Unveiling the Pharmacological Potential of Ascidians: A Review on Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Ascidians, commonly known as sea squirts, are marine invertebrates recognized as prolific sources
of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. This review explores the
chemical diversity of bioactive metabolites derived from ascidians, their biological activities, and
their potential applications in drug discovery. Special emphasis is given to cytotoxic,
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective compounds. Furthermore, the ecological
role of these metabolites and recent advancements in bioprospecting ascidian-derived compounds
are discussed.