Natural products reserach in the new millennium.

Abstract

Natural products offer inexhaustible renewable biosources for an array of molecular structures. In addition to bioactive compounds, studies on natural products have led to the understanding of many bioprocesses of great significance in medicine, agriculture, ecology, physiology and provide novel concepts, which open up new vistas for the development of future green technologies. Feasibility of inter-specific gene transfer between organisms provides unlimited scope for future development. There is increasing awareness of potential of nonconventional areas of natural product research such as high-value fine chemicals, advanced starting products for semi-synthesis, plant-based industrial feedstock chemicals, chemical ecology, bioremediation, etc. So far only limited number of flora and organisms have been subjected to some kind of chemical or biological examination; thus vast majority of natural wealth remains unexplored. Studies on marine natural products initiated only recently have yielded molecules with exotic molecular architecture and diverse bioactivity. Well-directed research on natural products will enrich our bioresource base. In the current millennium, India is in a pre-eminent position to contribute towards natural product research with the utilization of its rich knowledge base and biodiversity.