Marine Bioactive Compounds from Functional Seafoods
Pharmacological Mechanisms and Health Applications
Abstract
Functional seafoods derived from marine organisms, including fish, shellfish and algae, are gaining increasing attention due to their high content of bioactive compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, polysaccharides and antioxidants, which provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These marine-derived compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities and have been investigated for their potential roles in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. Their effects are largely mediated through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Advances in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and improved extraction of bioactive compounds, have enhanced the nutritional quality and pharmacological relevance of functional seafoods. At the same time, sustainable aquaculture practices are being developed to reduce environmental impacts. Nevertheless, challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, scalability issues and limited understanding of bioavailability and long-term effects still persist. These constraints should be considered when interpreting mechanistic and efficacy findings presented across different study designs and exposure conditions. Future perspectives highlight innovations in precision aquaculture, waste valorisation and traceability as key strategies to improve sustainability and strengthen consumer trust. This review summarizes current knowledge on functional seafoods, with emphasis on pharmacological mechanisms, clinical applications and the need for interdisciplinary research to optimize their health benefits and commercial potential.
Details
- Organisation(s)
-
Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Institute of Food and One Health
Molecular Food Chemistry and Food Development
- External Organisation(s)
-
Çukurova University
University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini" (UMIB)
National Institute of Research and Physical and Chemical Analysis (INRAP)
Ocean University of China
Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki
- Type
- Review article
- Journal
- Marine drugs
- Volume
- 24
- ISSN
- 1660-3397
- Publication date
- 20.03.2026
- Publication status
- Published
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmaceutical Science, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (miscellaneous)
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, SDG 14 - Life Below Water
- Electronic version(s)
-
https://doi.org/10.3390/md24030116 (Access:
Open
)
