Marine Organisms and Bioactive Substances
Our plant kingdom has been a source for medicinal compounds for centuries and nearly two thirds of the world uses nature for their primary sources
for medicinal compounds. One of the untapped sources for potential therapeutics could be the marine biology existing in our oceans and seas in the form of microorganisms due to the inherant chemically bioactive properties that could lead to new drug
development from natural sources.  Marine Algae in its microscopic form over the
last few years has been examined as a source for marine plant natural medicine. Marine Microbes living in the ocean must endure extreme environmental conditions and massive variations
in temperature in their natural sea habitat. Survivability is dependent upon biological diversity and physiological adaptability. Humans can learn something from these habitats and may gain useful therapeutic compounds and
bioactive elements to reduce suffering by turning to natural phytoceuticals from our underwater universe. Numerous marine plants have been researched in clinical pharmacology settings with promising potential for medical
applications.
Several Marine Invertebrates are also being examined for their unique characteristics which are marine animals having no backbone. Some examples are jellyfish which are actually
plankton because they depend upon currents for movement and also marine seaweed having been used to detoxify organic pollutants supporting overall ecological health. The sea squirt
has been used for anti-tumor support. The cone snail has been used as a pain killer. The Caribbean Sponge and South Pacific Sponge has isolated bioactive metabolites. Macroscopic marine algae and marine natural
products may be an untapped resource offering potential for production of metabolites not found on terrestrial environments. New therapeutic compounds are needed due to the emergence of drug-resistant human conditions.
Sea vegetables or seaweed types such as kelp have stress-relief qualities. Kelp has higher levels of iodine which is necessary in regulating the thyroid which is a gland that controls many of the body's physiological functions. Seaweed types can provide
magnesium, iron, calcium, foliate, and vitamin B.
It is well known that Marine Fish Oil may be helpful to humans. Omega-3 fish oil is an example of a healthy fat which is used in the
production of the membranes of the cells. Omega-3 is found in cold-water fish like wild salmon, cod, trout and tuna. Studies for decades with human trials have identified benefits and biological activities on
the brain, heart, joints, skin, organ systems, and cardiovascular areas. Scientific research has shown that human consumption of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids may possibly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Ongoing research
will determine how primitive sea creatures can for the good of mankind help us maintain health through the study of marine biology.
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