Marine-Derived Bioactive Peptides: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Diversity, Therapeutic Applications, and Future Frontiers in Natural Remedies

Abstract

The marine environment, representing approximately 90% of the Earth’s biosphere, serves as an unparalleled reservoir of chemical and biological diversity. This review systematically examines the molecular characteristics
and therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides isolated from marine organisms, including fish, sponges, mollusks, and algae. These low-molecular-weight protein fragments, often released during digestion or enzymatic hydrolysis, exhibit diverse biological activities such as antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antiproliferative
effects. Specifically, this paper discusses the role of marine-derived angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in managing hypertension as a safer alternative to synthetic drugs, the potent bactericidal activity of peptides such as arencin-1 and tauramamide, and the emerging field of neuroprotective peptides in treating neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the review explores the mechanism of action of antioxidant peptides in scavenging reactive oxygen species to prevent cellular damage. Despite the promise of these compounds, the transition from laboratory identification to clinical application remains a challenge. This review concludes by identifying knowledge gaps in structure-function relationships and calling for further in vivo studies to validate the efficacy
of marine peptides as functional food ingredients and pharmaceutical leads.