Seaweeds: A novel, untapped source of drugs from sea to combat Infectious diseases

The discovery and development of antibiotics are among the most powerful and successful achievements of modern science and technology for the control of infectious diseases. Prolonged usage of broad – spectrum antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug resistance. There is a tremendous need for novel antimicrobial agents from different sources. The biodiversity of marine ecosystem provides an important source of chemical compounds which have many therapeutic applications. Seaweeds or marine algae have been reported to contain many important compounds which act as antibiotics, laxatives, anticoagulants, anti-ulcer products and suspending agents in radiological preparations. Many substances obtained from marine algae such as alginate, carrragenean and agar as phycocolliods have been used for decades in medicine and pharmacy. More and more chemist and biologist pay attention to the constituents of the algae; if their natural products are explored, they may lead to an efficient lead for the discovery of new drug molecules against several pathogens causing infectious diseases.