Anticancer potential of marine algae from the Chabahar coast: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic applications

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Marine algae harvested from the Chabahar coast of the Oman Sea have demonstrated notable anticancer properties, offering a novel and promising trajectory for therapeutic development. This review summarizes contemporary findings regarding the cytotoxic effects of red, green, and brown algae on human cancer cell lines, emphasizing their pharmacological potential. Investigations employing alcoholic solvent extracts have revealed these algae’s capacity to suppress cell proliferation, trigger apoptosis, and inhibit cell cycle progression. Empirical data indicate that green algae exhibit the most pronounced cytotoxicity against breast and cervical malignancies, red algae are frequently effective against hepatic and colorectal cancer cells, and brown algae show broad-spectrum activity across varied cancer cell lines. Mechanistic insights suggest that these algal extracts may activate caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways, arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently intensifying oxidative stress in cancer cells. The geographic specificity of this review highlights the untapped bioactive potential of marine algae endemic to the Chabahar coast, a region characterized by ecological richness and biodiversity. The existing body of research substantiates the therapeutic promise of these marine organisms. Subsequent investigations should prioritize the isolation and structural elucidation of the bioactive constituents underlying these effects, followed by comprehensive validation of their therapeutic efficacy through methodologically robust in vivo studies. This review establishes a foundational framework for continued exploration, positioning marine algae as a compelling resource in the pursuit of innovative anticancer agents.