Natural compounds extracted from organisms and microorganisms are an important resource
for the development of drugs and bioactive molecules. Many such compounds have made
valuable contributions in diverse fields such as human health, pharmaceutics and industrial applications.
Presently, however, research on investigating natural compounds from marine organisms is
scarce. This is somewhat surprising considering that the marine environment makes a major contribution
to Earth's ecosystems and consequently possesses a vast storehouse of diverse marine species.
Interestingly, of the marine bioactive natural compounds identified to date, many are venoms, coming
from Cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, corals). Cnidarians are therefore particularly interesting
marine species, producing important biological compounds that warrant further investigation for their
development as possible therapeutic agents. From an experimental aspect, this review aims to emphasize
and update the current scientific knowledge reported on selected biological activity (antiinflammatory,
antimicrobial, antitumoral, anticoagulant, along with several less studied effects) of
Cnidarian venoms/extracts, highlighting potential aspects for ongoing research towards their utilization
in human therapeutic approaches.
Greater local adaptation to temperature in the ocean than on land
