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Marine Drugs
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Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition
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Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 8565

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chang-Lun Shao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
Interests: marine natural products; lead compound; medicinal chemistry; structure-activity relationship; mechanism of action
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine natural products (MNPs) have proven to be an important resource for original drug discovery. It is of great research value and application potential to search for lead molecules with significant pharmacological activity from marine-drug-derived organisms. Over the past few decades, MNPs used as new high-value lead compounds have gained considerable attention. In particular, some MNPs have been discovered to have significant antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which have great potential for development. MNPs exhibiting profound biological activities have been, and continue to be, important sources for the discovery and development of new medicines and agricultural agents.

In light of the success of the Special Issue “Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs/special_issues/60ZLT2TC09) and its 2nd Edition (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs/special_issues/59N808M08K), we are pleased to announce a 3rd edition.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the discovery and bioactivity of marine natural products, including the biological activity of new secondary metabolites from marine organisms, molecular structure identification, and the potential pharmacological activities of MNPs.

Prof. Dr. Chang-Lun Shao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine natural products
  • marine drugs
  • biological activity
  • structure–activity relationship
  • antitumor activity
  • antiviral activity
  • antibacterial activity
  • structural determination
  • mechanism of action

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3979 KB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Marine-Derived Resorcylic Acid Lactone Derivatives in Ulcerative Colitis via the MAPK/ERK Pathway
by Xuan Zhang, Tuxiang Mo, Yuyue Qin, Meiling Le, Li Tang, Zhao Zhang, Jiling Yi, Fuling Cen, Wanshan Li and Guangying Chen
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24020069 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of the colonic mucosa, and there is currently a lack of safe and effective treatment drugs. Resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) are a natural product that have been reported to have anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of the colonic mucosa, and there is currently a lack of safe and effective treatment drugs. Resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) are a natural product that have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanism of whether RALs can treat UC and their anti-inflammatory effects remains underexplored. In this study, three new RAL derivatives, Penicillactones A–C (1–3), along with seven known analogs (4–10), were isolated from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. HN20. The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, 13C NMR theoretical calculations, and ECD analysis. Among these, compound 4 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model, compound 4 alleviated body weight loss, disease activity, colon shortening, and spleen enlargement, and protected intestinal epithelial integrity. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 4 primarily exerts its effects by downregulating the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence that marine-derived RAL derivatives exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK pathway, highlighting compound 4 as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammation and UC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition)
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21 pages, 1739 KB  
Article
A Sulfated Polysaccharide from the Green Alga Caulerpa taxifolia: Characteristics of Its Structure and Anti-Diabetic Activity
by Shan Liu, Ling Qin, Dan Li, Fang Lu, Mengdi Liang and Jiejie Hao
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(10), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23100374 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Polysaccharides derived from green algae have garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive structural characteristics and biological activities. In particular, sulfated polysaccharides from these algae represent a promising frontier in the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. In this present study, a sulfated galactan [...] Read more.
Polysaccharides derived from green algae have garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive structural characteristics and biological activities. In particular, sulfated polysaccharides from these algae represent a promising frontier in the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. In this present study, a sulfated galactan from Caulerpa taxifolia, designated SGC, was obtained by dilute alkali extraction and chromatographic purification. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analyses, the backbone of SGC was constituted by a backbone of →3)-β-d-Galp-(1→ with sulfate substitution at the C-2 and a branch on C-6. The side chains contained →6)-β-d-Galp(2SO4)-(1→, →6)-β-d-Galp(3OMe)-(1→ and →3)-β-d-Galp(4,6-Pyr)-(1→ units. SGC possessed strong hypoglycemic activity in vitro, as evaluated by an assay of α-amylase inhibition. The anti-diabetic activity of SGC in vivo was further investigated using T2DM mice induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The results indicated that SGC markedly restored body weight, reduced fasting blood glucose and possessed a significant glucose-regulating effect. Furthermore, SGC effectively increased insulin sensitivity and mitigated insulin resistance. Additionally, SGC effectively regulated lipid metabolism and alleviated oxidative stress. Notably, SGC ameliorated liver and pancreas damage induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The investigation demonstrates that SGC is a unique sulfated galactan and has potential as a novel anti-diabetic agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition)
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Review

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24 pages, 5112 KB  
Review
Manzamine-A: Unraveling the Chemical and Biological Tapestry of a Marine-Derived Drug Lead
by Xuan Wang, Hengbo Wang, Yuansai Kang, Xiaojing Tang and Linlin Ma
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(6), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24060190 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Manzamine-A (MA), a complex β-carboline alkaloid isolated from various genera of marine sponges, has attracted significant attention due to its unique structure and broad spectrum of potent biological activities. Despite the therapeutic potential, its development is limited by challenging natural supply and suboptimal [...] Read more.
Manzamine-A (MA), a complex β-carboline alkaloid isolated from various genera of marine sponges, has attracted significant attention due to its unique structure and broad spectrum of potent biological activities. Despite the therapeutic potential, its development is limited by challenging natural supply and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. To address these barriers, innovative total syntheses of its intricate polycyclic framework have been achieved, enabling the development of semi-synthetic and synthetic analogues aimed at improving potency and drug-like properties. This review comprehensively outlines the progress in understanding this marine natural product, mainly focusing on its microbial origin, biological activities, pharmacokinetic behavior, chemical synthesis, and derivatives’ and analogues’ development. By integrating these diverse yet interconnected fields of research, this review bridges the critical gap between the natural product’s discovery and its clinical translation. Additionally, it also provides a roadmap for future drug development, highlighting how interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock the therapeutic potential of MA as a viable clinical candidate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition)
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27 pages, 1816 KB  
Review
Natural Products from Marine Microorganisms with Agricultural Applications
by Michi Yao, Hafiz Muhammad Usama Shaheen, Chen Zuo, Yue Xiong, Bo He, Yonghao Ye and Wei Yan
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(11), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23110438 - 14 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3068
Abstract
Global agricultural production is challenging due to climate change and a number of phyto-pathogenic organisms and pests that pose a significant threat to both crop growth and productivity. The growing resistance of pests and diseases to synthetic chemicals makes crop production even more [...] Read more.
Global agricultural production is challenging due to climate change and a number of phyto-pathogenic organisms and pests that pose a significant threat to both crop growth and productivity. The growing resistance of pests and diseases to synthetic chemicals makes crop production even more difficult, which highlights the urgent need for alternative solutions. From this perspective, marine microorganisms have emerged as a significant natural product source for their distinctive bioactive compounds and environmentally sustainable potential pesticidal activity. The unique microbial resources and structurally diverse metabolites of the marine ecosystem have been proven to have strong antagonistic effects against a broad spectrum of agricultural diseases and pests, making them a valuable candidate for the development of novel pesticides. This review highlights 126 marine natural products from marine microorganisms with diverse metabolic pathways and bioactivities against agricultural pests, pathogens, and weeds. The findings underscore the potential of marine-derived compounds in addressing the growing challenges of crop protection and offering an appealing strategy for future agrochemical research and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition)
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52 pages, 3261 KB  
Review
Two Decades of Research on Marine-Derived Alternaria: Structural Diversity, Biomedical Potential, and Applications
by Diaa T. A. Youssef, Areej S. Alqarni, Lamiaa A. Shaala, Alaa A. Bagalagel, Sana A. Fadil, Abdelsattar M. Omar and Mostafa E. Rateb
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(11), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23110431 - 7 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1953
Abstract
Marine-derived species of the genus Alternaria are widely distributed across diverse aquatic habitats, functioning as pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes. These fungi are notable for their ability to produce structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potent bioactivities. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 67 [...] Read more.
Marine-derived species of the genus Alternaria are widely distributed across diverse aquatic habitats, functioning as pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes. These fungi are notable for their ability to produce structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potent bioactivities. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 67 marine-derived Alternaria species were reported and investigated, collectively yielding 319 compounds. Most of these fungal isolates were from Chinese marine territories (53 species; ~79%), followed by isolates from Korea, Japan, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and oceanic regions such as the Atlantic and Pacific. The fungal isolates were mainly obtained from marine plants (26 isolates) and marine animals (23 isolates), with additional sources including sediments (13) and seawater (3). Among the metabolites investigated in different screens, approximately 56% demonstrated measurable bioactivities, with anti-inflammatory (51 active compounds), antimicrobial (41 compounds), cytotoxic (39 compounds), and phytotoxic (52 compounds) activities being the most frequently reported. Additionally, compounds with antiparasitic, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects are reported. The chemical diversity of Alernaria-derived compounds spans multiple structural groups, including nitrogenous compounds, steroids, terpenoids, pyranones, quinones, and phenolics. Notably, compounds such as alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and alternariol-9-methyl ether exhibit broad pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Several metabolites also modulate cytokine production (e.g., IL-10, TNF-α), underscoring their relevance as immunomodulatory agents. Taken together, marine-derived Alternaria compounds represent a prolific and underexplored source of structurally and biologically diverse secondary metabolites with potential applications in drug discovery, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the chemical and biological diversity of Alternaria metabolites reported over the past two decades, emphasizing their biomedical relevance and potential to inspire further research into their ecological functions, biosynthetic mechanisms, and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Potential of Marine Natural Products, 3rd Edition)
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