Exploring value-added compounds from tropical marine plants

Abstract

Marine plants contribute half of the global organic carbon fixation, thus play a key role in global carbon cycles. Tropical biomes are the most diverse communities, which produce numerous value-added compounds. The metabolites from tropical marine algae and plants have been utilized for the therapy of the globally threatening diseases, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Dengue fever, and cancer. However, metabolite treasure underpinned by tropical marine plants is largely untapped. The bioactive nature of more compounds remain to be discovered. This mini-review examines several aspects of value-added compounds from tropical marine plants, such as microalgae, macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves. Biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications involving these compounds are also discussed.