of drugs
extracted from the marine source, its future direction and limitations.
Keywords: Anti-Cancer, Bacteria, Bioactive Constituents, Corals, Marine,
Marine Herbs, Microorganism, Natural Products, Seaweeds, Sponges.
