Marine macrolides have a broad variety of biological activities, and this editorial explores those activities, as well as their potential effects on human health. There is an abundance of potential therapeutic agents to be discovered in the vast and enigmatic area of Earth's oceans. The extensive biodiversity and distinctive chemical compositions of marine animals have always captivated scientists, presenting a valuable reservoir of chemicals that hold promise for medicinal purposes. Within the broad category of chemicals, marine macrolides have attracted significant attention due to their wide range of biological activity and considerable potential for pharmacological use. 

Marine ecosystems exhibit remarkable biodiversity including a wide range of creatures like minuscule algae to grand marine mammals and lot more to count. Marine microbes including bacteria, fungi, and unicellular algae, have attracted attention due to their huge diversity in form and generation of bioactive compounds bearing pharmacological significance [1]. Marine macrolides are unique in terms of their structural complexity, wide pharmacological characteristics by utilizing distinctive modes of actions [2, 3].

Moreover, marine macrolides are a diverse group of natural substances comprising multiple ring or fused ring structures that offering complex chemistry. These marine macrolides in sponges, corals, mollusks, and bacteria are thought to be developed in response to protect against predators, rivals, and infections [4]. These compounds have been shown diverse array of pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immuno-suppressive, and antiviral characteristics. Moreover, macrolides successfully combat drug-resistant infections, reduces tumor cell proliferation, regulates immunological responses, and mitigate inflammatory situations [5].

A huge variation in the composition of these marine macrolides provides a platform for researchers across the globe for investigation, proper identifications and advancement in the preparation of pharmaceutical products. A large list of marine species such as marine bacteria, cyanobacteria, sponges, and algae have been listed where research has been focused recently in order to isolate with proper characterization of certain novel marine macrolides [6]. Recent studies reported numerous structurally distinct macrolides which have been thoroughly examined using  metagenomics, genome mining, and bioactivity-guided isolation techniques to define their potent therapeutic usage [7].

The transition from discovery to translational research application in clinical trials has always been remained quite stressful. However, marine macrolides appeared as potential primary molecules for the advancement of innovative treatment methods. Recently, significant progress in synthetic chemistry, structural biology, and pharmacology has enabled the manipulation and refinement of marine macrolides, resulting in improved drug-like characteristics, increased potency, enhanced selectivity with specificity in target hitting [8]. Furthermore, with the emergence of the cross disciplinary research among marine biologists, chemists, pharmacologists, and clinicians has expedited the process of converting marine-derived substances from laboratory experiments to clinical applications, but a lot more work needs to be done in multiple diseases.

The therapeutic capabilities of marine macrolides extend traditional pharmacological targets, presenting new opportunities for scientific investigation and advancements. Marine macrolides possess significant utility in investigating biological mechanisms specifically cell signaling pathways may lead to the advancements in novel therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, marine macrolides have been found a crucial role in understanding the function of protein synthesis and processing in cellular processes and have facilitated the creation of antibiotics and anticancer drugs that specifically target ribosomes during protein translation [9, 10]. Keeping in view the ever increasing the utilization and involvement of the marine macrolides in biological research, and higher therapeutic potential, current study was designed with the aim to update the latest advancements in pharmacological applications of these macrolides.

The antibacterial characteristics of marine macrolides are one of their most researched medicinal possibilities. Medications sourced from the ocean, such azithromycin and erythromycin, have completely changed the way germs are treated. The worldwide health problem of antibiotic resistance has provided little optimism, although marine macrolides have demonstrated effectiveness against Staphylococcus and other multidrug-resistant infections [11].

The anticancer properties of marine macrolides have drawn a lot of interest. Unlike traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, compounds such as Bryostatin-1 and Halichondrin B have strong cytotoxic effects on a variety of cancer cell types. They show potential for the creation of new cancer treatments with enhanced effectiveness and less adverse effects by targeting particular signaling pathways associated with cancer growth and metastasis [12].

Many long-term illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, are characterized by inflammation. It has been suggested that marine macrolides like Discodermolide and Lasonolide A could be useful in the management of inflammatory illnesses due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Potential new therapeutic targets have been identified in these chemicals by their interactions with important molecules involved in the inflammatory response [13].

New research suggests that marine macrolides may be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Novel antiviral medicines with broad-spectrum efficacy and lower risk of resistance can be developed using compound like Spiruchostatin A, which display inhibitory effects against viral replication [14]. Current medical practice faces significant challenges in the treatment of neurological diseases. Preclinical research has shown that marine macrolides, like Spongistatin and Makaluvamines, can protect neurons. These chemicals have the ability to cure neurodegenerative diseases because they are neurotrophic, improve neuronal survival, and reduce neuroinflammation [15, 16].

One of the primary killers on a global scale is still heart disease and stroke. The cardioprotective actions of marine macrolides, such Pseudopterosins and Amphidinolides, include modification of lipid metabolism, antiplatelet activity, and vasodilatory effects. Conditions including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction can be better managed with the use of these substances [17]. Parasitic infections, especially those caused by helminths and protozoa, are a major concern for global health. Apratoxins and salicylihalamides are two examples of marine macrolides that have strong antiparasitic action against various diseases. These chemicals interfere with crucial parasite biological processes, providing novel possibilities for the creation of safer and more effective antiparasitic medications [4].

It is crucial to manage both acute and chronic wounds in a way that promotes healing and tissue regeneration. Research has demonstrated that marine macrolides, like Swinholides and Didemnins, can hasten the healing process, improve tissue repair, and promote angiogenesis. These chemicals provide new possibilities for regenerative medicine by modulating important physiological processes that contribute to wound healing, such as inflammation, cell migration, and extracellular matrix deposition [18].

Cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders are just a few of the many diseases in which oxidative stress is an important factor. The diazonamides and polytheonamides that make up marine macrolides are very effective antioxidants that may neutralize free radicals and protect biological molecules from oxidative stress. These substances have promising medicinal potential for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress and for improving general health and lifespan [19].

Marine macrolides have tremendous therapeutic potential, but there are a number of challenges to overcome before they can be fully utilized. These include issues with sustainable sourcing, chemical synthesis, optimizing pharmacokinetics, and regulatory difficulties. The scientific community, industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and conservationists must work together to tackle these problems and advance medication research and development activities while responsibly and ethically using marine resources.

Sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and ethical responsibility of marine ecosystems must be acknowledged while we investigate the medicinal potential of marine macrolides. The future of marine-derived drug development programs depends on protecting marine environments, encouraging responsible collection procedures, and building international cooperation. These actions are critical to preserving nature's legacy.

As a conclusion, marine macrolides are a wealth store of bioactive chemicals that have great medicinal promise but have so far been unexplored. New chances for drug discovery, advances in scientific understanding, and unresolved health issues can be addressed by exploring into the secrets of the marine environment and utilizing nature's diversity. As we continue on a process of exploration and discovery, let us not waver in our determination to be the greatest marine investigators and researchers that we can be.