Classification of organic compounds with reference to natural products from seaweeds

Seaweeds, integral to coastal ecosystems, are recognized for pharmacologically active compounds, gaining prominence for pharmaceutical potential. Scientific reports endorse seaweed-based foods for health benefits. Global seaweed production reached 30.1 million tons in 2016, with India contributing 22,000 tons annually. Non-toxic, cost-effective, and easily cultivable, seaweeds offer alternatives to synthetic compounds. They house diverse bioactive molecules, exhibiting antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Seaweeds contain compounds like phenolics, carotenoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, proteins, terpenes, acetogenins, peptides, and alkaloids. Marine organisms produce chemical classes, including Terpenes, Shikimates, Polyketides, Acetogenins, Peptides, and Alkaloids, serving as chemical defenses. Seaweed-derived secondary metabolites, progressing into clinical trials, display antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antiparasitic, anticoagulant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular properties. Exploration continues, unveiling promising therapeutic avenues in medicine and beyond