Anti-HIV activity of extracts and compounds from marine algae.

In recent years, elucidation of novel bioactive substances from different marine organisms is gaining importance rapidly not only from the research and publications but also from controlled clinical studies of natural product-derived substances. They offer important leads for the development of antiviral drugs against viral infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Regarding this issue, numerous anti-HIV-1 therapeutic agents from marine resources have been reported for their potential medicine/medical application as novel functional ingredients in anti-HIV therapy. In detail, marine macroalgae have attracted much of attention as a reliable source for potential anti-HIV compounds. Up to date, several types of compounds such as tannins, polysaccharides, lectins, and derivatives have been isolated, identified, and reported to possess significant anti-HIV-1 activity.