Marine compounds for the therapeutic treatment of neurological disorders

Abstract

The marine environment has proven to be a very rich source of extremely potent compounds that demonstrate significant biological activities. In general, recently published literature reviews organise the marine compound patents phylogenetically. However, this review focuses on the potential of marine natural compounds as a source for new drugs to treat neurological disorders. Patents covering the period 1998 – 2004 are examined and two pathologies arise with success in this area: Alzheimer’s disease and neuropathic pain, which will be the focus of this review.