Secondary metabolites from marine bryozoans. A review.

Secondary metabolites from marine bryozoans are reviewed. Two ctenosome bryozoans are dealt with, one, Alcyonidium gelatinosum containing a sulfoxonium ion acting as hapten in an allergic contact dermatitis and the other, Zoobotryon verticillatum yielding bromogramines. Five cheilostome bryozoans have given rise to the isolation of unique secondary natural products. Bugula neritina is the source of the antineoplastic bryostatins and Bugula purple while Flustra foliacea have yielded an array of bromoindole alkaloids and a brominated quinoline. Chartella papyracea also have bromoindole alkaloids while Sessibugula translucens have ecological active bipyrroles. A biological active xanthine derivative has been reported from Phidolopora pacifica. The structure and chemistry of these compounds are discussed as are their origin, function and biological activity.