Enhancing cancer treatment with marine algae-derived bioactive chemicals: a review

Abstract

Marine-derived bioactive chemicals have garnered considerable interest in recent years for their prospective applications in cancer treatment. These natural chemicals provide potential therapeutic advantages, especially when utilized in synergistic combinations that augment bioactivity and reduce undesirable effects. The intrinsic complexity of marine ecosystems offers a varied source of bioactive compounds with distinct chemical architectures and modes of action, which can be utilized to formulate innovative anticancer approaches. This study offers an extensive examination of scientific literature from the last 20 years, concentrating on the synergistic along with additive outcomes of bioactive chemicals sourced from marine organisms with anticancer capabilities. The study rigorously reviews existing studies to investigate mechanisms of action, prospective combinations, along with health benefits, while recognizing current limits as well as gaps in the area. To do this, data from three principal scientific databases-Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus-were rigorously analysed. From an original pool of 708 articles, 60 studies were chosen in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards to guarantee methodological rigour and relevance. The results indicate that the amalgamation of marine bioactive substances can markedly improve bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness relative to individual ingredient applications. Synergistic interactions among these chemicals may result in improved targeting of cancer cells, less toxicity, and enhanced patient outcomes. The literature indicates an imbalanced focus on carotenoids and fish oil, with insufficient investigation into other possibly advantageous marine-derived combinations. The absence of diversity underscores the necessity for additional exploration of alternative bioactive chemicals and their potential interactions. Future research should focus on clarifying the specific mechanisms of the synergistic effects of these drugs, optimizing dosage formulations, and utilizing modern experimental techniques such as high-throughput screening and computer modelling. Broadening the range of marine bioactive chemical combinations could facilitate the identification of novel and efficacious anticancer treatments. To fully use the medicinal potential of marine-derived bioactive chemicals, enhanced research initiatives and increased financial commitment are essential. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and utilizing advanced biotechnological methods, the discipline can progress towards creating more effective, safe, and sustainable cancer therapies that use the extensive potential of marine biodiversity.

Keywords: Anticancer activity; Bio actives combination; Bioactive chemicals; Marine organisms; Synergistic effects.