Abstract

Sesterterpenes form a small group of terpenoids that are mainly present in the marine world although they are also produced by terrestrial organisms such as fungi, and in minor extent higher plants, lichens and insects. Sesterterpenes are diverse and these compounds display significant biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antitubercular, and anti-biofilm. This review presents the sesterterpenoid compounds identified from marine sources between 2013 and 2017. Structures are grouped as scalaranes, linear sesterterpenes and other sesterterpenes. Natural sources and reported biological activities are summarized in a table format.

Keywords: Sesterterpenes, scalaranes, linear sesterterpenes norsesterterpenes, biological activity, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, natural products discovery.

Graphical Abstract