Past, present, and future aspects of human health gain from marine-based nutraceuticals and related medicaments

This chapter is divided into three main parts. Firstly, developments in nutrition from early civilizations are described from locations around the world. Wherever possible, the use of marine invertebrate materia medica to treat ailments, possibly displaying intention-to-treat as a forerunner of nutraceuticals, is indicated. Secondly, promising potential nutraceuticals derived from marine macro- and microalgae, sponges, corals, microorganisms, jellyfish, fungi, and echinoderms are described for modern times. Although there are over a quarter of a million oceanic species, those described herein produce biologically active secondary metabolites, e.g., saponins, carotenoids, peptides, fatty acids, collagens, gelatins, chondroitin sulfates, amino acids, oligosaccharides, depending on species, and used to act as appropriate antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antiobesity drugs or nutraceuticals. Thirdly, the biotechnology tools needed for the sustained development of future nutraceuticals are explored, and the need for concerted efforts between medical scientists, healthcare providers, Pharma and Regulatory Authorities is explored. The need for concerted efforts between medical scientists, healthcare providers, Pharma and Regulatory Authorities is emphasized for clinical trials.