A Comprehensive Update on the Anti-cancer and Anti-microbial Potential of Marine Organisms Derived Natural Products

Marine organisms produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites with significant pharmacological potential, particularly in the development of anti-cancer, anti-microbial, antifungal, and anti-viral therapies. Despite challenges in isolation and cultivation, marine-derived compounds, such as Didemnin B, Psammaplin A, and Dolastatin, have shown promise in cancer treatment, while other metabolites exhibit potent activity against drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These compounds have excellent potential for treating various infections, for example, MRSA (eicosapentaenoic acid and fridamycin), Candida albicans (aurantoside K), and HIV-1 and HIV-2 (sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol). These unique compounds offer new avenues in drug discovery, addressing current limitations in traditional therapies. This review provides an overview of the pharmacological potential of marine organisms, focusing on their applications in overcoming drug resistance and developing novel treatments for cancer, infections, and viral diseases. Sustainable approaches for harvesting these compounds are essential for future research.