An integrative review on bioactive compounds from Indian mangroves for future drug discovery

The mangrove ecosystem is being intensively studied with the hope of discovering new chemical entities with biomedical potentials. A number of biologically active compounds with varying degrees of action such as anticancer, antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties have been isolated from mangroves. Totally 81 mangrove species have been reported worldwide, of which 46 species are reported to occur in India. Among these, around 36 mangrove species are used in traditional medicine. Approximately 249 bioactive compounds have been isolated from 18 species, and the remaining species are yet to be screened. Biologically active compounds such as limonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, esters, quinones, phenols, acids, aliphatic alcohol, amides, lactones, aliphatic ketones, and benzodioxols have been derived from the leaves, stems, barks, fruits, and seeds of Indian mangrove plants. This review examines the current trends in the screening and biological activity of metabolites from the Indian mangroves. This comprehensive review in turn can serve as a potential resource for future drug development endeavours.