Natural terpenes from marine sources with antiparasitic activity
Bioactive natural terpenes isolated from marine algae demonstrating apoptosis-like effects against parasites. These compounds offer promising leads for antiparasitic drug development, leveraging marine biodiversity for novel therapeutic applications.
Overview
Marine algae represent a rich and largely untapped source of bioactive natural products with potential pharmaceutical applications. This research focuses on terpenes isolated from marine sources that have demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis-like effects in tested parasites. The underlying rationale is that the unique chemical architecture of natural products—including their carbon skeletons, functional groups, and stereochemistry—is inherently suited to interact with specific biological targets. By exploring marine terpenes as antiparasitic agents, this work aims to identify novel molecular scaffolds that could serve as starting points for new therapeutic development.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Natural terpenes sourced from marine algae, leveraging underexplored marine biodiversity
- Demonstrated apoptosis-like effects against tested parasites, indicating a targeted biological mechanism
- Structural diversity in carbon skeletons, functional groups, and stereochemistry enabling selective interaction with biological targets
- Potential applications in antiparasitic drug discovery and pharmaceutical research
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early discovery stage. Natural terpenes have been successfully isolated from marine algae and initial testing has shown apoptosis-like effects on parasites. Further validation studies are needed to fully characterize the bioactive compounds, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and assess their potential as therapeutic candidates. The work represents promising preliminary findings that could attract partners interested in co-developing marine-derived antiparasitic agents.
About Universidad de La Laguna
Universidad de La Laguna is a comprehensive public research university serving the Canary Islands from a multi‑campus base in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Its integration with major university hospitals in Tenerife supports clinical research and translation, while SEGAI offers fee‑for‑service access to advanced instrumentation for internal teams and external companies. A dedicated Knowledge Transfer Office manages IP, R&D contracts and spin‑offs, and the General Foundation acts as an interface for company engagement; collaboration with the Tenerife Science and Technology Park expands incubation and test‑bed options on and near campus. Researchers secure competitive European and Spanish national funding, including Horizon Europe and Interreg, as well as health research programs. Robust commercialization support streamlines licensing and startup formation.
delivered to your inbox.