Structure Meets Function: Dissecting Fucoxanthin's Bioactive Architecture

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Nogueira, P (Author) Other; Bombarda-Rocha, V (Author) Other; Tavares-Henriques, R (Author) Other; Carneiro, M (Author) Other; Emilia Sousa (Author) FFUP; Gonçalves, J (Author) Other; Fresco, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Marine Drugs

Vol. 23

Final page: 440

ISSN: 1660-3397

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-01A-FJ5

DOI: 10.3390/md23110440

Abstract (EN): Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine xanthophyll carotenoid, has attracted considerable scientific attention due to its wide-ranging biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anticancer effects. Despite its substantial therapeutic potential, the clinical application of Fx and its derivatives remains constrained by their structural complexity, low chemical stability, and limited bioavailability. This review offers a thorough and up-to-date overview of Fx, encompassing its primary natural sources, the metabolic biotransformation to fucoxanthinol (FxOH) and amarouciaxanthin A-metabolites whose bioactive properties significantly contribute to the observed in vivo effects-and the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activities of Fx and its metabolites, with emphasis on their modulation of key intracellular signalling pathways involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, it explores how targeted structural modifications may enhance the pharmacokinetic profiles and expand the therapeutic potential of Fx-based compounds, while highlighting promising strategies for their optimisation. By integrating insights from pharmacology, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry, this work aims to guide future efforts in the rational design of marine-derived bioactive agents and underscores the value of marine biodiversity in therapeutic innovation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 29