Neuroprotective Marine Bioactives : Ocean-Derived Compounds for Targeting CNS Disorders

This book is a comprehensive resource on the application of marine derived bioactive compounds in the treatment of various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. It fills a critical gap in literature by exploring the neuropharmacological effects of marine bioactives.

The marine ecosystem is replete with natural bioactives which have strong potential as diagnostic tools, prophylactics, and therapeutics for a range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. With their unique chemical structures and diverse modes of action, compounds derived from marine organisms offer novel approaches to treating conditions that have proven difficult to manage with traditional pharmaceutical treatments.

This book compiles the latest research on the pharmacology, bioavailability, and clinical application of these compounds. The highly selective interactions of marine bioactives with cellular receptors, enzymes, ion channels, pumps, other proteins and nucleic acids have been discussed in detail. With dedicated chapters on neurological disorders like Sclerosis, Dementia, Huntington’s disease etc etc., this book establishes the potential of marine bioactives in maintaining neuroprotection, modulating neurotransmission, and augmenting neurogenesis.

Thus this book presents valuable insights for the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic products for neurological disorders. Aimed at students, researchers and professionals in natural bioactives/products and neuroscience, this book provides further impetus to this novel area of research

Dr. Mullaicharam Bhupathyraaj is a Professor of Pharmaceutics at the College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Sultanate of Oman. With more than two decades of academic and research excellence, she has made significant contributions to biomedicine, nanopharmaceuticals, herbal formulation development, and artificial intelligence–driven drug delivery systems. She holds ten international patents, numerous publications in high-impact journals, and has received multiple national and international research grants. She serves as external reviewer for the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority and MoHERI-funded research projects and has been a judge for the global Reimagine Education Awards. A registered pharmacist and life member of IPA, APTI, IPGA, and ISTE, she is recognized for her leadership in advancing pharmaceutical innovation and sustainable healthcare.

Dr. K. Reeta Vijayarani is a Professor in the Pharmaceutics Department of Surya School of Pharmacy in Vikravandi, Villupuram, Afffiliaed to The TN Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai. She has combined experience of 29 years in Pharmaceutical research and education, and she has authored and presented papers at both the national and international levels.  Prof. Reeta has built a distinguished career marked by an extensive research portfolio that includes numerous publications, both national and international patents, and the authorship of multiple textbooks and serving as an editorial board member and a reviewer in various peer-reviewed books and journals. Her work has made substantial contributions to pharmaceutical formulations, innovative drug delivery systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in pharmacy. Her research is deeply rooted in the exploration of biodiversity and the development of novel therapeutic techniques. 

Dr. Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, M.Pharm., PG.DPM&IR, Ph.D., is an Alumni Professor and Administrative Fellow in the Graduate School at Auburn University, USA. He has mentored numerous undergraduates, Honors College, graduate, and professional (Pharm.D.) students, and has authored nearly 160 peer-reviewed international publications, over 500 scientific abstracts, nearly 80 book chapters, and has served as Editor for more than twelve scientific books.  He is also an active reviewer for multiple international journals and grant agencies. His research laboratory focuses on preclinical neuropharmacology and drug development, particularly investigating the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of natural bioactives and synthetic molecules.  His current research aims to discover and develop novel therapeutic agents targeting epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. 

Dr. Kalandar Ameer is a highly accomplished Senior Associate Professor of Biochemistry with a distinguished career spanning academia and research across international institutions. Currently he is working in the Faculty of Medicine at AIMST University, Malaysia. Prior to this appointment, he served as Associate Professor of Biochemistry under the UNDP expatriate program at two prominent public universities within the Ethiopian Ministry of Higher Education from 2019 to 2024. His foundational academic and professional experiences were cultivated in various Indian universities from 1996 to 2008.

Dr. Dua has a research experience of over 16 years working in the field of Targeted Drug Delivery for Inflammatory Diseases. Dr Dua is also a Node Leader of Drug Delivery Research in the Centre for Inflammation at Centenary Institute/UTS, where the targets identified from the research projects are pursued to develop novel formulations as the first step towards translation into clinics. Dr Dua's research is in two complementary areas; drug delivery and immunology, specifically addressing how these disciplines can advance one another helping the community to live longer and healthier. This is evidenced by his extensive publication record in reputed journals.