Marine Derived Bioactive Compounds as Emerging Therapeutics for Asthma: Mechanistic Insights, Translational Challenges and Clinical Prospects

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction, affects approximately 300 million individuals globally. Current pharmacotherapeutic interventions include inhaled corticosteroids and β2-adrenergic receptor agonists and present significant limitations including adverse systemic effects and tachyphylaxis. The present review critically examines the therapeutic potential of marine derived bioactive compounds as alternative pharmacological interventions for asthma with particular emphasis on their mechanistic relevance to complex inflammatory and immunological pathways. Marine ecosystems represent an extensive reservoir of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with significant anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, bronchodilator, and antioxidant potential applicable to asthma pathophysiology. Mechanistically, these compounds exert their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways such as suppression of Th2 responses, cytokine synthesis, inhibition of eosinophil chemotaxis and degranulation, and modulation of transcription factor network which consists of NF-κB, STAT6, and MAPK signaling cascades. Specifically, carotenoids such as Fucoxanthin, marine-derived steroids (Contignasterol, xestobergsterol), cembrenoid diterpenes, sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidans), and phlorotannins from marine flora and fauna govern the therapeutic responsiveness in several preclinical models. These compounds have demonstrated significant efficacy in attenuating airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in experimental models. Additionally, marine derived cyclooxygenase inhibitors, chitinous compounds, and bioactive molecules exhibited potent immunomodulation relevant to asthma pathogenesis. Their role in the regulation of mucus hypersecretion along with enhancement of epithelial barrier integrity, is crucial in asthma management. However, sustainable sourcing methodologies, complex extraction and purification protocols, pharmacokinetic limitations, and formulation optimization must be addressed to facilitate clinical implementation of these pertinent marine derived therapeutic agents for asthma management.