Effects of Marine Natural Products in Brain Health and Metabolic Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 73

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
Interests: drug discovery; fucoidan; obesity; metabolic diseases; neuroprotection; neuroinflammation; brain health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing interest in marine natural products opens new avenues for innovative brain health and metabolic disease treatments. Marine-derived compounds have demonstrated promising effects through their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds present a compelling opportunity for future nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Their ability to address both metabolic diseases and brain health highlights their therapeutic potential, positioning them as key candidates for advancing treatment strategies in these critical areas of health.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest experimental research exploring various aspects of marine natural products in relation to metabolic diseases and brain health. We invite contributions examining the mechanisms, efficacy, and potential applications of marine-derived bioactive compounds to support current clinical practice. Comprehensive review articles that discuss the role of marine agents in promoting human health are highly encouraged.

Dr. Vanni Caruso
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • neuroprotection
  • mood disorders
  • sleep
  • pain
  • addiction
  • inflammation
  • antioxidants
  • metabolic syndrome
  • polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • weight loss

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

17 pages, 742 KiB  
Review
From Sea to Relief: The Therapeutic Potential of Marine Algal Antioxidants in Pain Alleviation
by Mariola Belda-Antolí, Francisco A. Ros Bernal and Juan Vicente-Mampel
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(7), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23070270 (registering DOI) - 27 Jun 2025
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of the global adult population, posing significant healthcare and economic challenges. Effective management requires addressing both biological and psychosocial factors, with emerging therapies such as antioxidants and marine algae offering promising new treatment avenues. Marine algae synthesize bioactive [...] Read more.
Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of the global adult population, posing significant healthcare and economic challenges. Effective management requires addressing both biological and psychosocial factors, with emerging therapies such as antioxidants and marine algae offering promising new treatment avenues. Marine algae synthesize bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and sulfated polysaccharides, which modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroimmune signaling pathways implicated in pain. Both preclinical and clinical studies support their potential application in treating inflammatory, neuropathic, muscular, and chronic pain conditions. Notable constituents include polyphenols, carotenoids (such as fucoxanthin), vitamins, minerals, and sulfated polysaccharides. These compounds modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, particularly by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulating cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Brown and red algae produce phlorotannins and fucoidans that alleviate pain and inflammation in preclinical models. Carotenoids like fucoxanthin demonstrate neuroprotective effects by influencing autophagy and inflammatory gene expression. Algal-derived vitamins (C and E) and minerals (magnesium, selenium, and zinc) contribute to immune regulation and pain modulation. Additionally, sulfated polysaccharides suppress microglial activation in the central nervous system (CNS). Marine algae represent a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in pain management. Although current evidence, primarily derived from preclinical studies, indicates beneficial effects in various pain models, further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy, safety, and mechanisms in human populations. These findings advocate for the continued exploration of marine algae as complementary agents in future therapeutic strategies. Full article
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